Indigenous Education Policy Advisor

Role Responsibilities

Help shape the future of Indigenous adult learning in Alberta !!

Reporting to the Manager, Indigenous Education Supports in the Engagement and Student Supports Branch, the Indigenous Education Policy Advisor leads in developing plans for agreements, policies and programs directed at ensuring the Indigenous adult learner community is supported. The role presents recommendations and options to support the community, focusing on integration and prioritization of programs, policies and initiatives that support Indigenous adult learner needs. The position fosters and champions a collaborative approach with the Indigenous community to improve education outcomes and increase capacity to participate in developing long-term solutions and approaches.

This position is responsible for undertaking qualitative and quantitative research that supports the department's programs and policies relating to Indigenous student success; this includes application of assurance methods to ensure performance metrics are met. Responsibilities also include supporting on community engagement, development of operational guidelines and drafting communication in regards to educational material, correspondence, ministry briefings and reporting.

This role acts as a focused policy consultant for the department, Indigenous education providers, and other Government of Alberta departments related to the Indigenous post-secondary education community. This role ensures that Advanced Education is actively furthering vital work with the Indigenous education community and provides dedicated support for Indigenous education providers.

Key responsibilities include:

1.    Develop strategic and operational policy and programs related to Indigenous adult learners.

• Takes a lead role in the policy development process, including issues identification, research and analysis, consultation/engagement, options development, decision making, implementation, and evaluation.
• Identify gaps, opportunities, and emerging considerations related to the broader scope of Indigenous learners in the post-secondary education system. Building on the identification of these gaps, work with the appropriate Advanced Education branches and other ministries to address.
• Draft program and policy documents for the Ministry, in partnership with the Indigenous Education Initiatives team and other members of the department as required (Policy Development and Coordination branch, for example).
• Develop briefings, emails and other documents related to the development of programs, policies, and legislation in a timely and appropriate manner.
  

Role Responsibilities (Continued)

2.    Provide subject matter expertise on Indigenous initiatives and the adult learning system.

• Maintain an understanding and knowledge base of Indigenous history and actions, including the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Calls to Action.
• Research, analyze and share data on information and trends related to post-secondary education and the Indigenous learner community.
• Develop briefing materials related to membership on these committees, flagging any issues and providing advice and recommendations to senior Ministry representatives.
• Raise awareness within the department about opportunities and emerging issues relating to best practices in Indigenous education and policy, using a cross-jurisdictional and best-practices perspective.
  
  

3.    Provide a dedicated window to Advanced Education for Indigenous education providers through targeted and intentional relationship building

• Build and maintain relationships to achieve departmental goals by strengthening linkages between the ministry and First Nations Colleges, community leaders, Indigenous rights holders, and Elders.
• Design innovative, culturally-sensitive tools to facilitate Indigenous post-secondary engagement in multiple platforms and venues.
• Provide advice and recommendations to senior Ministry representatives related to strategic decisions regarding Indigenous education stakeholders and the post-secondary learning system, as a result of this dedicated engagement.
• Raise awareness within the department about opportunities and emerging issues relating to best practices in Indigenous education and policy, using a cross-jurisdictional and best-practices perspective.
  
  

4.    Manage grants to positively affect adult Indigenous learning and literacy outcomes through leadership and support on existing grant programs.

• Encourage information flow of relevant grant programs through developing strong connections with relevant Indigenous education stakeholders and Indigenous rights holders.
• Support administration of the First Nations College (FNC) Grant, the Indigenous Post-secondary Mental Health Grant, the Community Adult Learning Program (CALP), and Indigenous Initiatives Funding (IIF).
• Support the Manager in reviewing proposals, with the Finance team, and prepare recommendations for funding to the Director.
• Prepare briefing materials related to funding requests and grant programs.

Role Responsibilities (Continued)

5.    Ensure the Manager is supported in achieving the mandate, goals, and operations of the Stakeholder Engagement and Student Supports branch.

• Provide subject matter expertise to the branch and ministry on Indigenous learning, and related challenges and opportunities.
• Develop briefing papers, action request responses and draft correspondence for the Minister and other senior Ministry representatives in a timely and appropriate manner.
• Establish, maintain and model strong communication and working relationships with internal and external clients, stakeholders and partners to ensure timely and accurate flow of information between the Ministry, Indigenous education stakeholders, and Indigenous communities.
• Monitors and analyses briefings, reports, news releases, newspaper articles, media coverage, and other publications and information sources to identify emerging issues with potential to impact the branch.

Please click on this link to view the job description for this position.

APS Competencies

Competencies are behaviors that are essential to reach our goals in serving Albertans. We encourage you to have an in depth understanding of the competencies that are required for this opportunity and to be prepared to demonstrate them during the recruitment process.

This link will assist you with understanding competencies:
https://www.alberta.ca/system/files/custom_downloaded_images/psc-alberta-public-service-competency-model.pdf.

Systems Thinking – Takes a long term, holistic view when assessing issues affecting Indigenous learners in Alberta’s post secondary system. Identifies emerging trends and community contexts and supports alignment of work with ministry priorities and broader system objectives.

Develop Networks – Builds trust and credibility with Indigenous partners, including First Nations Colleges, Elders, community leaders, and rights holders. Represents diverse perspectives fairly and supports effective collaboration while maintaining alignment with ministry mandates.

Creative Problem Solving – Analyzes root causes, synthesizes information, and brings partners together to develop practical, culturally informed solutions. Demonstrates sound judgment, tact, and diplomacy when navigating sensitive or complex issues.

Drive for Results  – Anticipates challenges, removes barriers, and maintains focus on achieving outcomes that support Indigenous learner success. Balances relationship based work with organizational requirements to ensure timely and effective completion of priorities.

Develop Self and Others – Pursues continuous learning and shares knowledge; mentors team members to strengthen policy capacity.

Qualifications

University graduation in a related field (e.g., Native Studies, Political Science, Public Policy, Social Science) plus 4 years of progressive responsible related experience in policy research, analysis and development.

Equivalencies will be considered as described below.

Equivalency: Directly related education or experience considered on the basis of:

• 1 year of education for 1 year of experience; or
• 1 year of experience for 1 year of education.

Preference will be given to candidates with the following assets:

• Deep understanding of Alberta’s adult learning system (providers, roles, mandates, accountability and funding).
• Experience preparing decision materials for senior officials (e.g., briefing notes, Cabinet committee submissions).
• Demonstrated success leading or supporting policy initiatives with cross-ministry and external stakeholders.
• Knowledge of legislative processes and experience contributing to regulatory/legislative amendments.
• Advanced research, analytical and strategic thinking skills; ability to synthesize complex information into clear recommendations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with political sensitivity, discretion and sound judgment.
• Strong project planning/management skills; ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver to deadlines.

Minimum recruitment standards outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification.

Refer to https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-minimum-recruitment-standards.

Notes

This is a full-time permanent position working 36.25 hours per week, Monday to Friday based out of Edmonton. Work location: 10155 - 102 Street, Commerce Place, Edmonton.

Candidates are required to submit resume and cover letter that succinctly demonstrate their qualifications against the job requirements, including education, experience, and relevant competencies. It’s important for applicants to ensure their resume and cover letter clearly articulate how their past work experiences align with the role’s qualifications and needs.

Cover letters are mandatory. Applications submitted without a cover letter will not be screened.

Resumes must include precise employment dates (month and year) to assist in assessing attention to detail skills.

The final candidates for this position will be asked to undergo an academic check, references, may need to provide a suitable security screening and may be asked to complete a written exercise and/or assessment.

Any costs associated with obtaining the required documents/checks as noted or interview travel expenses, will be the responsibility of the candidate.

Links and information on what the GoA has to offer to prospective employees:

• Working for the Alberta Public Service - https://www.alberta.ca/advantages-working-for-alberta-public-service.aspx.
• Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP) - https://www.pspp.ca.
• Management Employees Pension Plan (MEPP) - https://www.mepp.ca.
• Alberta Public Service Benefit Information - https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-benefits.
• Professional learning and development - https://www.alberta.ca/professional-development-support-directive.
• Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool – https://researchapscareers.alberta.ca.
• Positive workplace culture and work-life balance.
• Leadership and mentorship programs.