Operational Program Advisor

Role Responsibilities

Reporting to the Director, Examinations and Licensing, the Operational Program Advisor supports operational excellence across the examinations and licensing portfolio by leading business process improvement, program modernization, operational planning, and the implementation of approved program and system changes. The position translates legislation, regulations, and policies into practical processes, tools, controls, and service standards, while analysing complex operational issues, assessing risks and stakeholder impacts, and recommending effective solutions. Working independently, the advisor provides evidence-based advice to senior leadership, supports stakeholder engagement, evaluates service delivery effectiveness, and identifies opportunities to improve program consistency and operational efficiency. The role also identifies potential policy gaps and refers them to the appropriate policy units, with recommendations informing operational direction, business planning, and initiatives that impact government, industry partners, service delivery organizations, and Albertans.

The main responsibilities in this role are:

1. Complex operational issues and improvement opportunities are identified, analyzed, and addressed through practical, evidence-based recommendations that improve efficiency, consistency, accountability, program integrity, and client service.
2. Modernization initiatives, system enhancements, and operational changes are supported by comprehensive planning, business readiness, risk management, implementation coordination, and post-implementation evaluation.
3. Stakeholder relationships are strategically managed to identify emerging issues, understand operational impacts, support collaboration, and ensure stakeholder perspectives inform operational recommendations and implementation decisions.
4. The Learning Management System (LMS) is maintained and supported to meet examinations and licensing training, certification, reporting, and operational needs, while divisional grants are administered in accordance with established requirements.
5. Leadership receives timely, accurate, and well-supported operational advice on complex, sensitive, emerging, and high-profile matters affecting examinations and licensing programs.
6. Leadership receives informed recommendations on questions relating to the application of policy to operational questions and stakeholders are supported to ensure they remain in compliance with regulated requirements.
7. Contributes to strategic planning, operational planning, and priority setting.

The Operational Program Advisor addresses complex, sensitive, and ambiguous operational issues across examinations, licensing, training, stakeholder relationships, business processes, system functionality, and service delivery. The position applies advanced analytical and problem-solving skills to identify root causes, assess risks and operational impacts, evaluate information from multiple sources, and develop practical, evidence-based recommendations.

The Job Description is provided for further details on 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.

The competencies required to be successful in this role are:

• Systems Thinking- Understands the interconnected nature of legislation, policy, operations, stakeholder interests, and service delivery within the broader regulatory framework.
• Creative Problem Solving-Demonstrates strong analytical and problem-solving skills by applying research, stakeholder input, operational data, and subject matter expertise to identify root causes, assess risks and impacts, evaluate options, and develop practical, defensible recommendations.
• Drive for Results- Demonstrates strong accountability and adaptability by effectively managing competing priorities, ensuring timely completion of deliverables, and maintaining follow-through on commitments.
• Develop Network-Establishes and maintains strategic relationships with internal and external stakeholders to support program objectives, service delivery improvements, and successful implementation of initiatives.
• Agility-Demonstrates adaptability and resilience in a dynamic regulatory and operational environment by responding effectively to evolving legislation, program changes, emerging issues, and shifting priorities.
• Build Collaborative Environment- Builds productive relationships and facilitates collaboration across programs, ministries, jurisdictions, and stakeholder groups to achieve shared objectives

Qualifications

Requirements:

University graduation in a related field such as (Arts, Business, Public Administration, Political Science etc.)  plus 4 years progressively responsible related experience

Related experience includes:

• Operational program administration, business analysis, process improvement, project coordination, stakeholder engagement, or public-sector service delivery.
• Analyzing complex operational issues, developing recommendations, managing competing priorities, and supporting leadership decision-making.
• Leading or coordinating multi-stakeholder initiatives, modernization projects, business process improvements, or operational change initiatives.
• Preparing briefing materials, business cases, reports, presentations, and correspondence for senior leadership.

Equivalencies:

• Two years of related diploma plus six years of related experience
• 1-year of related Certificate plus seven years of related experience
• A minimum of eight years of related experience in lieu of formal education.

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

Notes

Term of Employment: Permanent, Full-time position          

Hours of Work: 7.25 hours daily / 36.25 weekly – Monday to Friday

Location: Edmonton

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

Out-of-province applicants can obtain the required documents/checks from the province they currently reside in.

Links and information on what we have to offer:

• Working for the Alberta Public Service.
• Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP)
• Alberta Public Service Benefit Information.
• Professional learning and development.
• Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool.
• Positive workplace culture and work-life balance.