Policy Advisor

Role Responsibilities

Under the direction of the Manager of Policy, the Policy Advisor researches and analyses current data and emerging policy trends that may impact Indigenous economic, social or governance policy direction; undertakes environmental scans; monitors and reports on emerging policy directions or initiatives within federal, provincial and territorial jurisdictions; and undertakes research to analyze and provide strategic advice on relevant policy options including recommendations. 

1)    Provides advice and guidance on policy options that increase awareness and support for evidence-informed strategic decision making, policy coordination and innovation and forecasting longer term which impact Indigenous communities in Alberta by: 

•    Developing strategic policy to support the ministry business and divisional goals and priorities.
•    Researching and analyzing current data and emerging economic policy trends that may impact Indigenous economic or social policy development. 
•    Undertaking cross-jurisdictional scans, monitoring and reporting on policy direction within federal, provincial and territorial jurisdictions.
•    Undertaking research to inform strategic advice including policy recommendations for senior leaders in Ministry.
•    Developing policy including briefing notes and Cabinet documentation on Indigenous issues that inform options and recommendations, as well as future policies and/or strategies.
•    Identifying short-and longer-term impacts of potential options on key Indigenous policy issues.
•    Providing evidence-informed input into the Ministry’s annual business plan performance measures.

2)    Ensures the development and coordination of evidence-informed policy advice both within the Ministry and across government Ministries by:
•    Supporting research, analysis and drafting of Cabinet Reports, briefing notes, background documents, special reports, policy and legislative documents to support IR executive members when required. 
•    Undertaking research, coordination and policy analysis required to support Indigenous Relations and cross-government working groups.
•    Identifying, summarizing and analyzing provincial and national trends relating to Indigenous policy and presenting results and findings to Ministry and cross-ministry colleagues.

Role Responsibilities continued

3)    Represents the Ministry in cross-ministry projects and working groups in order to influence policy direction in other ministries, including Intergovernmental Relations and increase the integration of government efforts in relation to Indigenous participation by:
•    Supporting cross-ministry projects when required.
•    Identifying linkages between cross-ministry and ministry initiatives, and work with Ministry staff to respond to and leverage linkages.
•    Engaging in positive working relationships with First Nations and Metis communities in Alberta and other Indigenous organizations when required.
•    Liaising with other branches on their projects and initiatives with First Nations and Metis communities and/or organizations when required.

4)    Identifies data, Indigenous research findings, regional, national and global trends in Indigenous policy related activities to provide evidence-informed strategic advice to senior leaders in the Ministry by: 
•    Monitoring and analyzing emerging data, legislation and academic research related to Indigenous policy development and direction. 
•    Liaising with counterparts in federal, provincial and territorial jurisdictions, as well as with academic and Indigenous organizations in order to remain current with emerging trends related to Indigenous policy.
•    Supporting implementation of Indigenous strategic initiatives or innovative policy directions when required.

5)    Supports the Manager to accomplish operational goals by:
•    Participating in team planning, reporting and environmental scanning.
•    Building and maintaining strong working relationships across the department to foster a proactive perspective and strategic alignment of policy initiatives.
•    Researching and preparing responses to action requests.

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.

In this role, you will contribute to our team by demonstrating the following behavioral competencies:

Drive for Results: Focus on outcomes, advancing policy initiatives that positively impact Indigenous communities and ensuring objectives are met effectively.

Develop Network: Build a strong network with Indigenous leaders and partners to drive successful, collaborative policy outcomes.

Agility: Navigate evolving political and social landscapes, adapting strategies to meet shifting needs and priorities in Indigenous relations.

Build Collaborative Environments: Foster strong, respectful relationships with stakeholders, ensuring policies are co-created and supported by all parties.

Systems Thinking: Apply a holistic approach to policy development, addressing interconnected social, political, and economic factors to drive long-term change.

Qualifications

Minimum Recruitment Standards 

•    University graduation in a related field plus 2 years progressively responsible related experience; or equivalent 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

The Senior Policy Advisor requires knowledge and understanding of: 

•    General knowledge of GoA policy and strategic development, governance structure, operations and decision-making processes to inform strategic advice and recommendations on proposed department’s policy direction.
•    Solid understanding of the role of the ministry and ministry priorities, accountabilities, programs and services to ensure advice and recommendations are within the department’s mandate and can be achieved.
•    Knowledge of Indigenous history, governance, organizations, communities and culture which influence First Nations and Metis perceptions and the ministry’s working relationships and ensure strategic policy advice and recommendations are relevant to Alberta’s Indigenous community members.
•    Knowledge of provincial, Alberta Indigenous community and federal government policy directions and priorities to inform policy relevance by incorporating into strategic policy advice and recommendations.
•    General knowledge of national and global policy developments, data, trends, federal, provincial and territorial agreements and legislation relevant to Indigenous policy in Alberta to forecast impacts in GoA Indigenous Relations and to support policy innovation.
•    Knowledge of and experience in research and the development of strategic policy frameworks and coordinated policy approaches and processes to enhance the evidence informing policy development and recommendations. 
•    General knowledge of relevant government, political and legislative environments.

Qualifications continued.

Skills: 
•    Ability to identify policy implications and develop options and recommendations on alternate paths.
•    Robust research, analytical and synthesis skills to make sound judgment on recommended courses of action.
•    Strong research and analytic abilities to assimilate data from multiple sources and distill conclusions by effectively gathering, synthesizing, integrating and interpreting multi-faceted information from a broad range of sources.
•    Ability to think strategically and develop solutions to complex problems.
•    Ability to use different research approaches (e.g., quantitative, qualitative) to assess and interpret data and information.
•    Ability to identify, monitor and analyze national and global data and trends in order to identify potential implications for Indigenous communities and government in Alberta.
•    Strong verbal and written presentation skills.
•    Good project management skills and ability to manage multiple projects at different phases at same time.
•    Excellent interpersonal skills to work with multiple internal and external stakeholders
•    Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written and ability to adapt style to different audiences.
•    Ability to exercise discretion and diplomacy in a highly sensitive political environment.
•    Aptitude for problem solving, as well as sound professional judgement; tact and diplomacy.
•    Good facilitation, consultative, consensus building to resolve issues as they arise (e.g., gaps in data).
•    Computer and online skills, including Internet research, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook. 
•    Knowledge and use of Share Point required and experience with Visio is desirable.

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 permanent position and the hours of work are a total of 36.25 hours.

A cover letter demonstrating your qualifications, experience and skills for this position is required and will be used as a screening tool.

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 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
•    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
•    Opportunity to participate in flexible work arrangements such as working from home up to two days per week and modified work schedule agreement
•    Leadership and mentorship programs