Policy Advisor

Role Responsibilities

The Ministry of Jobs Economy, Trade and Immigration is looking for one (1) Policy Advisor within the Business Supports Branch.

The Enterprise and Entrepreneurship Development unit advances specific policy initiatives to support entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Alberta and northern and regional economic development, strengthens Alberta's business support ecosystem and leads the assessment and development of policy improvements to department legislation such as Alberta's Film and Television Tax Credit (FTTC) and the Investing in a Diversified Alberta Economy Act (IDAEA).

As a Policy Advisor, you will help shape policies and programs that support Alberta’s entrepreneurs, small businesses, northern and regional economic development and overall business ecosystem. You will work on a variety of projects with shifting priorities, using your strong research and analytical skills to provide sound advice that helps reduce barriers for businesses and supports economic growth in the province.

In this role, you will conduct jurisdictional, market, economic, and statistical research to inform policy development. You’ll collaborate closely with colleagues across the department, other ministries, key stakeholders to gather insights and develop effective policy responses. You will also provide advice to program areas that support entrepreneurs, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and northern and regional economic development.

You will work with a supportive team, including Managers and Directors, to lead and contribute to projects, prepare briefings, develop clear internal and external communications. To be successful, you will bring strong problem‑solving, systems thinking, decision‑making, relationship‑building, and communication skills. Your ability to translate analysis into practical recommendations will play an important role in helping address challenges faced by Alberta’s business community and advancing economic growth across the province.

If this opportunity interests you, please do not hesitate to apply!

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.

• Creative Problem Solving: Position is expected to independently execute research projects that support economic policy priorities, which are multi-faceted and may not have precedents. The incumbent should resolve issues that arise or recommend a proposed path for resolution.
• Drive for Results: The position is expected to achieve goals by assessing the situation, developing an engagement plan, seeking the best resolution - potentially in the context of competing interests - and collaborating with relevant colleagues and stakeholders to achieve a satisfactory outcome.
• Systems Thinking: In developing policy responses, this position must consider the larger international, national, and provincial policy context and how it affects Alberta economic policy interests, as well as the impact of current choices on future policy decisions.
• Agility: This position often works in grey policy areas; situations and obstacles encountered are often nebulous without a clear path to resolution. Circumstances can often change quickly, so need to be able to adapt and refocus.
• Develop Networks: This position must maintain strong cross-departmental and external linkages to ensure effective information exchange, collaboration, and policy development.

Qualifications

University graduation in Business, Economics, Political Science, Public Policy or 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.

Preference will be given to candidates with the following assets: 

• Thorough understanding of the policy development cycle and ability to effectively communicate policy analysis and recommendations.
• Strong research, planning and execution skills.
• Quantitative and qualitative analysis skills. Ability to apply research methods and analysis tools to identify issues, gaps and opportunities to address the issues.
• Project management and time management skills. Ability to manage multiple requests/competing priorities and meet tight timelines.
• Experience preparing and providing options analysis, reports, briefings and presentations in generating creative solutions.
• Have some relationship building and stakeholder engagement experience.
• Strong communication skills, both written and oral. Effectively helps and follows through on inquiries, requests, and concerns from colleagues, clients and stakeholders.
• Experience writing reports and/or briefing notes is considered an asset.
• Ability to function well in a team-based environment that demands a high level of interpersonal skills.
• Ability to foster good stakeholder relations with internal and external stakeholders. Able to request and evaluate information, collaborate with staff in the department and partner ministries, and problem solve/seek guidance when information is not supplied.
• Knowledge of business, industry, and economic drivers and trends and their impact on the Alberta economy.
• Have practical knowledge on economic, statistical, cross-jurisdictional cost benefit analysis.
• Possess detailed understanding of economic development concepts and matters.
• Possess a big picture systemic approach to assess impacts and conclusions through research and analysis.
• Competency with the use of computers and Microsoft applications including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, SharePoint and Teams. 

Other Requirements:

• Any application without a cover letter will be disqualified from the competition.

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 temporary full-time position working 36.25 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

Working location will be Edmonton, Alberta.

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.

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 have 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.
• Leadership and mentorship programs.