Policy Advisor

Role Responsibilities

The Policy Advisor supports the Freight, Road, Rail and Air Policy (FRRAP) Unit and the Strategic Policy and Business Services (SPBS) Branch in the development of forward-looking strategic policy, system planning, and legislation that shapes Alberta's transportation system. This includes contributing to high-profile ministry priorities through independent work and collaboration with cross-departmental and cross-ministry teams.

Your key responsibilities include:

1.    Policy Analysis and Advice 

• Lead and coordinate project teams to research, develop, and evaluate policy proposals, including analysis of implications, risks, and implementation strategies. 
• Assess transportation policies by identifying strengths, weaknesses, inter-jurisdictional comparisons, and financial and outcome impacts; recommend amendments to align with government priorities. 

2.    Project Management

• Lead and support multi-phase, multi-stakeholder projects that influence the evolution of Alberta's transportation system, incorporating demographic, legislative, and economic analysis. 
• Develop and implement communication strategies, key messages, and supporting materials for Cabinet submissions, public announcements, and digital platforms. 
• Collaborate with internal and external partners to develop, implement, and monitor policy and program evaluation plans. 

3.    Stakeholder Engagement and Consultation

• Lead the development and execution of stakeholder engagement strategies to inform transportation policy development. 
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders to identify and advance initiatives that impact Alberta's transportation system. 

4.    Management of Complex Issues

• Provide timely, concise, and relevant analysis in response to action requests and emerging issues. 
• Lead or coordinate the development of resolutions, responses, or recommendations for complex transportation-related issues. 
• Collaborate with multiple stakeholders to ensure alignment with relevant policies, standards, and legislation.

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.

• Build Collaborative Environments: Develops engagement plans and executes them, involving stakeholders as needed. Facilitates discussions during engagements. Uses enthusiasm to motivate and guide project teams.
• Agility: Readily and willingly changes and adapts to new priorities or emerging issues. Is aware that adjustments to projects and deliverables are needed to take advantage of opportunities and can explain the impact of changes to projects to management.
• Creative Problem Solving: Uses research and analysis to find ways to improve systems. Employ subject matter experts from various areas to solve problems.
• Systems Thinking: Considers the whole system when evaluating, researching and developing Alberta's position.
• Drive For Results: Manages project teams including delegating tasks, monitoring project performance, and ensure projects are completed in a way consistent with direction. 

Qualifications

Minimum Recruitment Standards 

• University graduation in a relevant field such as economics, business, public administration, planning, or other social sciences 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.

For application consideration, you must attach a cover letter outlining your qualification and suitability for this role. Please clearly demonstrate how your experience aligns with this position.

Assets:

• Strong understanding of Alberta's transportation system, including highways, railways, and airports, and how it connects to infrastructure in other jurisdictions. 
• Knowledge of transportation-related legislation, regulations, and policy frameworks. 
• In-depth understanding of policy analysis theory and practice, including multi-stakeholder policy development, planning, and decision-making processes within government. 
• Knowledge of problem-solving methodologies and analytical techniques. 
• Understanding of engagement and consultation practices, including planning, facilitation, analysis, and reporting. 
• Proficiency in both qualitative and quantitative research and analysis methods.

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

Additional Position Details:

• Term of Employment: Permanent, Full-time position.
• Hours of Work: 36.25 hours per week.
• Location: Edmonton.

Recruitment Process:

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

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.