Policy Analyst

Role Responsibilities

Are you passionate about making a real difference in the lives of children, youth, and families? Do you enjoy researching, analyzing and finding innovative solutions to multilayered problems?  If you are looking for an opportunity to showcase and enhance your analytical and policy skills, consider applying to join our team of professionals committed to maintaining and improving Alberta’s Child Care framework!
 

The successful candidate will report to the Manager, Child Care Policy within the Child Care Branch. The position will be responsible for policy and work associated with the review, development, implementation and evaluation of programs and services for child care and early childhood development. This position is for a policy expert with a focus on program and operational policy initiatives relating to facility and home based child-care delivery, inclusive child care, child care subsidies, licensing and worker certification. This position must work closely to build relationships and understand perspectives from with a range of internal and external stakeholders.
 

This role is responsible for:

• Implementing/supporting Minister, government and platform priorities related to Early Learning and Child Care;
• Leading policy development to support and inform Ministry delivery of child care services; and
• Maintaining and strengthening internal/external stakeholder relationships.

Key outcomes and supporting activities include:

1. Information, Analysis and Advice: Leads research and implementation of key ministry priorities through development of decision packages.
2. Project Management:  Takes a lead role, with minimal supervision, in carrying out major policy and planning projects. This includes the review, evaluation, interpretation and/or development of provincial early learning and child care policy and programs, within the framework of the department's business plan objectives.
3. Program/Policy Support and Development: Leads policy development to inform delivery of Ministry child care services.
4. Program/Policy Consultation: Represents the Department on various working groups and committees with staff from other divisions and ministries.

Please click on the link to view the job description

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.

Competencies for this position include:
 

Systems Thinking - Ability to keep broader impacts and connections in mind to develop innovative and sustainable solutions that consider complex needs of multiple stakeholders.
 

Agility - Ability to anticipate, assess and readily adapt to changing priorities, maintain resilience in times of uncertainty and effectively work in a changing environment.
 

Drive for Results - Aligning with key outcomes and maximizing resources to achieve results that are aligned with the goals of the organization, while maintaining accountability to each other and external stakeholders.
 

Develop Networks - Ability to develop relationships and promote the role of the unit within and across the department.
 

Develop Self and Others - Demonstrates a keen interest in learning and sharing knowledge with colleagues.

Qualifications

Education
University graduation in a related field (Social Sciences, Public Policy, etc.) plus 4 years progressively responsible related experience in conducting policy or legislative research, analysis and development.

Equivalency: Directly related education or experience considered on the basis of:
•    1 year of experience for 1 year of education.

 
This role requires the ability to:
 

• Understand and research current child care theory and approaches.
• Work collaboratively, listen actively and apply a critical thinking lens to information from program areas, other ministries and external stakeholders
• Maintain awareness and current understanding of political direction and how it relates both to broad priority issues and detailed operational policy decisions.
• Discuss work with and learn from colleagues, especially with respect to institutional and historical knowledge.
• Work closely with the Child Care Policy Manager, raising issues and seeking direction as needed.
• Support senior leadership as needed, including the Director and Executive Director.

Preference will be given to those who have experience in:
 

• Knowledge of Alberta's Child Care framework and major child care initiatives including theory, practice and delivery that guides work in this sector.
• Reading, reviewing and interpreting legislation, regulations, policy, and standards.
• Ability to communicate complex concepts using clear succinct language and plain English writing.
• Ability to coordinate and synthesize information in a rapidly changing environment.
• Developing, evaluating, implementing policy initiatives, programs, and services.
• Demonstrated experience building effective partnerships when working with multiple internal and external stakeholders. Capacity to develop shared understanding and outcomes through facilitation, consultation, consensus-building and conflict management.
• Overall awareness of Ministry legislation and regulations. 
• Strong organizational skills, with ability to manage multiple, diverse, complex, and sensitive assignments within fixed timelines.
• Strong team and interpersonal skills, ability to promote teamwork, collaboration, and partnership.
• Communication skills and training on difficult conversations, facilitation, leadership, etc. 
• Strong planning, analytical, issues management and consultative skills.
• Ability to work independently, be proactive and take initiative.

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

There is one permanent full-time position working for 36.25 hours per week located in 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 the Government of Alberta 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