Policy Analyst

Role Responsibilities

Are you experienced in government policy development and processes? Are you able to “see the big picture”? Do you have a passion for improving the lives of children, youth, and families through policy work? Do you believe in a holistic perspective towards the needs of Indigenous peoples and communities and in building and strengthening relationships? If so, we would like to hear from you.

The Indigenous Partnerships and Strategic Services Division (IPaSS) provides a range of supports to Children and Family Services, from coordination of strategic initiatives and policy and program reviews to strengthening relationships with Indigenous communities, leaders, and organizations to improve outcomes for Indigenous children and families. IPaSS also provides overall support to program and delivery divisions in advancing priorities to enhance programs and services to Alberta's children, youth, and families.

The Policy Branch frames, shapes and coordinates strategic policy, legislation, and other ministry priorities, as well as leading, supporting and coordinating legislative review, and other cross-ministry review and initiatives. The branch also provides evidence-based research, coordination and integration services for the department. 
 
Reporting to the Manager, Policy Capacity and Coordination, this position is responsible for supporting the coordination of the decision-making process for critical policy and legislative priorities for the ministry. The position also supports legislative and policy initiatives for the ministry by providing coordination support, jurisdictional scanning, and other research and policy analysis as required. This position provides support to Branch management and others to advance ministry, divisional and branch priorities as well as works with colleagues to build policy capacity. In addition, the role participates on internal and cross-ministry committees as required to support the alignment of cross-ministry policy and legislative initiatives.

Roles Responsibilities Cont'd

The Policy Analyst's main responsibilities include:

• Provides policy coordination support to facilitate the decision-making process on matters relating to child and family policy
• Provides support on building policy capacity for the department.
• Conducts research and analysis, and supports other policy projects as directed
• Build collaborative relationships which are supported, maintained, fostered and enhanced.

The Policy Analyst's work is done in collaboration with program delivery and corporate support portfolio divisions, cross ministry partners and other external partners as required. Leadership skills and abilities to develop networks will be required to help the Branch to establish and maintain relationships with key stakeholders. The Policy Analyst will benefit the branch with knowledge of project management and stakeholder engagement. Exceptional organization, writing, and communication skills are required to ensure success in this position.

Please click on this link to view the job description for this position.

Qualifications

Minimum Recruitment Standard: University graduation in a related field plus 2 years progressively responsible related experience; or equivalent as described below.

Related education could be in Social Sciences, Public Administration, Public Policy, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, Anthropology, Communication, Cultural Studies, Economics, History, International Relations, Governance, etc.

Preference to be given to candidates with experience in a community-based organization, government, or non-profit organization conducting policy or legislative research, analysis, and development, and working with multiple internal and/or external stakeholders, including facilitation and consultation.

Equivalencies: 
Directly related experience or education considered on the basis of one year of education or one year of education for one year of experience.

The following will be considered assets:

• Experience in government policy and working with diverse teams to achieve deliverables is preferred and must be clearly outlined in your resume. Preference will be given to
• candidates with directly related experience with:
• Building relationships with internal and external stakeholders;
• Social services sector;
• Cabinet decision-making process; and
• Knowledge of government processes.
• Master’s Degree in the above mentioned related field

Knowledge and understanding of Indigenous Cultures and Communities 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.

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.

The successful candidate will demonstrate the following competencies:

• Creative Problem Solving: Engages others and encourages debate and idea generation to solve problems while addressing risks.
• Agility: Ability to anticipate, assess, and readily adapt to changing priorities, manage resilience in times of uncertainty and effectively work in a changing environment.
• Systems Thinking: Anticipates outcomes and potential impacts, seeks stakeholder perspectives.
• Build Collaborative Environments: Encourages broad thinking on projects, and works to eliminate barriers to progress.

Notes

This competition is for 1 permanent full time position.

Hours of Work: This position works Monday to Friday, 36.25-hours a week.

Location: Edmonton, Alberta (candidate must be based locally or willing to relocate).

The final candidate for this position will undergo appropriate pre-employment checks and provide a suitable security screening.

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.

Application Requirements: 

• In your application, include a cover letter outlining your experience that aligns with this position.
• In your resume, please include dates (including months and years) associated with all education and work experience.
• Complete all pre-screening questions.
• Please be advised that your current supervisor and manager will be contacted as references.
• Candidates may be asked to complete a writing test as part of the interview process.

Notes Cont'd

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