Policy Analyst

Role Responsibilities

Reporting to the Manager, Funding Analysis, the Policy Analyst provides high-quality research, analysis, issues management, and written communications to support evidence-based decision-making and effective fiscal governance across the Ministry.

This role plays a critical part in supporting Alberta’s K-12 Funding Framework, which distributes over $8 billion annually to school authorities, private and charter schools, and Early Childhood Services providers.

• This role is responsible for delivering the following key functions and outcomes:

        Research, write, and edit briefing notes, correspondence, speeches, presentations, and issues materials for senior Ministry officials

• Coordinate and manage action requests and correspondence programs, ensuring compliance with government standards, timelines, and approval processes

• Develop clear, consistent key messages related to education funding, budgets, forecasts, enrollment projections, and fiscal policy

• Conduct research, environmental scanning, and data analysis to identify trends, risks, and emerging issues impacting education funding

• Support the preparation of consolidated budget submissions and materials for Treasury Board, Cabinet, and Committee of Supply

• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to support policy development, communications strategies, and sector initiatives

• Ensure accuracy and currency of sector-related information, including website and public-facing materials

• Supports fiscal planning, forecasting, and enrollment analysis activities by synthesizing data and translating complex financial information into clear, decision-ready materials for senior leaders.

• Contributes to risk identification and mitigation related to education funding by supporting data validation, controls, and analytical reviews of funding allocations and sector trends.

• Collaborates with analytics, finance, and program areas to support continuous improvement of data quality, reporting, and evidence-based policy development across the Ministry.

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: Builds respectful, effective working relationships across the Ministry and with stakeholders by fostering open communication, valuing diverse perspectives, and contributing to shared outcomes.

• Systems Thinking: Applies a holistic perspective to analyze complex policy and funding issues, understanding interdependencies, risks, and long-term impacts to support informed decision-making.

• Develop Networks: Establishes and leverages strong relationships with subject matter experts and stakeholders to gather insights, support consultation, and deliver accurate, timely policy advice.

• Agility: Adapts effectively to changing priorities and government direction by exercising sound judgment, flexibility, and focus while managing competing deadlines.

Qualifications

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

Required

• Demonstrated experience in policy analysis, research, issues management, or government communications.
• Strong writing and editing skills with the ability to translate complex financial or policy information into plain language
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to draft various types of correspondences like Briefing Notes, Letters, Memos, Correspondences 
• Preparing presentations based on analysis of data sets
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and government correspondence standards

Assets:

• Knowledge of government policy development processes and political environments
• Experience working with financial or funding frameworks
• Familiarity with education sector legislation and policy (e.g., Education Act, FOIP)

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 (1) permanent position is located in Edmonton and works 36.25 hours per week, 8:15am – 4:30pm, Monday through Friday.
 

Applicants are advised to provide a cover letter summarizing information that clearly and concisely demonstrates how their qualifications meet the advertised requirements, including education, experience and relevant examples of required competencies.
 

The final candidate will be required to undergo a security screening.

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.