Policy Analyst

Role Responsibilities

As part of the Policy and Program Delivery Branch, the Policy and Strategy Unit leads the assessment, development and implementation of policies, strategies and initiatives relating to small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), entrepreneurs in Alberta, regional economic development, strengthening Alberta's business support and economic development ecosystem to support increased regional competitiveness and productivity. The unit provides and contributes strategic foresight, evaluation, and assessment of economic sector trends and identification of barriers. The unit also develops and presents models, strategies, and policies on the ecosystem in Alberta (and in other jurisdictions). As part of this work, the unit carries out distinct and sometimes high-profile policy projects, such as strategies and frameworks, and provides policy support for program outcome evaluations, impact analysis and program policy design. This unit also participates in related cross-ministry policy initiatives.

Reporting to the Manager of Strategic Initiatives, this position provides research and policy analysis to inform decision-making by senior leadership and affected stakeholders on policy options related to strategic economic development and regional economic issues, programs and opportunities. This work is critical to inform Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration (JETI) on economic development and regional economic development issues, collaboration best practices, related risk factors, economic development opportunities, and ultimately inform strategic decision-making and program/policy/strategy development.

In this role you will be required to support various policy, strategy and research projects with competing priorities. The Analyst supports and influences policy development with a wide audience including GoA departments, elected officials, industry, and stakeholders. The role will require a strong ability to perform jurisdictional, market, economic, and statistical research and analysis; provide strategic and policy advice related to economic development, SMEs and entrepreneurs; and more broadly to identify opportunities and programs to stimulate economic growth.

You will work closely with team members, including the Managers and Directors in the branch, this position is responsible for contributing to Department processes and ensuring an effective flow and exchange of information and advice among affected stakeholders on a cross section of economic development policy issues. This requires extensive problem solving, systems thinking, decision-making, relationship development, and business communication skills. You may represent the department in interdepartmental work teams and cross ministry teams.

Please click on the link to review 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:

• Knowledge of economic development and business growth and competitiveness concepts, processes and practices.
• Knowledge of public and not-profit sector programs applicable to regional economic development and business development and how they apply and can benefit Alberta.
• Detailed knowledge of business, industry, export, and economic drivers, and their key issues and impact on the Alberta's economy.
• Well-developed research, analytical, and problem-solving skills to interpret key economic and regional business indicators and develop appropriate responses and processes to maximize economic and business growth.
• Practical knowledge of economic, statistics, cross-jurisdictional cost benefit analysis.
• Knowledge of provincial and federal legislation, policies, and programs/supports related to economic and business development.
   

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 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. 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.
• Leadership and mentorship programs.