Policy Analyst

Role Responsibilities

We are seeking a curious, analytical, and collaborative professional to join our team as a Policy Analyst. In this role, you will support policy implementation, modernization initiatives, and strategic operations by conducting research, analyzing complex information, and developing evidence-based recommendations that inform decision-making across government. Reporting to the Director, Improvement Integration and working closely with Senior Policy Advisors, you will contribute to high-profile review and transformation initiatives, assess ministry submissions, examine policy and program effectiveness, and help identify opportunities to improve outcomes for Albertans. You will apply structured analytical approaches to evaluate risks, impacts, and implementation considerations, translating complex information into clear and actionable products for senior leaders.

This role offers an excellent opportunity to build expertise in public policy, strategic analysis, program review, and government-wide modernization. Success in this position requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, sound judgment, and the ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment with multiple priorities and stakeholders.

The job responsibilities include:

Research and Analysis

• Conduct qualitative and quantitative research on policy, program design, and service delivery issues related to modernization and transformation initiatives.
• Analyze legislation, policies, jurisdictional approaches, and program data to support defined analytical questions.
• Apply established methodologies and analytical frameworks to generate evidence-based findings and identify implications.
• Synthesize findings into clear, structured outputs to support recommendations for senior review.

Review and Assessment Support

• Conduct structured reviews of ministry submissions using defined frameworks, scoring rubrics, and assessment criteria.
• Validate financial and performance data for completeness, accuracy, and consistency, identifying gaps or discrepancies requiring clarification.
• Support identification of high-risk, high-impact, or complex programs for further analysis.
• Contribute to consistent application of standardized review processes across ministries. 

Policy and Program Development Support

• Develop analysis, options, and draft recommendations for review by senior staff.
• Prepare briefing notes, reports, presentations, and other decision-support materials.
• Assess operational and implementation considerations, including risks, dependencies, and impacts on stakeholders.
• Support development of recommendations related to policy implementation and program improvement. 

Project Support - Transformation and Review Initiatives

• Lead or contribute to components of high-volume, time-sensitive review and transformation projects, including grant review cycles and modernization initiatives.
• Develop work plans, timelines, and deliverables for assigned workstreams.
• Coordinate inputs across teams and ministries to support completion of deliverables.

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.

Systems Thinking

• Integrate broader social, political, and economic trends into planning.
• Strategically align initiatives with organizational vision and long-term goals.
• Anticipate and address barriers to progress, including behavioral and structural challenges.

Develop Networks

• Build and sustain diverse stakeholder relationships.
• Actively seek input and perspectives to shape programs and change efforts.
• Engage collaborators across departments and sectors to support long-term outcomes.

Creative Problem Solving

• Investigate root causes and leverage community insight.
• Innovate across complex systems to create practical, sustainable improvements.
• Facilitate inclusive idea generation and open dialogue to address risk and impact.

Agility

• Anticipate change and lead proactive adjustments to plans and practices.
• Remain composed under pressure and support team resilience.
• Clearly communicate the impact of changes and ensure smooth integration into operations.

Develop Self and Others

• Set stretch goals aligned with personal and professional growth.
• Support the development of others through feedback and inclusive leadership.
• Value team diversity and cultivate a culture of continuous learning.

This link will assist you with understanding competencies.

Qualifications

University graduation in a field related to public administration, business, or a related field, supplemented by two years of related experience.

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.

You bring:

• Ability to gather, assess, and synthesize complex information to identify key issues, trends, and opportunities.
• Experience conducting qualitative and quantitative research and applying evidence-based approaches to problem-solving.
• Strong ability to validate information, identify inconsistencies, and produce accurate, high-quality work.
• Ability to clearly communicate findings and prepare concise briefing materials, reports, and presentations.
• Ability to work effectively with colleagues, ministries, and stakeholders to gather information and achieve shared goals.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and contribute to complex projects.

Minimum recruitment standards outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification.

Notes

Hours of work are 8:15 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday to Friday. This is a two-year temporary full-time contract position working 36.25 hours per week in downtown Edmonton.

Application Requirements
As part of the application process, you are required to:

• Complete all pre-screen questions.
• A cover letter is required. Please outline why you are interested in the role and how your experience relates to the qualifications.
• In your resume, please include dates (including months and years) associated with all education and work experience. For example, January 2006 – June 2009 (part-time). This example is provided for illustrative purposes only. Applicants are encouraged to present their information clearly and thoroughly, using a format that best conveys their experience.
• If a security screening is required:
  • Final candidates will be required to undergo a criminal records check (CRC)
  • Applicants being considered for this position will be required to complete a Level 2 Enhanced Security screening (including an enhanced criminal record check along with a credit check) as part of the pre-employment checks for this position.

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