Policy Analyst

Role Responsibilities

The Policy Analyst plays a critical role in supporting evidence-based decision-making within the Government of Alberta. They are responsible for researching, analyzing, and evaluating complex policy issues, identifying emerging trends and risks, and developing recommendations that align with government priorities and legislative requirements

The Policy Development Unit of Advanced Education plays a key role in establishing and implementing the department's policy agenda. Unit staff work with colleagues from across the department and government to determine strategic policy priorities, seek policy approvals within the department and from Cabinet, and facilitate implementation of policy decisions. Members of the Unit regularly prepare briefing materials for senior decision-makers such as the Deputy Minister, and the Minister in leading strategic and program policy development for the department, including development of policy frameworks and system strategic direction. This includes leading all aspects of the policy development cycle (working closely with colleagues, particularly program staff), undertaking policy research, identifying potential policy solutions and facilitating implementation. The Policy Development Unit leads the development of policy products for Cabinet and Cabinet Committee review and leads the development of public policy statements and documents.

This position functions within the parameters of applicable government and department legislation, regulations, policies, directives, and procedures.

The Policy Analyst responsibilities include:

1. Provide support to senior decision makers, including the Minister, throughout the policy development process to ensure policies and associated programs align with government and department strategic goals, directions, and established policies and legislation; reflect stakeholder requirements; and address issues and trends pertaining to the adult learning system.
2. Provide key support, and leadership when required, to strategic, priority policy initiatives and projects that contribute to the advancement of Alberta's adult learning system.
3. Work closely with members of other Units in the department and with other departments to support the development of Alberta's adult learning system to achieve the vision and goals outlined for it under department direction-setting documents.
4. Support the Executive Director, Director, and Manager in achieving the mandate and goals of the Policy, Planning and Coordination Branch.
5. Develop and maintain collaborative working relationships with internal and external stakeholders based on strong interpersonal and communication skills.
6. Conduct policy research, analysis, jurisdictional scans, and developing policy options for senior leadership, the Minister, and Cabinet.
7. Provide strategic advice and facilitating collaboration across policy, program, executive, and stakeholder groups.
8. Assist with policy and program implementation, legislative interpretation, stakeholder engagement, and program reporting.
9. Analyze quantitative and qualitative data to support program evaluation and continuous improvement.
10. Support strategic initiatives, mandate commitment tracking, ministry planning, and agenda-setting activities.

The Job Description is provided for Further details on 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: Demonstrates the ability to provide strategic advice that aligns Government of Alberta priorities, platform commitments, ministry initiatives, and departmental objectives. Applies a corporate and enterprise-wide perspective to policy analysis and decision-support materials, using strong judgment, political acuity, and a constructive challenge function to assess issues and develop effective recommendations.
• Agility: Thrives in a fast-paced and evolving environment by adapting quickly to changing priorities, emerging issues, and shifting stakeholder expectations. Delivers high-quality policy products, strategic advice, and decision-support materials within tight timelines while effectively managing multiple priorities.
• Drive for Results: Maintains a strong awareness of ministry priorities and proactively identifies opportunities to advance strategic initiatives. Delivers timely, accurate, and value-added work products  while continuously seeking opportunities to improve policy coordination processes, services, and tools to better support leadership and ministry clients.
• Develop Self and Others: Seeks opportunities for continuous learning and development, participates in fostering a team environment in the unit and seeks innovative and new approaches to addressing organizational goals.
• Creative Problem Solving: Explores a variety of information sources to inform creative development of policy alternatives

Qualifications

•    University graduation in 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. 

 Requirements: 
•    Knowledge of government priorities, policy development, decision-making processes, and ministry operations.
•    Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare briefing materials, reports, presentations, and strategic advice for diverse audiences.
•    Demonstrated analytical, research, systems thinking, and problem-solving skills, including policy analysis, jurisdictional scanning, and data interpretation.
•    Experience supporting projects, policy initiatives, or program implementation, including tracking deliverables, coordinating stakeholders, and meeting tight deadlines.
•    Strong organizational and issues management skills with the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
•    Ability to build collaborative relationships, exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and contribute effectively both independently and as part of a team.
•    Understanding of the policy cycle, Cabinet decision-making processes, and the machinery of government.

Assets would include: 
•    Knowledge of Alberta legislation, Advanced Education priorities, and the post-secondary education sector.
•    Experience with government administrative processes, systems, and technology platforms.
•    Expertise of adult learning system, including providers' roles and mandates, interests, accountability structures, and funding mechanisms.
•    Proficiency, providing secretariat support, including agenda development, meeting coordination, note-taking, and managing shared mailboxes.
•    Experience working on cross-functional projects, strategic initiatives, and stakeholder engagement activities.
•    Experience using AI tools, to support research, analysis, and content development while applying critical judgment to outputs.

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

Notes

This is a temporary full-time position for 18 months, working 36.25 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

This position is based in Edmonton.

For the resume for each job kindly indicate the position title, name of organization and start and end month and year clearly.

• Cover letters are a mandatory requirement as part of the candidate selection process.
• All selected candidates may be required to complete a pre interview assignment

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 we have to offer:

• Working for the Alberta Public Service.
• Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP)  
• Alberta Public Service Benefit Information.
• Professional learning and development.
• Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool.
• Positive workplace culture and work-life balance.