Program Analyst

Role Responsibilities

Reporting to the Manager, First Nations Education North, the Program Analyst provides a broad range of analysis and support services for agreements, initiatives, programs, grants and other bi-lateral or trilateral agreements directed at eliminating the achievement gap between FNMI students and other students in Alberta. The position fosters and champions a collaborative approach, and informs operational and strategic decisions of the branch, sector and department and contributes to identifying opportunities to address the challenges, integration and prioritization of programs, policies and initiatives that support FNMI learner needs, improve education outcomes and increase capacity to participate in developing long-term solutions and approaches. This position also supports project management for operations and initiatives led by the branch, relating to Indigenous student success; this includes application of assurance methods to ensure performance metrics are met. Responsibilities also include community engagement, development of operational guidelines and drafting communication in regards to educational material, correspondence, ministry briefings and reporting.

In this role, the Program Analyst will be accountable for the following key activities in the division but not limited to:

• Support the ministry's effort to ensure eligible FNMI organizations have the funding capacity required to participate in provincial programs, strategies, and/or initiatives designed to enhance and strengthen FNMI education.
• Support development and implementation of bi-lateral and/or tri-lateral agreements designed to improve FNMI education.
• Developing and maintaining strong and productive relationships with FNMI stakeholders, strategic alliances with Ministry divisions, partnering ministries, education stakeholders, federal partners to foster common understanding, respect and open dialogue.
• Supporting the Minister's relationships with key partners and supporting fulfillment of the Minister's responsibilities pursuant to provincial legislation, programs and services.
• Continuous improvement efforts within and for the Branch.

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.

In this role, you will contribute to our team by demonstrating the following behavioral competencies:

• Develop Networks - The staff member ensures that they are in regular contact with stakeholders and strives to build strong connections within these relationships. Maintains accurate and detailed records of interactions with stakeholders.

• Build Collaborative Environments - The staff member works hard to foster regular open and honest communication and demonstrates transparency and accountability.

• Systems Thinking - The staff member understands that Indigenous student success depends on identifying and addressing long-standing and complex systemic barriers. Some of these barriers stem from within the education system itself while others lie within other systems, including health, legal, and social service systems.

• Agility - Working in a highly complex political environment the staff member must be able to carefully navigate conversations and competing priorities.

Qualifications

University graduation in Native Studies, Education, Political Science, or 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.

The position requires the following skills and abilities:

• Demonstrated political acumen and an ability to navigate changing priorities.
• Proven ability to develop and maintain positive relationships with a variety of stakeholders and partners.
• Experience working across multiple ministries, partnerships and stakeholder groups.
• Strong judgment and decision-making skills to maximize results and achieve the best solution.
• Skilled in leading, coordinating and guiding the conversation/engagement process on complex initiatives.
• Ability to shift priorities to meet changing demands and timelines.
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills including writing and presentation skills.
• Solid experience in issues management, project management and planning skills with the ability to handle multiple priorities.
• Advanced facilitation and conflict resolution and consensus building skills.
• Strong critical analysis and problem solving skills.
• Demonstrated expertise in facilitation and negotiation to promote consensus, collaboration, and the integration of initiatives.

Asset:

• Familiarity with Indigenous cultures and knowledges.

https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-minimum-recruitment-standards.

Notes

This is a full time permanent position, working 36.25 hours per week, Monday to Friday. 

Work location is in 44 Capital Boulevard, Edmonton.

A cover letter is required. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. 

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.
•    Opportunity to participate in flexible work arrangements such as working from home up to two days per week and modified work schedule agreement.
•    Leadership and mentorship programs.