Program Officer

Role Responsibilities

The IPG branch is looking for a Program Officer. Reporting to the Manager, Partnerships and Commercialization Supports, this position plays a crucial role in the grant management of multi-million dollar and significant innovation ecosystem development initiatives and grants, including projects that are provided to agencies, in addition to other programs supported by the Unit such as investments connected with the ATIS. The primary focus is on ensuring transparency, accountability, and risk mitigation in the administration of research grant funding programs.

The responsibilities of this role include:

• Leading pre- and post-award processes for innovation grant funding programs.
• Analyzing recipient reporting to assess compliance with reporting requirements and program performance and providing evidence-based recommendations.
• Ensuring accountability, compliance, and effective stewardship of public funds.
• Supporting grant financial services, including budget allocation, forecasting, variance analysis, and financial reporting.
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders across government, industry, academia, and the innovation ecosystem.
• Developing briefing notes, correspondence, reports, and recommendations for senior leadership.
• Developing and updating grant funding guidelines and templates and contributing to continuous improvement of grant administration processes.

To be successful in this role, you will demonstrate:

• Strong analytical, research, and problem-solving skills.
• The ability to convey complex ideas clearly, concisely, and persuasively to diverse audiences.
• Keen attention to detail and accuracy in financial and grant administration.
• Ability to synthesize complex information and provide sound recommendations.
• Strong prioritization, time management, and organizational skills.
• Excellent relationship-building and stakeholder engagement skills.

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.

Qualifications

Requirements:

• A university degree in a related field (e.g., Public Administration, Business), supplemented by two (2) years of progressively responsible related experience in financial administration, research, and analysis.
• Experience using AI tools to support research, document review, and analysis, with the ability to adopt and apply emerging tools effectively.
• Understanding of grant agreements, amendments, and accountability frameworks.
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• A cover letter clearly demonstrating relevant skills and competencies tailored to this position.

Equivalencies:

• A related master’s degree and a minimum of one (1) years of related experience; or
• A related two-year diploma and a minimum of four (4) years of related experience; or
• A related one-year certificate and a minimum of five (5) years of related experience; or
• A minimum of six (6) years of related experience in lieu of formal education.

Assets:

• Knowledge of Alberta’s technology and innovation ecosystem, as well as public administration, business, public policy.
• Familiarity with current provincial and federal innovation funding programs, including guidelines, agreements, and accountability requirements.
• Experience with grants management tracking systems such as Microsoft CRM and other knowledge management systems.
• Ability to cultivate strong internal and external stakeholder relations and collaborate effectively with partner ministries.

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

Notes

Term of Employment: Permanent, Full-time position 

Hours of Work: 7.25 hours daily / 36.25 weekly – Monday to Friday

Location: Edmonton

Final candidates may be required to undergo a security screening.

Applicants are required 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.

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.