Program Planner

Role Responsibilities

The Ministry of Advanced Education is looking for one (1) Program Planner within the Program Implementation Branch.

The Program Planner position provides functions across the full policy development cycle from issues identification, data and policy analyses, budgetary considerations and stakeholder consultation to development of options. The Planner conducts policy research and analysis to support both strategic and operational policy.

Reporting to the Senior Program Planner, this position works within the framework of relevant legislation, as well as existing ministry and government policies, processes, guidelines and standards.

The responsibilities include:

• Develop policy and program options for consideration and decision by the Minister and senior management.
• Undertake work necessary to translate an approved policy/program direction into clear and accurate instructions for delivery staff so that they can deliver the program as changed.
• Provide advice, interpretation and assistance to delivery staff on interpretation of legislation and policy, or on application to particular cases where there is concern about setting precedents.
• Act as the program representative on groups and committees where input from that perspective is required.
• Prepare responses as required to Ministerial correspondence, request for information, commentaries, and briefing notes.
• Participate in Ministry committees, teams and working groups as required, providing Sector perspectives and expertise to ensure thoroughness and consistency in policy development.

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.

To effectively fulfill the responsibilities of the Research and Policy Analyst role, the following competencies are essential:

System Thinking: Considers inter-relationships and emerging trends to determine recommendations; takes a holistic view of policy and legislation challenges and opportunities at multiple levels across related areas.

Creative Problim Solving: Assesses issues from multiple perspectives to identify solutions and improvements to get the best outputs possible; considers multiple types of feedback and others' perspectives; critically analyzes options and issues; pro-actively engages stakeholders to resolve issues to mitigate their escalation.

Agility: Adapts communication to meet the needs of specific stakeholder groups; challenges the norm when necessary; proactively anticipates and adapts to shifting priorities and tight timelines and adjusts project plans accordingly.

Develop Networks: Seeks and leverages internal and external relationships to ensure the ministry has sound inputs from stakeholders and stakeholders have meaningful opportunities to provide input; leverages opportunities to enhance the integration of perspectives into provincial legislation and policy.

Qualifications

Minimum Recruitment Standards

• University degree in Arts or in a related field with 2 years of 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.

For application consideration, you must attach a cover letter explaining your qualification and suitability for this role.

The following knowledge, skills or experiences are considered as assets:

• Knowledge of adult education and learning principles.
• Knowledge of issues and trends related to foundational learning and labour market development (e.g., low literacy and essential skills and employment barriers in Alberta, other regions in Canada, and internationally).
• Knowledge and application of relevant legislation (e.g., Student Financial Assistance Act; Foundational Learning Assistance Regulation).
• Thorough knowledge and ability to apply government processes and the steps required for policy development and regulation changes.
• Ability to apply project management methodologies and tools.
• Excellent conceptual, analytical and problem-solving skills and critical thinking skill.
• Ability to research and consider multiple factors when problem solving.
• Excellent communication skills: verbal, written, consultative and negotiation.
• Ability to identify key issues, strategies and solutions to resolve unusual and common problems and make informed decisions and recommendation.
• Knowledge of Labour Market Development Agreement policies, procedures and funding for Employment Insurance and non-Employment Insurance student.
• Working knowledge of and ability to utilize issues, crisis and risk mitigation and management strategies.
• Able to work in a fast paced, high-volume environment.

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 permenant 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.

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.

Links and information on what the GoA 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.