Program and Policy Advisor

Role Responsibilities

As a Program and Policy Advisor, you will provide strategic advice, issues management, and policy coordination support to senior leadership, including the Assistant Deputy Minister of Technical and Corporate Services Division. You will lead initiatives that inform decision making, contribute to cross ministry priorities, and support effective communication, policy development, and organizational excellence across the division.

Issues Management & Strategic Advice:

• Monitor, analyze, and respond to complex, emerging, and sensitive issues affecting the division, ensuring alignment with ministry and Government of Alberta priorities.
• Support senior leadership by preparing briefings, background materials, and options analyses for internal and external meetings.
• Resolve day to day inquiries and process issues through effective collaboration with divisional, ministry, and cross government partners.
• Represent divisional interests in interdepartmental initiatives and contribute to cross ministry priorities.

Strategic Communications & Briefing Support:

• Coordinate and contribute to timely, accurate, and high quality responses to action and information requests from the Minister’s Office, Deputy Minister, and Assistant Deputy Minister.
• Review and edit briefing materials, correspondence, Cabinet and Ministerial documents for clarity, tone, accuracy, and stakeholder sensitivity.
• Identify and flag emerging risks or issues, and support mitigation strategies through clear communication and follow up.

Policy Development & Coordination:

• Support and, where assigned, lead policy development, implementation, evaluation, and review activities aligned with departmental business plans and government objectives.
• Participate in and support interdepartmental committees, project teams, and stakeholder working groups by preparing presentations, agendas, and briefing materials.
• Coordinate policy input and reporting for senior leadership, Executive Council, and Treasury Board and Finance.
• Lead information gathering and submission of the division’s quarterly operational plan.
  
  

Organizational Development & Division Support:

• Provide strategic support to senior leadership on organizational planning, divisional communications, and staff engagement initiatives.
• Coordinate divisional events and activities, such as divisional annual meetings, including planning, logistics, and liaison with external facilitators where required.
• Support initiatives that foster a positive, inclusive, and innovative workplace culture.

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.

The successful candidate will demonstrate the following competencies: 

• Develop Networks:  Proactively building networks, connecting, and building trusts in relationships with different stakeholders
• Build Collaborative Environments:  Leads and contributes to the conditions and environments that allows people work collaboratively
• System Thinking:  Take a long term view towards organisations objectives and how to achieve them
• Drive for Results:  You actively set goals and remain open to advice to identify and correct areas for improvement. 
  
  

Qualifications

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.

Required:

• University graduation in a related field plus 4 years progressively responsible related experience
  
  

Equivalency: Related experience or education may be considered as an equivalency on a one-for-one basis.

Assets: 

• Advanced communication skills; experienced in briefing leadership and managing sensitive issues.
• Strong knowledge of government structures, legislation, business planning, and the policy cycle.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and ARTS; exceptional attention to detail.
• Creative innovation relating to event planning, problem solving, and finding opportunities for efficiencies.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects in fast-paced, deadline-driven environments.
• Politically astute, analytical, and collaborative professional with strong judgment and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Knowledge of the Safety Codes Act and its associated regulations like the New Home Buyers Act and the protection of privacy Act.
  
  

Notes

This position is a Permanent, Full – time role with the standard weekly work hours of 36.25, Monday to Friday (8:15 am – 4:30 pm).

Applicants are required to provide a cover letter and resume summarizing information that clearly and concisely demonstrates how their qualifications meet the advertised requirements, including education, experience, and relevant examples of required competencies.  

Candidates may be required to participate in a written assignment as part of our assessment process.

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.