Provincial Funding Coordinator

Role Responsibilities

Reporting to the Manager, Program Policy & Stakeholder Relations, this position works within the framework of relevant legislation, as well as existing ministry and government policies, processes, guidelines and standards.

The Provincial Funding Coordinator facilitates access to FLA programs by implementing specific program requirements and processes for program approval; provincial budget planning, allocation, and monitoring; and grant/funding allocation management. The Provincial Funding Coordinator develops specific processes, measures, and templates in line with overarching program policy guidelines and works closely with educational institutions and community organizations to provide guidance on program policy and requirements, and to monitor and address budget or compliance issues.

The Provincial Funding Coordinator works closely with the FLA policy, FLA client service delivery, and CALP teams to interpret specific program processes, share information, and provide comprehensive responses to queries/issues. Recommendations are provided to the management team regarding budget plans and allocation decisions as well as program approvals and compliance resolution decisions. This position works within the parameters of established legislation, policies, plans and guidelines.

Role Responsibilities continued,

The Provincial Funding Coordinator actions the following responsibilities:
•    Translate program policy and guidelines into the development of specific processes and resources to support approval, budget and grant/funding allocation management.
•    Determine and develop recommendations for program approval based on the review of program approval submissions, and communicate subsequent decisions to educational institutions, addressing any outstanding queries/issues.
•    Develop recommendations for FLA funding allocation models and specific allocation decisions to ensure that grant dollars are meeting foundational learning needs in the most effective and efficient way possible.
•    Recommend enhancements/modifications to internal processes, policies, or guidelines based on stakeholder feedback, assessment of costing implications, analysis of labour market trends/issues, and leading practices.
•    Develop business cases, including recommendations, for approving allocation projection plans and budget allocations based on evaluation, review, and assessment of information (e.g., environmental scanning, analysis of the history of budget utilization, assessment of provider performance, and sustainability of training).
•    Monitor and assess how educational institutions are using their funding allocations (e.g., identify surpluses) and ensure management is apprised and provided recommendations on how to fully utilize the allocated funds.
•    Develop/update application and report documents, annually.
•    Reconcile payment schedules, including payment holdbacks, with annual budgets, to inform management of current financial status.
•    Synthesize, analyze, and develop statistical data/reports and labour market information from internal and external sources (e.g., students, other government departments, employers, and community interest groups) to identify and assess FLSD needs, priorities and trends.Coordinate grant-reporting activities and develop recommendations for changes and continuous improvement.
•    Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to program approvals and budget management.
•    Maintain effective working relationships with funded organizations and educational institutions to maintain awareness of trends and emerging issues that could impact the implementation of legislation and program policy.

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.

• Systems Thinking-Considers the high level impact of strategies and changes on the work of clients, stakeholders, and team members and supports organization vision and goals through strategic planning of tasks and considering relationships between different work approaches and their impact on different programs, divisions and ministries.
• Creative Problem Solving- Facilitates the creation of a work environment for generating and finding newer ideas to solve existing and potential problems.
• Agility- Possesses an ability to create an adaptable environment and overcome barriers through proactive and flexible approach to work.
• Develop Networks- Develops and sustains a network of internal and external relationships to develop effective communication channels to enhance and maximize the effectiveness of interactions.

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.

Assets
•    Minimum 2 years related experience or equivalent mix
•    Analytical skills to design options, assess implications, and make clear data-driven recommendations to achieve desired outcomes and solutions.
•    Financial management and budgeting skills budgeting (analysis/forecasting), monitoring, reconciliation, financial statement analysis, and payment verification.
•    Knowledge of existing federal, provincial, municipal & rural programs and initiatives available to Albertans to address access to foundational learning and skills development.
•    In-depth knowledge of education and training providers, programs and current issues in Alberta's adult learning system (e.g., barriers to learning and employment, labour and skill shortages, employer, business, and industry needs) and ability to apply that knowledge in program reviews and developing recommendations for program approval or program change.
•    Knowledge of how the legislation, policy or inter-governmental agreements impact programing. 
•    Computer literate in Windows platform, MS Office, GoA and program information technology and management systems, etc., with a particular focus on MS Excel.
•    Project management skills.
•    Well-developed verbal and written communication skills to engage with a variety of audiences and stakeholders. 
•    Well developed consultation skills, including the ability to represent the Unit and have influence in a variety of settings.

Qualifications Contd...

 Excellent collaboration, teamwork, and facilitation skills to build consensus and partnerships with internal and external stakeholders.
•    Strong skills in research, analysis, and strategic thinking skills to complete assessments and make evidence-based decisions and recommendations to the management team.
•    Strong organizational and time management skills to work with multiple educational institutions and community organizations at the same time.
•    Negotiation and conflict resolution skills to work effectively with a diverse stakeholder group, taking into account various cultural and business perspectives.

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 (1) permanent full-time position working 36.25 hours per week, Monday to Friday. The Office location for this role would be located at Commerce Place 10155 102 Street NW.

This position is based in Edmonton. We require you to attach a Cover Letter with application explaining your qualification and suitability for this role.

The final candidate for this position will be asked to undergo pre-employment checks.

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.