Research & Policy Analyst

Role Responsibilities

Reporting to the Manager, Research Policy & Correspondence Unit, this position provides research and analysis services for the division. As part of a highly collaborative team, this position coordinates short/medium research and policy projects and supports long-term projects, including identification of issues, defining problems, development of methodologies for research/analysis (quantitative and qualitative) and coordination, analysis, and provision of research findings. The focus of the position is to provide an array of comprehensive services including developing policy options and providing research data analysis, briefings, recommendations and consultation to support informed planning and development of policy and programs pertaining to the Curriculum and Career Education. 

Responsibilities: 

1. Provides comprehensive research, analysis and consultation services to support the development of policies and programs.  

• Responds to management requests to analyze, evaluate, summarize and provide key conclusions and recommendations on internal and external research related materials in the education field and related areas to help inform the ADM, Executive Directors and Directors of current policy and strategic directions that impact education including information on emerging trends and issues with potential to impact the education system.  
• Collaborates/leads short/medium research projects and aids in long term projects focused on education issues, policies and programs that may impact the division.  
• Interprets and applies findings by developing recommendations, providing strategic advice, and identifying alternate courses of actions and their implications for education programs and policies.  
• Researches, analyzes, evaluates and synthesizes data and information pertaining to education issues obtained from diverse sources of information including incoming correspondence, engagements, statistical databases, legislation, policy documents, technical reports and government studies, books and academic journals  
• Monitors and analyzes education trends, issues and best practices and provides recommendations pertaining to sensitive issues.  

2. Provides professional support to Branch, Sector, or division staff in the creation of policy, research and correspondence.  

• Supports development of data collection tools, analyzes the data collected and reports the findings and recommendations on division-wide initiatives to help inform education programs and policies. 
• Using a systems thinking approach, this position collaborates with division staff to provide advice and follow-up regarding research and policy projects to ensure a thorough analysis of issues and usage of appropriate research methodologies.  
• Applies a policy lens to all divisional correspondence, briefings, and presentations and ensures education and career policy is correctly communicated to stakeholders and the public. 
• Advises and provides direction to division staff on appropriate methodologies to be used when conducting research and analysis (both quantitative and qualitative).  
• Supports the Manager in establishing a set standards and processes to division staff on how to conduct research and policy projects (i.e., literature reviews, evaluations, surveys, etc.) as well as advise on appropriate methodologies for conducting research and analysis. 

Continued Role Responsibilities

3. Contribute to the branch operations by: 

• Supporting effective team operations 
• Supporting the team in decision making regarding research, policy and planning 
• Providing advice and recommendations on emerging issues, opportunities, and challenges 
• Developing analyses, business cases, and briefing notes to assist with decision-making processes  
• Developing and leading detailed project plans 
• Designing and delivering professional learning for internal staff. 

4. Respond to a high number of information requests by: 
Studying the nature and intricacies of the request 
Researching all the issues 
Deciding on key considerations and recommendations 
Preparing a department response, including briefing materials, and appropriate support materials. 

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.

System thinking: Must possess the ability to approach policy and research tasks from a broader viewpoint and scope, articulate complex issues in regard to their broad social and political implications, and present information on a variety of formats to a variety of audiences.

Agility: Thorough working knowledge of research methodologies, techniques and procedures, including the application of qualitative and quantitative research methods and data analysis.

Creative Problem Solving: Must possess the ability to approach tasks from a broader viewpoint and scope while considering all potential applications. Articulate complex issues with broad social and political implications. Present information in a variety of formats to a variety of audiences.

Build Collaborative Environments: Must possess the ability to approach policy and research tasks from a broader viewpoint and scope, articulate complex issues in regard to their broad social and political implications, and present information on a variety of formats to a variety of audiences.

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.

Knowledge and/or experience of the following are requirements for this position:

• Excellent English verbal and writing skills. (A written test might be administered) 
• Experience analyzing and synthesizing qualitative data Ability to effectively. 
• Excellent communication skills, orally and in writing 

Knowledge and/or experience of the following are considered assets for this position: 

• A master’s degree with research and/or policy focus
• Ability to communicate in French, especially to analyze data that is in French.
• Strong understanding of department policies, regulations, business plan, procedures, and operational requirements 
• Excellent teamwork and collaboration skills 
• Ability to multi-task and coordinate and prioritize a number of projects and related activities. 
• Familiarity with data analysis software systems (NVivo, etc.). 

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

Notes

This competition is for a position based in Edmonton, offering a work schedule of Monday to Friday, totaling 36.25 hours per week.

Candidates must submit a cover letter and resume 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. 

Resumes must include precise employment dates (month and year) details.

The final candidates for this position will be asked to undergo an academic check, references, provide a suitable security screening and may be asked to complete a written exercise and/or assessment.

This competition may be used to fill future vacancies across the government of Alberta, at equal or lower classification and salary.

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