Senior Economic Policy Advisor

Role Responsibilities

Are you passionate about economic policy, and would like to combine your expertise in both economic analysis and policy development? If so, this is the position for you!
 

Reporting to the Manager, Economic Competitiveness, the Senior Economic Policy Advisor will play a lead role in conducting research as well as analysis and providing advice on issues and initiatives that impact Alberta’s economic growth and competitiveness. As a senior position, this role is expected to exhibit a high degree of autonomy and initiative within a supervised team environment.
 

The Senior Economic Policy Advisor will be responsible for:

• Developing and communicating high-quality quantitative and qualitative research and analysis on economic competitiveness issues and opportunities related to productivity, regulatory reform and industry growth (including in-depth policy assessment of prioritized sectors such as logistics).
• Supporting other ministries in removing barriers to the growth and development of Alberta's airports that can help Albertans connect to major international airports and increase our province's economic competitiveness, with special attention to understanding the economic impacts of increased connectivity for regional airports.
• Providing impartial, well-reasoned, well-supported, and impactful advice on economic competitiveness issues and opportunities in the industrial economy, to help ensure Alberta remains a highly competitive destination for job- creating investment.
• Translating complex economic research and analysis into high-impact policy options for decision-makers’ consideration. 
• Creating collaborative networks within the Department and across the Government.

As a Senior Economic Policy Analyst, the incumbent is expected to straddle and be proficient in both economics and public policy. This involves excelling at communicating complex economic concepts effectively and being laser-focused on identifying the policy implications, considerations and potential next steps of economic analyses.

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.

In this role, you will contribute to our team by demonstrating the following competencies:

• Creative Problem Solving- Explores alternative approaches and develop innovative methods to analyze problems during challenging projects. This will require fast learning and collaboration with others to fully understand and approach multifaceted issues.
   
• Build Collaborative Environments- Communicates Branch interests and seeks inputs from other departments/divisions/branches and relevant stakeholders to ensure understanding of the required analysis. Continues to communicate with them until the completion of the project and/or as part of ongoing working relationship development.
   
• Agility- Works in the grey and situations and obstacles encountered are often nebulous without a clear path to resolution as direction can often change quickly, so need to adeptly adapt and repurpose.
   
• Drive for Results- Achieves goals by planning the approach, executing the plan, and collaborating with the relevant colleagues and stakeholders to achieve results.

Qualifications

Minimum Recruitment Standards 

University graduation in Economics, Business, Public Policy or a related field with a focus in Economics plus 4 years progressively responsible related experience; or equivalent as described below. A master’s degree in a related field would be an asset.

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

Requirements:

• Experience playing a significant role in the policy life cycle, including issue identification, policy analysis and policy design.
• Experience completing economic studies, with a knowledge of concepts, techniques and tools for theoretical and applied economic analysis and modelling.
• Well-developed research, analytical, and problem-solving skills to interpret key economic and industry information (quantitative and qualitative), with a knowledge of reliable data sources for economic research.
• Strong understanding of Alberta’s economy and key issues faced by Alberta's industries and their competitiveness.
• Extensive knowledge of strategy, policy or economic development processes and practices.
• Knowledge of provincial, municipal, and federal legislation, policies, and public/non-profit programs/supports related to economic, industry and business development. 
• Strong written and verbal communications skills. Experience writing reports and/or executive briefing notes on complex issues. 
• Project management and time management skills. 

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

Candidates are required to submit a 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. 
 

Resumes must include precise employment dates (month and year) to assist in assessing written communication skills and attention to detail.

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.