Senior Indigenous Policy Implementation Specialist

Role Responsibilities

The Senior Indigenous Policy Implementation Specialist plays a pivotal role in shaping health policies and initiatives that impact Indigenous communities across Alberta. Reporting directly to the Director of the Indigenous Health Policy and Planning Unit, this position provides subject matter expertise, leadership, and strategic advice to internal teams across the ministry and government, as well as to external partners and stakeholders.

The job responsibilities include:
1. Strategic Policy Development & Implementation

• Lead and support system-level projects and initiatives focused on improving Indigenous health outcomes.
• Conduct research, policy analysis, and develop proposals, discussion papers, and briefing materials to address trends and challenges affecting Indigenous access to primary health care.
• Develop and implement strategies, policies, and initiatives that support culturally safe and equitable care.
• Identify emerging issues, evaluate potential impacts, and recommend solutions or alternatives.
• Prepare reports, presentations, and recommendations for senior management and external stakeholders.
• Support the implementation of approved policies and programs across the Ministry.
  
  

2. Cross-Ministry and Intergovernmental Collaboration

• Represent the Ministry’s perspective on Indigenous primary health and chronic disease management strategies.
• Provide policy advice and input to cross-ministry and interdepartmental working groups and committees.
• Coordinate ministry engagement with government partners to ensure timely information exchange and alignment of priorities.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with Indigenous organizations, communities, and leadership.
• Chair committees or meetings and make presentations, as required.
  
  

3. Research, Coordination & Team Support

• Support and coordinate cross-ministry and cross-divisional policy development efforts.
• Identify research and data needs and conduct comprehensive policy and data analysis.
• Integrate stakeholder input and research findings into policy documents, reports, and recommendations.
• Facilitate collaboration among internal and external partners to advance shared objectives.

Role Responsibilities Cont.

4. Project Management & Leadership

• Lead and manage complex, multi-stakeholder projects from inception through implementation.
• Develop project charters, work plans, and implementation strategies with clear goals, timelines, and deliverables.
• Monitor project progress, manage budgets, and evaluate outcomes to inform next steps.
• Collaborate with federal partners, health agencies, and Indigenous organizations to co-develop innovative, relationship-based solutions.

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: Anticipate how current initiatives are shaped by broader organizational, social, and political trends. Align strategies with organizational vision, goals, and risk environment. Identify and address behaviours that challenge progress or alignment.
• Creative Problem Solving: Collaborate across open teams to explore ideas and solve complex problems. Use diverse analytical and creative techniques to break down challenges. Encourage others to contribute innovative thinking and identify new, practical solutions.
• Build Collaborative Environments: Engage stakeholders early and share resources to drive success. Use enthusiasm and coaching to resolve conflict and motivate others. Embrace diversity of thought, encouraging inclusion and respect in achieving shared goals.
• Agility: Proactively integrate change into work processes and team practices. Remain composed under pressure, supporting others through uncertainty. Translate change into clear impacts on roles and priorities, adjusting plans accordingly. Seek continuous improvement and opportunities for innovation.
• Develop Networks: Engage a wide range of stakeholders for insights and collaboration. Seek diverse perspectives to support long-term goals. Maintain and strengthen relationships to support change initiatives and shared outcomes.
• Drive for Results: Anticipate and overcome project barriers with a solutions-focused mindset. Align actions and decisions with organizational values and mission. Promote accountability, collaboration, and resilience in achieving outcomes.

Qualifications

Minimum Recruitment Standards

University graduation in a related field plus 6 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.

The following experience is required: 

• Knowledge and understanding of the historical and contemporary experiences of Indigenous Peoples and the impacts colonization has and continues to have on Indigenous peoples.

The following experience is considered as assets:

• Experience working or volunteering in the health system and/or Indigenous communities.

The following experience will be given preference:

• Experience working with indigenous communities.

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

Hours of work are 8:15 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday to Friday. This is a full-time permanent position working 36.25 hours per week.

If a security screening is required:

• Final candidates will be required to undergo a security screening.
• 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.

A cover letter outlining how your experience relates to the qualifications of this role is required.

In your resume, please include dates (including months and years) associated with all education and work experience. Also, please indicate whether your work experience is casual, part-time, or full-time. For example, January 15, 2006 - June 25, 2009: Assistant (PT three 8 hrs. shifts/week).

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.