Senior Policy Advisor

Role Responsibilities

The Ministry of Indigenous Relations is seeking a highly skilled and collaborative Senior Policy Advisor to join our team. In this role, you will provide evidence-informed advice and develop innovative policy solutions that support Indigenous economic, social, and governance outcomes. You’ll work across ministries, engage with Indigenous communities and organizations, and help shape the future of Indigenous policy in Alberta through research, analysis, and strategic foresight.

Under the direction of the Manager of Policy, the Senior Policy Advisor is responsible for the following:

• Strategic Policy Development & Analysis
  
  • Researches and analyzes current data and emerging trends that may impact Indigenous economic, social, or governance policy directions.
  • Develops strategic policy options and recommendations aligned with ministry and divisional goals.
  • Identifies short- and long-term impacts of policy options on Indigenous communities in Alberta.
  • Provides evidence-informed input into the Ministry’s annual business plan and performance measures.
  • Forecasts national and global trends to inform Indigenous policy development and strategic initiatives.

• Environmental Scanning & Jurisdictional Monitoring
  
  • Conducts environmental scans and monitors policy developments across federal, provincial, and territorial jurisdictions.
  • Identifies, summarizes, and analyzes provincial and national trends related to Indigenous policy.
  • Liaises with counterparts in other jurisdictions, academic institutions, and Indigenous organizations to stay informed on emerging issues.

• Policy Coordination & Documentation
• • Drafts Cabinet Reports, briefing notes, background documents, special reports, and legislative materials to support ministry leadership.
  • Supports the development and coordination of evidence-informed policy advice within the Ministry and across government.
  • Prepares responses to action requests and contributes to internal planning and reporting processes.

• Cross-Ministry Collaboration & Representation
• • Represents the Ministry in cross-ministry projects and working groups to influence broader policy direction.
  • Identifies and leverages linkages between ministry and cross-ministry initiatives.
  • Collaborates with other branches and ministries on initiatives involving First Nations, Métis communities, and Indigenous organizations. 

Role Responsibilities (continued)

• Stakeholder Engagement
  • Builds and maintains positive working relationships with Indigenous communities and organizations.
  • Engages with internal and external stakeholders to support inclusive and coordinated policy development.

• Team & Operational Support
  
  • Supports the Manager in leading the team to achieve operational goals.
  • Participates in team planning, environmental scanning, and strategic alignment of policy initiatives.
  • Fosters a collaborative and proactive work environment across the department.

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.

• Drive for Results: Takes experience into considerations when making plans and adjusts plans based on past learning and identifies and acts on opportunities to partner with other groups to achieve desired outcomes.
• Creative Problem Solving: Asks questions to get a deeper understanding of present issues and contributes ideas for how work can be done differently to solve common problems.
• Agility: Asks questions, seeks clarification and assess how things will be different when change is introduced or anticipated and takes advantage of opportunities to change how work is completed to better anticipate obstacles and improve service.
• Develop Networks: Identifies key stakeholder contacts with whom a relationship must be established and maintains contacts with a range of colleagues, clients and stakeholders.

Qualifications

Minimum Recruitment Standards:
4 years University graduation (Public Policy, Political Science, Native Studies, Humanities, Social Sciences) in a related field plus 4 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: 

• Extensive experience in policy development, research, and analysis, preferably in an Indigenous or government context.
• In-depth knowledge of Indigenous history, governance, organizations, and cultures, particularly those relevant to Alberta’s First Nations and Métis communities.
• Familiarity with provincial, federal, and Indigenous policy directions and priorities.
• Awareness of national and global Indigenous policy trends, agreements, and legislation.
• Experience with strategic policy frameworks and coordinated policy approaches.

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:

• 36.25 hours per week (full time) Monday to Friday.

Term of Employment:

• 1 permanent full time position 

Location:

• Edmonton, Alberta 

Please note, for all work experience use the following date range format in your resume: [Month, Year – Month, Year]. Cover letter is Mandatory. 

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.