Senior Policy Advisor

Role Responsibilities

The Senior Policy Advisor will be required to lead and support various research projects with competing priorities. The role will require a strong ability to perform jurisdictional, market, economic, and statistical research and analysis; and provide strategic and policy advice related to reducing barriers for entrepreneurs and SMEs, improve retention and strengthen the business support ecosystem in the province.

The incumbent is responsible for coordinating engagement with technical contacts within the department, across ministries, and with key stakeholders for the purpose of developing policy responses on relevant issues. The Senior Policy Advisor also provides policy advice to program areas within the department responsible for supporting entrepreneurs, enterprises, business support activities and regional and northern economic development.

Working closely with team members including the Managers and Directors in the branch, the Senior Policy Advisor leads and supports projects and prepares strategic internal and external communications. This requires extensive problem-solving, systems-thinking, decision-making, relationship development and business communication skills. The Senior Policy Advisor's technical, analytical and communication skills are essential to both the unit and the branch achieving their business plan goals in fostering solutions to address issues that enterprises, entrepreneurs and small businesses face, and promoting economic growth in Alberta.

Responsibilities include:

Within the context of the Ministry business plan, program initiatives, priorities, and outcomes, the purpose of the Contract Services Coordinator job includes core roles and responsibilities of contract and grant management:

• Support developing strategies, policies, programs and grants that support Alberta's entrepreneurs, SMEs and regional and northern economic development - Conduct research and analysis to support economic development strategies, policies, programs, and initiatives that promote entrepreneurship, SMEs, and regional economic growth in Alberta. Prepare briefing materials for senior leadership, respond to information requests, represent the unit at meetings and events, and support the maintenance and improvement of grants and programs.
• Lead jurisdictional and environmental scanning to help inform the project planning and development related to enterprise and entrepreneurship – Research and analyze emerging economic trends, leading practices, and entrepreneurship policies to assess their impact on Alberta's programs and initiatives. Synthesize information from diverse sources and contribute to cross-ministry projects, meetings, and presentations.

Role Responsibilities (continued)

• Research, develop, maintain and monitor legislation, policy and procedures to comply with government and department objectives – Research and analyze legislative, policy, and industry issues to support evidence-based decision-making. Develop briefing materials, policy options, recommendations, and risk mitigation strategies. Lead stakeholder and public consultations on policy and regulatory changes and provide expert policy and technical advice to internal and external stakeholders.
• Represent the department's and Alberta's interests and priorities in all initiatives – Represent the department on economic development, SME, and entrepreneurship policy matters, incorporating cross-ministry and stakeholder perspectives. Support branch objectives through policy analysis, stakeholder engagement, and committee participation. Prepare briefing materials, speaking notes, action requests, meeting materials, and records for senior leadership, and deliver presentations as required.
• Supporting project work to ensure timely project completion – Provide project management support by developing project charters, work plans, performance measures, and governance documents. Coordinate project delivery, monitor progress, and report on milestones, risks, and issues. Support and, when required, supervise junior staff to ensure projects are completed on time and meet established objectives.

The position leads the provision of strategic and policy advice related to supporting the film and television sector, reducing barriers for entrepreneurs and SMEs, and strengthening business supports and regional and economic development in the province. As such the incumbent is expected to maintain a broad view of the Alberta's economy and its strategic priorities when providing information, analysis, and planning advice.

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.

• Agility – This position works in a unit where direction can change quickly, so the incumbent needs to be able to adjust work focus and workload to adapt.
• Drive for Results – The Senior Policy Advisor must be the lead on a variety of regular and ad-hoc initiatives to provide smart, strategic and timely advice and solutions for rapidly evolving and varied issues, while driving for solutions and demonstrating accountability. 
• Systems Thinking – In developing policy responses, this position must consider the larger international, national, and provincial policy context and how it affects Alberta economic policy interests, as well as the impact of current choices on future policy decisions.
• Develop Networks - The incumbent needs to assist the unit with developing collaborative networks and maintain strong cross-departmental and external linkages to ensure effective information exchange, collaboration, and policy development.

Qualifications

University graduation in Business, Economics, Public Policy, Political Science or a related field plus four years related experience. Related experience or education may be considered as an equivalency on a one for one basis.

Assets:

• Policy analysis skills. Thorough understanding of the policy development cycle and ability to effectively communicate policy analysis and recommendations. 
• Strong research, planning and execution skills.
• Quantitative and qualitative analysis skills. Ability to apply research methods and analysis tools to identify issues, gaps and opportunities to address the issues and make cross-jurisdictional comparisons. 
• Project management and time management skills. Ability to manage multiple requests/competing priorities and meet tight timelines.
• Broad experience preparing and providing options analysis, reports, briefings and presentations in generating creative solutions.
• Ability to lead efforts among diverse teams in developing sector strategies, analyses or policy and program development.
• Have strong relationship building and stakeholder engagement experience. 
• Knowledge of business, industry, and economic drivers and trends and their impact on the Alberta economy.
• Have practical knowledge on economic, statistical, cross-jurisdictional cost benefit analysis. 
• Possess detailed understanding of economic development concepts and matters.
• Possess a big picture systemic approach to assess impacts and conclusions through research and analysis.
• Ability to function well in a team-based environment that demands a high level of interpersonal skills. 
• Good time management skills with the ability to coordinate multiple projects. 
• Competency with the use of computers and Microsoft applications including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, SharePoint and Teams.  
• Demonstrate the APS values and competencies.  

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

There is one (1) temporary position (ends May 31, 2027)   working 36.25 hours Monday to Friday.

Work location is Edmonton.

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

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.
• Leadership and mentorship programs.