Senior Policy Advisor

Role Responsibilities

Reporting to the Manager of Systems Improvement, our Senior Policy Advisor applies advanced research, analysis, and policy development expertise, along with strong project management skills, to support the planning, development, implementation, and monitoring of provincial policies, legislation, strategies, and initiatives. This work is guided by key priorities such as the department’s mandate, the Assisted Living Framework (2025), recommendations from the Facility Based Continuing Care Review, and Aging With Dignity bilateral agreement initiatives.

In this role, you will support the analysis, development, implementation, and evaluation of program and policy changes, including grant funding, to enhance quality of care and quality of life for continuing care residents. Providing subject matter expertise, you will contribute to advancing departmental and government priorities, ensuring services meet the evolving needs of Albertans as the population ages.

Your responsibilities in this role will include, but will not be limited to:

• Conducting environmental scans and literature reviews to inform policy development and decision-making.
• Researching, analyzing, and evaluating data from diverse sources to assess continuing care issues and trends.
• Identifying emerging issues and developing evidence-based scenarios to support ministry responses and strategies.
• Collaborating with ministries, stakeholders, and experts to develop and implement policy initiatives.
• Assessing impacts of policy issues on Albertans, government programs, and the continuing care system.
• Developing policy recommendations, briefing materials, and reports for senior leadership and decision-makers.
• Engaging stakeholders and participating in working groups to support initiatives and strengthen collaboration.
• Preparing communications, briefings, and responses to inquiries using clear, concise, and professional messaging.
• Supporting and coordinating multi-stakeholder projects, including planning, tracking, and reporting on progress.
• Monitoring performance and outcomes, using data and evidence to inform improvements and future policy development.
  
  

To be successful in this role, you will need to demonstrate:

• The ability to respond to complex, sensitive issues affecting clients within Alberta’s continuing care system.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to support coordination and resolution of policy and operational issues.
• The ability to navigate cross-ministry and cross-system policy issues involving competing priorities and political sensitivities.
• The ability to conduct forward-looking and exploratory analysis while responding to emerging and time-sensitive issues.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects, competing priorities, and diverse stakeholder expectations in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of government decision-making processes, policy development, and how political and strategic priorities influence work.
• The ability to build and maintain effective relationships and partnerships with internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Adaptability to shifting priorities, changing direction, and evolving policy or program requirements.
• The ability to work independently with minimal supervision while exercising sound judgment in policy and operational decisions.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to engage with senior leadership, committees, and cross-ministry partners.

The Job Description is provided for Further details on 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. 

• Agility: Must be able to anticipate, assess, and readily adapt to changing priorities, maintain resilience, and work effectively in changing environments.
• Drive for Results: Sets goals and prioritizes work to accomplish them. Follows through on duties and tasks and reports on progress.
• Develop Networks: Proactively builds networks, foster connections, and establishes trust in relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Systems Thinking: Understands how work contributes to the achievement of departmental goals. Anticipates changes in own area based on activities in other areas.
• Creative Problem Solving: Have the ability to assess options and implications in new ways to achieve outcomes and solutions.
• Build Collaborative Environment: Leads and contributes to the conditions and environments that allow people to work collaboratively and productively to achieve outcomes.

Qualifications

Minimum Recruitment Standards: 
University graduation (4 years) in a related field such as Public Policy, Social Sciences, Health Sciences, Political Science, etc. plus four (4) years progressively responsible related experience such as Policy Analysis, Policy Development, Project Management, Issues Management, Performance Measurement, etc.; 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:

• Experience working with grant programs.
• Experience writing briefing notes, options papers, reports, or decision-making documents for senior leadership.
• Experience conducting research and environmental scans using qualitative and quantitative data sources.
• Experience leading or supporting complex, multi-stakeholder projects or initiatives.
• Experience with continuing care sector, health service delivery, economics, health care or business strategies, health legislation and regulation, or the theory and practice of policy analysis.

Minimum recruitment standards outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification. 

Notes

Hours of Work: 08:15 AM to 04:30 PM, Monday to Friday. This is a full-time permanent position, working 36.25 hours per week.

Location: The opportunity is located at ATB Place North, 10025 Jasper Avenue, Edmonton or Alberta Government Services Building, 710 - 4 Ave SW, Calgary.

If a security screening is required:
•    Final candidates may be required to undergo a criminal records check (CRC). 

A cover letter outlining how your experience relates to the qualifications of this role is required. In your cover letter, please briefly summarize:

      1) How your professional and/or academic background relates to this role, including your direct and transferable expertise and skills.
      2) Reasons for interest in this role.

Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.

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 we have to offer: 
•    Working for the Alberta Public Service   
•    Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP)
•    Alberta Public Service Benefit Information
•    Professional learning and development
•    Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool
•    Positive workplace culture and work-life balance.