Senior Policy Analyst

Role Responsibilities

Reporting to the Manager, Engagement and Policy, the Senior Policy Analyst is a policy expert whose main purpose is to lead, influence and support a wide variety of policy initiatives in thedepartment. The scope of the branch's work is system¬ wide and touches on many topics. Staff work closely with the divisions to develop policies and conduct research supporting departmental policy initiatives and priorities.   

The duties of a Senior Policy Analyst include, but are not limited to:

• Supporting day-to-day policy issues and contributing to departmental initiatives and priorities. This involves researching, analyzing assigned issues, creatively problem-solving, and gathering relevant information for reports, briefing notes, and correspondence in response to Action Requests from various stakeholders.
• Building credibility and relationships with key contacts in industry, government, academia, and stakeholders. This may include chairing cross-divisional policy committees comprising executive/senior managers and managers, focusing on capital planning, education, and social policy matters.
• Representing the department in interdepartmental committees addressing public policy issues affecting Forestry and Parks.  Additionally, representing the Corporate Strategic Services Branch on teams involving multiple ministries.
• Leading collaborative policy-related initiatives and acting as Manager, Engagement and Policy Coordination when necessary. This includes preparing briefing notes, action request responses, and executive correspondence as needed.
• Providing policy advice to departmental staff to ensure consistency and alignment with the department’s strategic direction.
• Supporting the development of integrated policy processes within the department and across ministries to ensure consistency and strategic alignment with common sector goals and Government of Alberta priority initiatives.

About Your Work Environment 
In this role, you will primarily be working in an office setting. You will have regular, on-going contact with Alberta Forestry and Parks’ Area staff, other ministries and external stakeholder groups.
 

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

About Your Competencies: 

• Systems Thinking - Considers the impact of strategies and changes on the work of clients, stakeholders, and team members and support organization vision and goals through strategic planning of tasks and considering relationships between different work approaches and their impact on different programs, divisions and ministries.
•  Drive for Results - Plans for and delivers results, from concrete deliverables to process improvements, managing resources effectively and ensuring attention to detail.
• Agility - Possesses an ability to create an adaptable environment and overcome barriers through proactive and flexible approach to work.
• Develop Networks - Maintain close relations with all stakeholders, actively incorporate the needs of the broader group, and ensure overall client satisfaction
• Develop self and others- Aims to learn from experiences, shift, and keep current with our skills and knowledge to remain competitive.

Qualifications

University graduation (4 years) in a related field referred in a related field such as political science, public policy, or public administration 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:

• Bachelor's degree (required) and a master's degree (preferred) in a related field such as political science, public policy, public administration to provide the necessary analytical and conceptual thinking abilities.
• Minimum of four years' experience in conducting policy and/or legislative research, analysis, and development, including various facets such as issue identification, research and analysis, options development, consultation, decision-making, implementation, and evaluation/performance measurement.
• Strong analytical, critical, and lateral thinking skills are essential, along with the ability to synthesize large amounts of information to identify emerging policy trends, issues, and implications. 
• Highly developed written and verbal communication skills. Executive Team, Minister, and public stakeholders are key clients; essential background, analysis and policy recommendations must be presented in a concise, clear, and neutral manner; communications to external audiences must be compelling and influential.
• Advanced thinking skills are required to integrate perspectives from various stakeholders and develop creative solutions.
• Maintaining credibility and positive relationships with ministry staff is essential to building trust, finding win/win solutions and obtaining support in areas of overlapping responsibility and/or conflicting opinion on how to proceed.
• The position requires strong project and team management skills, including the ability to influence other sectors, divisions, and ministries effectively. This involves anticipating and addressing concerns, seeking win/win solutions, and developing alternative approaches when required information and/or resources aren't available. 
• Strong negotiation, arbitration, and conflict resolution skills are also necessary to resolve differing opinions and conflicts between business unit experts and diverse team members on policy project teams.

Notes

This is a full-time, permanent opportunity located in Edmonton. This position works Monday to Friday, 8:15 AM - 4:30 PM, 36.25 hours a week.

In your application, please a include cover page detailing your interest, and role related experience. In your resume 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).

This position will require final candidates to undergo a security clearance. 
Candidates may be asked to complete a written assignment as a part of the interview process.

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.

What we offer:

• Working for the Alberta Public Service -https://www.alberta.ca/about-the-alberta-public-service
  • Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP) - https://www.pspp.ca/page/pspp-home
  • 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.