Senior Policy Analyst

Role Responsibilities

We have exciting full time permanent opportunity within the Ministry of Advanced Education. 

The Senior Policy Analyst is responsible for contributing, and providing some leadership to issues identification, research and analysis, consultation/engagement, options development, decision-making, implementation, and evaluation. 

The Senior Policy Analyst will lead and contribute to policy teams; represent the department on cross-ministry policy committees; prepare and provide input to papers and briefings; identify issues and potential policy responses; contribute to stakeholder engagement; provide perspective and alignment with strategic priorities on a wide array of issues; support the policy activities of other units in the department, support the development of frameworks; provide strategic advice to the Minister and other senior leaders; and advise on legislative issues. This role may also provide direct supervision to entry-level positions within the unit.

It is necessary for the position to take into consideration complex programs, funding approaches, research, societal issues, and political and stakeholder sensitivities, and ensure alignment with government priorities, established policies and legislation, and environmental factors. The impact of the scope of the job is broad, affecting the adult learning system in Alberta and the province's broader agenda. 

This position function within the parameters of applicable government and department legislation, regulations, policies, directives, and procedures. 

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1. Provide support to senior decision makers, including the Minister, throughout the policy development process to ensure policies and associated programs align with government and department strategic goals, directions, and established policies and legislation; reflect stakeholder requirements; and address issues and trends pertaining to the adult learning system.
 

• Coordinate, support, and provide leadership, when required, using a systems-thinking approach, throughout the entire policy development process, including:
   
  • Issues identification - through environmental scanning, and identification of effects of other policy decisions within the department and across government.
  • Research and analysis - conduct research, and coordinate with other branches in the department and across government to inform policy development, and explain issues identified in order to clearly articulate the essential issues to be addressed.
  • Engagement - work with colleagues in the department to facilitate stakeholder engagement to help build policy options.
  • Options development - develop documents that frame issues within the policy and political context to identify options for addressing issues, based on research and a broad understanding of government and department priorities and goals.
  • Decision making - assist with and develop appropriate materials (briefing notes, business cases, position papers, Memoranda to Cabinet, etc.) for senior department officials to identify potential issues, options, advice, and recommendations as part of the process of informing strategic decision making and planning.
  • Implementation - collaborate and consult with department colleagues, stakeholders, and other departments concerning the implementation of strategic policy frameworks, both during the development of options, and implementation, in order to inform the strategies developed as well as ensure implementation is in line with the policy direction; and
  • Evaluation and performance measurement - identify and develop assessment mechanisms to determine whether policies achieve the intended outcomes, working with other representatives in the department when required to develop or refine performance measures.
  • Deliver presentations to external and internal groups to support policy development, issues identification, and policy implementation and determining impacts.
  • Participate on policy teams and/or committees within the department to support policy coordination and implementation.
  • Support other units in the department with respect to the implementation of operational and program policies.
  • Lead collaborations with AE staff from Governance, Legal Services, Legislative Services to develop key policy deliverables (including draft policies, and approval documents) and legislative/regulatory amendments, collaborating with other divisions/program areas as needed.

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2. Provide key support, and leadership when required, to strategic, priority policy initiatives and projects that contribute to the advancement of Alberta's adult learning system. 
 

• Participate on, and sometimes lead, strategic policy committees, teams and working groups associated with the department’s adult learning system.
• Support other units in delivering on key policy priorities.
• Consult with other department officials, other government departments, and external stakeholders on policy changes. 
• Provide the Minister, senior decision makers and officials within the department with timely, relevant and accurate information on policy issues, including perspective and information for possible statutory/regulatory changes.
• Lead and support in the development of discussion papers, decision-making documents, issue briefings, consultation documents and other policy documents, which includes framing the policy and legislative issues within the context of department and government priorities. 

3. Work closely with members of other units in the department and with other departments to support the development of Alberta's adult learning system to achieve the strategic objectives outlined for it under department direction-setting documents.
 

• Identify, analyze and provide advice on emerging trends, key policy issues, program opportunities, and adult learning developments in other jurisdictions and countries.
• Develop recommendations and strategic options related to adult learning policy for consideration by senior departmental officials, based on research, evidence and best practices.
• Apply a strategic policy perspective to identify issues and help develop recommendations for the development and/or amendment of legislation and regulations to achieve the objectives for the adult learning system.
• Provide consultation/engagement advice, and analytical support to enhance stakeholder engagement projects.

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4. Support the Executive Director, Director, and Manager in achieving the mandate and goals of the Policy, Planning, and Coordination Branch and help with supervision of policy analyst staff. Representing stakeholder interests within the ministry, and ministry interests to stakeholders. 
 

• Provide input, perspective, and recommendations relating to issues, opportunities, challenges, and options associated with branch work.
• Develop briefings and other documents in response to requests from the Minister, Deputy Minister and Executive Team, as well as to bring issues identified within the branch to the attention of those senior decisionmakers.
• Develop key messages, briefings and other materials on behalf of the branch to support the Minister during sittings of the Legislative Assembly.
• Participate in, and occasionally lead, departmental committees, cross-functional teams, and working groups, providing branch perspectives and expertise to ensure thoroughness and consistency in policy and program development.
• Collaborate with branch and department staff to ensure coordination and integration of activities and promote collaboration within the branch and department and with system stakeholders.
• Establish and maintain relationships with department and cross-government representatives and stakeholders.
• Develop recommendations to support continual improvement of branch functions and maintain awareness of associated processes, tools, and best practices that can be tailored to meet branch requirements.
• Remain current and informed as to department issues, pro-actively recommending review and evaluation of policies and programs; and develop related options, strategies, and recommendations, in consultation with department representatives, by providing perspective and ensuring a coordinated approach that considers linkages across policies.
• Supervision and mentorship of policy analyst staff including ongoing allocation and management of workload and where needed, recruitment of team members, development of performance agreements and learning plans, and performance management, etc.) 

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 – Demonstrated ability to manage and adapt to change. Ability to manage human, financial and physical resources within an operating environment.
• Develop Networks –Ability to foster a climate of cooperation amongst, and build solid relationships with public agencies, government, committees, and other partners.
• Systems Thinking –Effective leadership abilities combined with a strong commitment to operating within a team environment and the ability to motivate and inspire others to achieve common goals.
• Creative Problem Solving –Excellent analytical and decision-making skills.

Qualifications

Requirements:
 

• Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field, supplemented by a minimum of four years of related progressively responsible experience is required. Related experience or education may be considered as an equivalency on a one-for-one basis.

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:
 

• An applicable graduate-level degree. 
• Knowledge of department programs, policies, legislation and regulations, culture, organizational structure, and functions of business areas. 
• Knowledge of the adult learning system, including providers' roles and mandates, interests, accountability structures, and funding mechanisms. 
• Experience in developing policies and knowledge of the policy development cycle. 
• Experience with policy research. 
• Ability to develop and maintain collaborative working relationships with internal and external stakeholders based on strong interpersonal and communication skills. 
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience presenting to teams and leadership. 
• Strong attention to detail and ability to work within short timeframes.
• Collaboration and consultation skills to gather information, identify options, and solicit ministry feedback. 

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-standard.

Notes

This is a permanent, full-time position working 36.25 hours per week, working Monday to Friday.

Working location: Commerce Place, 10155 – 102 St. NW, Edmonton.

Candidates are required to submit a resume and cover letter that succinctly demonstrate their qualifications against the job requirements, including education, experience, and relevant competencies. It's important for applicants to ensure their resume and cover letter clearly articulate how their past work experiences align with the role's qualifications and needs.

Please note that applications without a cover letter will not be considered.

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

The final candidates for this position will be asked to undergo an academic check, references and may be asked to complete a written exercise and/or assessment.

Final candidates may 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.

This competition may be used to fill future vacancies across the government of Alberta, at equal or lower classification and salary.

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 has 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
• Management Employees Pension Plan (MEPP) - https://www.mepp.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.