Senior Policy Analyst

Role Responsibilities

Reporting to the Manager of Policy and Programs, this role is responsible for leading the planning, research, and reporting necessary to develop policies and manage grant programs aimed at addressing key social challenges. The position involves administering programs such as FCSS, the Civil Society Fund, and affordability initiatives, while ensuring compliance with legislated and financial requirements. It requires regular engagement with stakeholders, including municipalities, Métis Settlements, and civil society organizations, to exchange information, solve issues, and develop preventive solutions to social challenges.

The position advises senior management on program and policy development and provides insight into emerging social issues, risks, and opportunities. It also fosters and maintains effective partnerships with ministries, municipalities, and other organizations to support the delivery of preventive social services and ensure alignment across programs.

This position is responsible for supporting the development, implementation, and ongoing monitoring of programs, policies, and legislation designed to enhance the well-being of vulnerable Albertans. Key responsibilities include managing and evaluating initiatives such as the Family and Community Support Services (FCSS), Food Bank funding, Low-Income Transit Program (LITP), and the Civil Society Fund (CSF), ensuring alignment with Ministry goals and priorities. The role also involves full-cycle grant management, including overseeing financial activities, ensuring compliance with legislation, monitoring program outcomes, and supporting municipalities, Métis Settlements, and civil society organizations in the effective delivery of services.

In addition to program oversight, the position provides strategic advice to senior leadership, engages with stakeholders, and conducts research and analysis to inform preventive social service strategies. The role requires collaboration with internal teams, such as finance and legal, to develop policies, track project milestones, and ensure the timely completion of initiatives. It also involves preparing briefings, analyzing program data, and offering expert recommendations on emerging trends, social issues, and best practices to support informed decision-making.

The position is a key advisor and communicator, addressing complex and politically sensitive inquiries while supporting community capacity-building efforts. Stakeholder engagement is critical to developing and maintaining support for policy initiatives, and the role ensures effective communication of major accomplishments and emerging issues to senior leadership. By facilitating the development and delivery of preventive social services, the position directly impacts the Ministry’s ability to design programs that enhance the well-being of Albertans and meet government priorities.

Please click on this link JR66313-PS4-Senior Policy Analyst-JD 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.

In this role, you will contribute to our team by demonstrating the following behavioral competencies:
•    Agility: Sees the need and readily steps in to help others on the team; anticipates change and adapts behaviour; accordingly, open to changes; takes advantage of opportunities to improve program development and implementation processes.
•    Build Collaborative Environments: Creates opportunities for project teams and stakeholder to share information; respects others' point-of-view; encourages or facilitates conflict resolution; recognizes performance of all groups involved.
•    Creative Problem Solving: Helps manage projects with multiple stakeholders simultaneously and can use planning skills, analytical and creative thinking to arrive at innovative solutions. 
•    Develop Networks: Builds relationships by following through on commitments, demonstrating integrity and respect for others; informs key stakeholders of relevant information in a timely manner; seeks and applies the perspectives and needs of colleagues and stakeholders.
•    Drive for Results: Sets and accomplishes goals and priorities; factors in complexity of issues and aligns plans based on government direction; removes barriers to collaboration; provides informed advice.
•    Develop Self and Others: Manages a team and provides effective guidance, support, and professional development. Must provide timely and constructive feedback to ensure strong performance and leverage strengths when assigning roles. 
•    Systems Thinking: Anticipate outcomes and potential impacts across interrelated areas and will factor this into planning.

Qualifications

University graduation in a related field plus 4 years progressively responsible related experience (A degree in public or business administration, social sciences, community development, education, etc.)

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:

•    Strong knowledge of community development, outcome measurement, and emerging issues in preventive policies, strategies, and integrated inter-sectoral approaches.
•    Proficient in legislative processes, provincial and community prevention networks, and applicable legislation (e.g., Family and Community Support Services Act, Municipal Government Act).
•    Expertise in financial management, grant administration, information technology, and project management principles.
•    Demonstrated problem-solving, consulting, negotiating, and relationship-building skills to effectively engage diverse stakeholders and manage complex social issues.
•    Strong written and verbal communication, decision-making, and facilitation skills, with the ability to work under pressure and manage resources efficiently.

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, Monday – Friday.

This posting would be used to fill 1 permanent position, work location - Edmonton.

In your resume, please 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.

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. 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.