Senior Policy Analyst

Role Responsibilities

Experience in the Public Service Commission provides valuable insight into human resources policies and processes and large-scale workforce programs that can be leveraged throughout a career in the Alberta Public Service (APS).

Part of the Workforce Policy and Public Agency Governance Branch, the Strategic Planning and Policy unit provides strategic policy development services and supports briefing and decision-making processes. The unit provides a leadership role in coordinating and developing effective policy responses to a range of priority, emerging, and cross-cutting issues that impact the APS including legislative amendments as required. The unit also performs the role of secretariat, including strategic advice and meeting support, for federal/provincial/territorial activities and for a Deputy Minister sub-committee focused on the workforce.  

As the Senior Policy Analyst, you will play an integral role in policy development that supports the PSC’s strategic policy agenda to ensure an efficient and effective public service working for Albertans. This role identifies and develops evidence-based policy and frameworks related to human resource and workforce issues that have impact across the APS.

A typical day in the role includes time spent conducting research and issue analysis, developing options, and drafting briefing notes and other materials to support decision-makers on issues impacting the APS workforce. You will provide strategic advice and analysis to support decision makers, including the ED, ADMs, DM, and the Minister. You will also facilitate meetings with PSC and APS colleagues to collaborate on projects and coordinate cross-ministry and other ad-hoc requests that come into the unit. As a Senior Analyst, you will maintain a leadership role in carrying out policy and planning projects and provide mentorship and support to other analysts and interns in the unit. You will also work within and contribute to the positive workplace culture that exists within the branch and division. 

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: ability to anticipate, assess, and readily adapt to changing priorities, maintain resilience in times of uncertainty and effectively work in a changing environment. Adaptability and flexibility to adjust priorities and schedules for self as needed to meet the needs of each initiative. 
• Drive for results: able to determine what outcomes are important and maximizing resources to achieve results that are aligned with the goals of the organization, while maintaining accountability to each other and stakeholders. 
• Build collaborative environments:  ability to lead and contribute to the conditions and environments that allow people to work collaboratively and productively to achieve outcomes.
• Creative problem solving: ability to assess options and implications in new ways to achieve outcomes and solutions.
   

Qualifications

A University graduation in a related field (e.g., public policy, political science, business, human resources) plus 4 years progressively responsible related experience. An advanced degree in public policy, public administration or political science is preferred.
 

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. 

Experience in the following areas is preferred:

• Experience with the public policy development process, including issue identification, research, analysis, decision making, consultation, and implementation. 
• Experience developing effective relationships and working with multiple interests to develop shared understanding and outcomes.  
• Experience interpreting legislation, regulations and/or policies. 
• Well-developed project management and direction skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including: Clear and concise writing ability, strong listening skills, public speaking and presentation skills, and diplomacy and professionalism.

Your cover letter and resume will be used to assess writing skills and attention to detail.

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

This competition may be used to fill current and future vacancies at equal or lesser classification across the Government of Alberta.

Hours of Work: 7.25 hours per day / 36.25 hours per week - Monday to Friday, 8:15am to 4:30pm.

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