Senior Policy Analyst

Role Responsibilities

Are you ready to shape the future of Alberta’s electricity system? Consider joining a dynamic team where your expertise will help drive transformation to deliver affordability and reliability. Alberta’s electricity sector is a unique and in the midst of change, as we innovate to adapt our policy frameworks to incorporate new technologies and meet the challenge of a shifting generation mix. 
 

As a Senior Policy Analyst, you will support the development and implementation of forward-thinking policies that deliver a resilient grid, enable private investment, and drive efficiency. You will collaborate with key agencies like the Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO), the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC), and the Market Surveillance Administrator (MSA) as well as key stakeholders. 

If you are comfortable in the midst of complexity, intellectually curious and able to integrate multidisciplinary sources of information into your advice - we want you on our team! This is your opportunity to influence high-impact decisions and contribute to Alberta’s energy future. 

We are seeking a strategic and collaborative professional who takes a long-term, values-driven approach to achieving organizational goals. Reporting to the Manager, Generation and Transmission, the Senior Policy Analyst provides a leading role in the development of expert advice and recommendations for public policy concerning Alberta's electricity industry. The Senior Policy Analyst has a thorough understanding of the policy, technical, economic, business and regulatory aspects of the electricity industry in Alberta.

Policy and Legislative Development

• Analyze legislative, regulatory, and market conditions to identify gaps and opportunities.
• Draft policies and regulations aligned with provincial objectives.
• Ensure policy alignment with overarching government strategies.
• Coordinate departmental input to support coherent policy development.

Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration

• Engage with internal and external stakeholders including Government of Alberta departments, municipal and federal governments, electricity producers and consumers, non government organizations, and independent agencies such as Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO), the Market Surveillance Administrator (MSA), the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) and the Balancing Pool (BP).
• Facilitate consultation sessions and gather feedback to refine proposals and gauge impacts.

Electricity Market and Transmission Policy

• Consider Alberta’s deregulated market framework in the design and assessment of transmission policies.
• Collaborate with the Markets Policy unit and regulatory bodies to identify emerging issues.
• Recommend policy adjustments to address concerns.
• Use analytical skills to evaluate complex systems and identify root causes.

Role Continued

Infrastructure and System Planning

• Review generation and transmission plans and forecasts to ensure reliable electricity supply.
• Identify policy levers to encourage infrastructure investment when needed.
• Analyze system resiliency and long-term supply adequacy.
• Demonstrate adaptability and proactive problem-solving in uncertain situations.

Research and Strategic Analysis

• Conduct environmental scanning and anticipate issues impacting Alberta’s electricity system.
• Synthesize stakeholder input into clear policy positions.
• Track and interpret evolving electricity economics, technologies, and inter-provincial or federal policy changes.

Communication and Executive Support

• Prepare briefings, reports, and presentations for management, executives, and agency staff.
• Lead internal consultations across government departments
• Communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively to diverse audiences.

Please click on this link to view the job description.

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.

• Systems Thinking: Takes a strategic, long-term approach by anticipating impacts, aligning with APS values, engaging stakeholders, and fostering collaboration.
• Creative Problem Solving: Engages community and resources to solve problems by uncovering root causes, improving systems, leveraging cross-functional support, and fostering open dialogue.
• Build Collaborative Environments: Collaborates across functions by promoting open thinking, reducing conflict early, recognizing others, and driving communication and commitment.
• Drive for Results: Takes ownership and delegates effectively by monitoring performance, accepting responsibility, aligning with APS goals, and prioritizing the public good.
• Agility: Leads change effectively by exploring alternatives, communicating impacts, managing emotions, overcoming obstacles, and acting decisively with contingency plans.

Qualifications

University graduation in economics, business, environmental science, engineering, law, social sciences or a related field 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.

Required experience:

• Policy development
• Project management
• Research analysis
• Facilitiation/consultation

Assets:

• Knowledge of electricity-related Acts, Regulations, and agency rules such as the Electric Utilities Act, Alberta Utilities Commission Act, Hydro and Electric Energy Act and Transmission Regulation.
• Understanding of the mandate of Alberta ministry of Affordability and Utilities.
• Work experience or knowledge relating to electricity markets, electricity generation and transmission, or power engineering. Work experience at a utility, independent power producer or electricity sector regulator.
• Expertise in market design, micro-economic policy or policy research. 

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 (full-time) Monday to Friday.

Term of Employment: 
•    Temporary – 18 months 

Location:
•    Edmonton, Alberta

Cover letter is Mandatory. 

This competition may be used to fill future vacancies at the program services three level. If you are willing to be considered at a lower classification and salary within the Generation, Transmission and Markets team please indicate on your cover letter.
Please note, for all work experience use the following date range format and indicate Full-Time and/or Part-time experience in your resume: 
•    Ex. [Month, Year – Month, Year]- (PT and/or FT) 

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 the GoA has to offer:

• 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.