Senior Policy Analyst

Role Responsibilities

Reporting to the Senior Manager, Distribution, 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 and the way they interplay to provide for a functioning market.

Responsibilities include detailed analysis of policy options and regulations that may have an impact on Alberta's electricity sector, as well as collaboration with other internal and external stakeholders, such as other GoA departments, municipal and federal government departments, distribution utilities, retailers, consumers, and independent agencies such as the Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO), the Market Surveillance Administrator (MSA), and the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) to understand issues, solicit feedback and develop solutions to address concerns and impacts to the electricity market. They will contribute strong analytic skills to the branch and assist the department in achieving the Government of Alberta's objectives.

This position is also responsible for:

1. Provides in-depth research and analysis, related to electricity policy (utility regulatory framework, distribution, and retail electricity market).

• Monitors and scans the environment, on an ongoing basis, to identify important policy developments in other jurisdictions. 
• Research relevant information, analysis, and assessment of compatibility or incompatibility and potential impacts with Alberta's retail electricity and natural gas policies.
• Evaluates Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) decisions and Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) rules to determine alignment with electricity policy and identifies related impacts.
• Provides analysis and recommendations on issues such as industry initiatives that could impact Alberta's electricity sector.
• Adapts and uses appropriate wide range of research methodologies, including forecasting, analyzing data and statistics, utilizing social or economic databases, or leading research projects.
• Manages and leads the development of policies, regulations and legislation to implement refinements that enhance Alberta's electricity market structure and framework.

2. Provides sound advice and recommendations on public policy related to electricity (utility regulatory framework, distribution, and retail electricity and natural gas markets).

• Prepares written reports, papers, and briefing materials, with recommendations for consideration by Executive Team and the Minister.
• Research and analysis to conduct assessment of policy options.
•  Prepares, and advises on policy recommendations for new policies, policy changes and policy options.
• Key contributions to this work include research, consideration of stakeholder input, drafting and review of legislative/regulatory approval package documents and briefings. (Development includes drafting certain regulations, consulting on drafts, obtaining necessary approvals, etc.)

Role Responsibilities (cont'd)

3. Consults with internal and external stakeholders (with a focus on indigenous engagement) to respond to emerging issues and provide policy clarity and support.

• Undertakes research and supports consultation activities to better understand an issue area and the views and concerns of electricity sector stakeholders.
• Coordinates and contributes to the development of information delivered to stakeholders including the electricity sector, the public, and other interested parties.
• Builds and maintains effective working relationships within the Branch, Government, and Agencies, and with other governments, stakeholders and organizations, to support development and delivery of electricity policies and initiatives.
• Main point of contact for various projects (e.g., engagement, regulation development or amendments).

4. Provides project management and coordination for policy development and implementation initiatives.

• Develops and coordinates project management for policy development and implementation initiatives, such as development of terms of reference, project planning, project budgeting, and stakeholder identification, project monitoring and reporting.
• Researches and supports consultation activities to better understand an issue area and the views and concerns of electricity sector stakeholders.
• Prepares final reports, briefing materials, presentations to management and/or external stakeholders for information and/or decision.
• Builds and maintains effective working relationships within the Branch, Government, and Agencies, and with other governments, stakeholders and organizations, to support development and delivery of electricity policies and initiatives.

5. Provides leadership and/or coordination to projects and actively participates in committees and related initiatives.

• Represents the department by leading/actively participating in multi-stakeholder committees and project teams.
• Represents and contributes as a team member on broader Division and Alberta Energy and initiatives.
• Contributes to building and maintaining a positive work environment within the Branch and the Division.
• Provides feedback and ideas to management in support of the Branch and Departmental business plan objectives and activities.
• Provides authoritative advice and input to and/or represents the Branch in departmental committees and working groups.

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.

• Systems Thinking: Anticipates outcomes and potential impacts across inter-related areas in the electricity system and factors this into engagement planning.
• Creative Problem Solving: Accesses resources, information and technology from other areas, and uses it to analyze issues, resolve problems, and improve performance.
• Build Collaborative Environments: Engages others to think broadly about impacts of projects, brings differing perspectives together, and encourages debate. Works with others to identify and remove barriers to progress.
• Develop Networks: Considers how changes might impact colleagues, clients and stakeholders, and actively seeks their input and/or involvement regarding those changes.
• Drive for Results: Openly acknowledges personal responsibility for outcomes, even when not all elements of a situation are within direct control but could have been managed through influence.

Qualifications

University graduation in a related field (Economics, Commerce, Law, Science, Engineering, Public Policy, Public Administration, Arts, etc.) and 4 years of progressively responsible related experience is required.

Equivalency:

Related education or experience considered based on:

• 1 year of education for 1 year of experience; or
• 1 year of experience for 1 year of education.

Required Experience:

• Experience coordinating and delivering complex projects or workstreams involving multiple stakeholders.

Assets:

• Experience working within Natural Gas or Electricity sectors, related Agencies, Consumer Groups, or Utilities in increasingly responsible related roles.
• Experience in interpreting relevant legislation, regulatory framework, and policies such as Electric Utilities Act, Gas Utilities Act, Alberta Utilities Commission Act) to provide feasible recommendations to management and executive leadership.
• Demonstrated experience conducting complex analysis and developing evidence‑based recommendations in a policy, regulatory, or strategic context.
• Experience analyzing utility cost structures, rate impacts, capital planning, or economic implications of regulatory changes.

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:

• 8:15 am to 4:30 pm
• 36.25 hours per week (full-time) Monday to Friday.

Term of Employment:

• Temporary (2 Years)

Location:

•  Edmonton

In your resume, please include dates (including months and years) associated with all education and work experience. For example, January 2006 – June 2009 (part-time). This example is provided for illustrative purposes only. Applicants are encouraged to present their information clearly and thoroughly, using a format that best conveys their experience.

Cover letter is Mandatory.

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.
• Leadership and mentorship programs.