Senior Policy Analyst

Role Responsibilities

Reporting to the Manager, Electricity Sustainability and Innovation , the Senior Policy Analyst position plays a leading role in the development of expert advice and recommendations for public policy concerning Alberta's electricity industry. 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, electricity producers and consumers, Non-Government Organizations (NGOs), and independent agencies such as the Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO), the Market Surveillance Administrator (MSA), the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) and others as necessary to understand issues, solicit feedback and develop solutions to address concerns and impacts to the electricity system and market.

1. Provides in-depth research and analysis, related to electricity policy (generation, transmission and markets).

• Monitors and scans the environment, on an ongoing basis, to identify important policy developments in other jurisdictions.
• Researches relevant information, analysis, and assessment of compatibility or incompatibility and potential impacts with Alberta's electricity policy.
• Evaluates literature and gathers accurate and relevant background information about problems or issues.
• Evaluates Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) and Market Surveillance Administrator (MSA) 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 a wide range of research methodologies, including forecasting, analyzing data and statistics, utilizing social or economic databases, or leading research projects.
• Liaises in departmental, intergovernmental and industry committees in which electricity policy must be a considered element.
• 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 (generation, transmission and markets).

• Completes assigned Action Requests in an accurate and timely manner.
• 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, advises, and makes recommendations for new policies, policy changes and policy options.
• Facilitates and collaborates with the Legal team and Branch team in drafting: legislation, regulations and amendments. Key contributions to this work includes 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.)
• Lead the implementation of approved policies and programs.

Role Responsibilities (Cont'd)

3. Engages, collaborates, and consults with internal and external stakeholders in order 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 documents and presentations to share with 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., distributed generation, transmission policy and transmission line projects, 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.

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.
• Participates in planning meetings for the development of the Branch business plans.
• Provides accurate information on issues or projects to stakeholders in a timely manner.
• Provides authoritative advice and input to and/or represents the Branch in departmental committees and working groups.
• Recommends the appropriate course of action to the Executive for approval.

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: Takes into consideration the impact of policies on broad government objectives and takes a long-term view towards organization’s objectives and how to achieve them.

Creative Problem Solving: Leverage subject matter expertise to develop policy recommendations on electricity related issues.

Build Collaborative Environments: Engaging with other departments or team members to examine broader implication of proposed policy direction.

Agility: Being able to adapt quickly to sudden changes in policy direction and government objectives.

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

A University degree in a related field (public admin, social sciences, engineering, public policy, environmental science, law or business, or other related field, supplemented by four years progressively responsible experience.

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:

• Experience in interpreting legislation, regulatory frameworks, and/or policies.
• Experience in drafting policy briefs, briefings, reports, and/or recommendations for decision-makers.

Assets:

• Contract & grant management experience.
• Experience in data analysis and the development of reports.
• Experience working within Energy and/or Electricity sectors, related Agencies, Consumer Groups, or Utilities in increasingly responsible related roles.

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:

• Preferred.

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 Preferred.

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.