Senior Policy Planner

Role Responsibilities

Reporting to the Manager, Career and Employment Information Services, the Senior Policy Planner is responsible for specific employment and training programs and services as assigned, as well as the coordination of related activities, program policies, and initiatives that support the skills and labour force development of Albertans.

The Senior Policy Planner serves as the link between policy and practical, on-the-ground programs and services delivered by ALSS staff and service providers to thousands of Albertans. This role identifies labour force and labour market issues, analyzes complex policy, program, and legislative matters, and supports policy direction for the Division, the Department, and across government. Responsibilities include conducting research, analysis, and consultation, as well as providing input and support for systems development.

The Senior Policy Planner develops recommendations, briefing materials, and a wide variety of written documents for consideration by senior management and the Minister. The Minister and senior management rely on the Senior Policy Planner’s information and advice to make key decisions on current and future programs and services. The work of the Senior Policy Planner directly impacts the delivery system and the individuals who deliver and receive programs and services. This position also represents the Ministry/Division with external stakeholders and may supervise co-op students, work experience placements, and program planners.

As the Senior Policy Planner, your key objectives will include:

•    Coordinating the development of multiple program and service options, which may include new policies or revisions to existing policies, procedures, and legislation for consideration and decision by the Minister and senior management.
•    Amending program policies, procedures, and legislation as required to reflect approved decisions.
•    Providing program support and maintenance.
•    Undertaking project management responsibilities on complex, multi-stakeholder projects.
•    Contributing to the goals of the unit.

Please click on this link JR77434 Senior Policy Planner 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.

As the Senior Policy Planner, in addition to your education and experience, you will demonstrate well-honed competencies in the following areas:
•    Agility - Demonstrated ability to manage and adapt to change. Ability to manage human, financial, and physical resources within an operating environment.
•    Drive for Results - Leadership skills, including demonstrated ability and comfort with decision making responsibilities, coaching and teaching, and the ability to inspire and build confidence in others.
•    Develop Self and Others - Proven ability to foster partnerships and to achieve organizational goals within an organization.
•    Build Collaborative Environments - Strong track record in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
•    Develop Networks - Ability to foster a climate of cooperation amongst, and build solid relationships with public agencies, government, committees and other partners.
•    Systems Thinking - Effective leadership abilities combined with a strong commitment to operating within a team environment and the ability to motivate and inspire other to achieve common goals.
•    Creative Problem Solving - Excellent analytical and decision-making skills

Qualifications

University graduation in a field related to the position assignment, supplemented by four years related experience.

Equivalency:

Directly related education or experience considered on the basis of:

    1 year of education for 1 year of experience.
    1 year of experience for 1 year of education.

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

Assets:

•    Knowledge and expertise to respond to the career development, training and income support needs of a variety of client groups, including aboriginal people and groups, immigrants and older workers.
•    Knowledge and expertise related to career development, assessment, adult education and apprenticeships and trades, labour market development and issues related to low income, low literacy and essential skills and employment barriers.
•    High degree of resourcefulness and creativity in meeting the varied, multiple, and at times, conflicting needs of clients, training providers, contractors, the community and the Department.
•    An understanding of the overall framework of Government and the mandate and priorities of ALSS 
•    A thorough knowledge of ALSS contract management policies
•    A thorough knowledge and application of the legislation as it directly and indirectly impacts the work, including the Income and Employment Supports Act and its regulations, the Government Loans and Grants Regulation, Labour Market Development Agreement.
•    A thorough knowledge of government processes and the steps required for act and regulation changes
•    In-depth knowledge of collective agreements, supervisory responsibilities, and the policy context in which programs and services operate, including their history, framework, and alignment with ALSS goals. 
•    Strong conceptual, analytical, and critical thinking abilities; capable of synthesizing complex material, identifying key issues, and developing effective strategies and solutions. 
•    Solid understanding of labour market trends in Alberta, Canada, and globally, combined with expertise in project management methodologies and tools. 
•    Excellent verbal, written, consultative, and negotiation skills; ability to work independently or collaboratively with stakeholders at all levels, demonstrating political sensitivity and conflict resolution skills. 
•    Proven ability to manage changing priorities, tight timelines, and limited resources; proficient in MS Office and related platforms, with strong leadership, time management, and organizational skills.

Notes

•    Hours of work are 36.25 weekly, Monday to Friday.

•    The position is full-time.

•    While the team is currently based in Edmonton, this position is not restricted to Edmonton. Alternative locations may be considered subject to the availability of Government of Alberta workspace.

•    A written assessment exercise may be required as part of the interview process. This will be administered during the interview.

•    This competition may be used to fill future vacancies across the Employment and Financial Services division at the same classification level.

•    Final candidates will be required to undergo a security screening. A Criminal Record Check will only need to be provided upon request.  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.

•    Candidates must be eligible to work in Canada and live in Alberta.

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.