Special Advisor, R.D Policy

Role Responsibilities

The Retail, Distribution and Programs Branch of the Ministry of Affordability & Utilities is currently seeking to hire agile and driven Senior Policy Analysts with a keen understanding of the Alberta retail electricity and natural gas markets and distribution systems.

The Generation, Transmission and Markets Branch is also seeking a skilled Senior Policy Analyst with knowledge of the electricity industry and experience in policy development.  

The Senior Policy Analysts will work within a team environment and will focus on the following duties and responsibilities:
 

• Policy Development and Legislative support: Lead in the development of expert advice and recommendations for public policy concerning Alberta's electricity industry and natural gas policies.  Identify gaps in policy needs and provide analysis on pertinent research areas, anticipate challenges, proactively mitigates concerns and advocates program priorities. 
• Strategic Research and Advice: Perform research and analysis related to policy options and regulations that may have an impact on Alberta's electricity and natural gas sectors.The Senior Policy Analyst will contribute strong analytical skills to the branch to facilitate provision of expert, strategic, and sound advice to senior management and staff to assist in the development of policies, legislation, and regulations in achieving the Government of Alberta's objectives.  
• Stakeholder Engagement: Represent the Branch/Division at events and on multi-stakeholder working groups as well as collaborate 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 gather information, understand issues, solicit feedback and develop solutions to address concerns and impacts.
• Project Management and Leadership: Lead projects for policy development and implementation initiatives, such as development of terms of reference, project planning, project budgeting, and stakeholder identification, project monitoring and reporting working with cross-functional and cross-divisional teams and stakeholders. Successfully anchor multiple projects addressing diverse regulatory objectives
• Issue Analysis and Advisory: Assess and prioritize issues, conduct thorough research, coordinate information, and render accurate advice to Branch Leadership on existing and emerging issues.
• Reporting: Prepare reports, recommendations, briefing materials, and make presentations to internal and/or external stakeholders for information and/or decisions. Synthesize and translate critical information for policy and informational use.
   

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.

Competencies for this position include:
 

• Agility: Works in a changing environment and takes initiative to change. Remains aware of changing government priorities/policies. Takes opportunities to improve work processes and anticipates and adjusts behavior to the changes occurring.
• Drive for Results: Works to exceed goals and partner with others to achieve objectives. Plans based on past experiences. Holds self and others accountable for results. Partners with groups to achieve desired outcomes and exceed expectations. 
• Develop self and others: Seeks out learning and knowledge sharing opportunities. Reflects on performance and identifies development opportunities. Takes initiative to stay current. Shares with the team even when not requested to do so. Actively provides coaching and mentorship for direct reports.
• Build Collaborative Environments: Facilitates open communication and leverages team skill: Leverages skills and knowledge of others. Genuinely values and learns from others. Facilitates open and respectful conflict resolution. Recognizes and appreciates others.
• Creative Problem Solving: Breaks down problems, undertakes appropriate research and investigation and draws on experiences to solve problems. For example, suggesting improvements to current processes and identifying efficiencies. 
• Systems Thinking: Anticipate outcomes and potential impacts across interrelated areas. Understands, anticipates and accounts for the interrelated impacts of policy decisions across various groups and projects and factors this into planning.

Qualifications

Required:

University graduation in a related field such as Economics, Science, Social Sciences, Commerce, Engineering, Environmental Science, Law, Public Administration, Public Policy etc.) and 4 years of progressively responsible related experience is required. Related experience can include experience in the electricity sector, research and analysis, stakeholder engagement, technical writing and briefing, policy and/or program development, project management, and preparing regulatory applications. Equivalencies will be considered as described below:
 

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

Assets:

The following are considered assets for the position:
 

• Industry Experience: Experience working within the energy and/or electricity sector as wel as related agencies. 
• Legislative/Policy Interpretation: Experience with interpreting related legislation, regulations, and policies such as Electric Utilities Act, Gas Utilities Act, Alberta Utilities Commission Act to provide feasible recommendations to management and executive leadership. 
• Public Sector Experience: Experience working in the public sector or within public sector decision-making processes.
• Technical Skills: Significant experience in conducting in-depth research and analysis, technical writing and briefing, and management of multiple projects/programs.. 

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).
• Hybrid work options are available. 

Term of Employment:

• This competition will be used to fill two (2) permanent full time positions and one temporary (2year) position.

Location:

• North Petroleum Plaza, 9945 108 Street NW Edmonton, Alberta, T5K 2G6.
• Successful candidates must be willing to commute or relocate to Edmonton.

A written assessment may be used as part of the screening and selection process.

This competition maybe used to fill future vacancies across the Government of Alberta, at equal or lower classification and salary. 

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.
• 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.