Strategic Initiatives Analyst

Role Responsibilities

Reporting to the Manager, the Strategic Initiatives Analyst assists with the development and implementation plans for agreements, initiatives, programs, policies and grants. The position fosters and champions a collaborative approach, and presents recommendations and options to address the challenges, integration and prioritization of programs, policies and initiatives that support FNMI learner needs, improve education outcomes and increase capacity to participate in developing long-term solutions and approaches. This position is responsible for undertaking qualitative and quantitative research that supports the department's programs and policies relating to Indigenous student success; this includes application of assurance methods to ensure performance metrics are met. Responsibilities also include community engagement, development of operational guidelines and drafting communications in regards to educational materials, correspondence, ministry briefings and reporting.

Some duties include:

1. Support the ministry's effort to ensure eligible Indigenous organizations have the funding capacity required to participate in provincial grants, programs, strategies, and/or initiatives designed to enhance and strengthen Indigenous education.
2. Developing and maintaining strong and productive relationships with Indigenous stakeholders, strategic alliances with ministry divisions, partnering ministries, education stakeholders, intragovernmental, intergovernmental and external partners to foster common understanding, respect and open dialogue.
3. Support leadership in planning visits to Indigenous communities, organizations and partners.
4. Supporting the Minister's relationships with key partners and supporting fulfillment of the Minister's responsibilities pursuant to provincial legislation, programs and services.
5. Participate in Committees and Panels.
6. Continuous improvement efforts within and for the Branch.

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.

Develop Networks - Ensures regular contact with stakeholders and strives to build strong connections within these relationships. Maintains accurate and detailed records of interactions with stakeholders.
Agility - Identifies and manages required change and the associated risks.
Build Collaborative Environment - Build and maintain a win-win relationship with communities.
Systems Thinking - Understands that Indigenous student success depends on identifying and addressing long-standing and complex systemic barriers. Some of these barriers stem from within the education system itself while others lie within other systems, including health, legal, and social service systems.

Qualifications

University graduation in Education, Indigenous/Native Studies,  Political Science, Social Sciences or a related field plus 4 years directly related experience is required.

Equivalencies maybe considered - 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.

The position requires the following skills and abilities: 

• Ability to develop and maintain positive relationships with a variety of internal and external stakeholders and partners including across multiple government levels.
• Ability to lead, coordinate and guide the conversation/engagement process on complex initiatives,
• Issues management, project management and planning skills to handle multiple priorities, and changing demands and timelines,
• Strong facilitation and negotiating skills to promote consensus, collaboration and integration of initiatives

The following skills and abilities are assets:

• Strong political acumen and an ability to navigate changing priorities,
• Ability to weigh multiple needs to maximize results and achieve the best solutions,
• Familiarity with Indigenous cultures, histories and knowledge.

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

• This is a full-time permanent position working 36.25 hours per week, Monday to Friday.
• Working location is 44 Capital Boulevard, 10044 -108 St. NW, Edmonton

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 has 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