Program Officer

Role Responsibilities

The Ministry of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration has an exciting opportunity for you to join our team as Program Officer!

Reporting to the Manager, Strategic Initiatives, in the Regional and Northern Economic Development Branch, the Program Officer is responsible for ensuring that agency governance requirements are met by the Northern Alberta Development Council (NADC), conducting research and analysis on northern issues and programs, and ensuring that northern-focused programs within the department are designed and delivered effectively. 

As Program Officer, you will be accountable for the following activities, including, but not limited to:

Agency Governance – Northern Alberta Development Council (NADC):
 

• Support the design, delivery and implementation, evaluation and continual enhancement of guidelines and processes pertaining to accountability and governance requirements of NADC (e.g. recruitment, appointments, Mandate and Roles Documents), ensuring alignment with relevant legislation and policies.
• Work with NADC, JETI and GoA representatives to support strategy implementation where a stong NADX connection exist to ensure that NADC's perspective is considered.
  
  

Design, Delivery and Evaluation-Northern Development Programs:
 

• Support the design, delivery and evaluation of northern development programs (Northern Alberta Development Bursary Program and potential future programs). 
• Conduct environmental and jurisdictional scanning relating to NADC and JETI's priorities to influence overall strategic direction.

Strategic  Engagement:
 

• Conduct research and analysis to support the participation of the Northern Development Supports (NDS) unit in cross-government collaboration (for example, participation in working groups relatede to the mandate of NDS and NADC).
• Respond to requests for NADC-related information from Albertans, Minister's office and throughout the Ministry, other ministries, internal and external stakeholders. 
• Manage a network of relationships with JETI divisions and other ministries.

Unit / Branch Administration:
 

• Support the development, monitoring and reporting of the unit's contributions to the annual operational plan, budget and forecasting, business continuity plan, and other accountability requirements.

Information Requests/Action Requests/Briefings:
 

• Prepare reports, Action Request responses and briefings for senior leadership as directed by the Manager.
• Provide input from and NDS perspective to inform the development of northern development policy.

Please click on this link to view the job description for this position.

APS Competencies

Competencies are behaviours that are essential to reach our goals in serving Albertans.

This link will assist you with understanding competencies: https://www.alberta.ca/system/files/custom_downloaded_images/psc-alberta-public-service-competency-model.pdf.

In this role you will contributeto our team by demsonstrating the following behavioral competencies:
 

• Systems Thinking - The key role of this position is to ensure the work of northern development is reflected in government priorities. It is essential to understand the roles of each actor JETI, other departments, NADC) and their connectivity to be effective in the role.
• Agility – It is critical in supporting the ministry and NADC in adjusting approaches to meet governance and accountability needs in alignment with PAS, branch approaches and NADC needs.
• Develop Networks - Maintains relationships with a network of internal and external stakeholders, including NADC, JETI divisions and other ministries.
• Build Collaborative Environments - Develop and maintain positive and collaborative relationships with key individuals across the ministry and government in order to work together to track and meet deadlines for deliverables. As northern development touches on the mandates of multiple ministries, this position will have a relationship not only within JETI but with NADC and other ministries.

Qualifications

University graduation in public administration, political science, business, economics or related field, no experience required; or equivalent as described below. 

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

The position requires the following knowledge, skills and abilities:

Required:
 

• Analytical, research, and investigative skills, including ability to synthesize and analyze information obtained from broad and varied sources. 
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills, including the ability to clearly convey complex ideas in understandable terms to a variety of audiences. 
• Ability to work independently and be a team player.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities with sometimes limited direction.
• Ability to adapt to change and prioritize multiple responsibilities. 
• Commitment to confidentiality, continuous improvement, adding value, and innovation. 
• Initiative, professional judgment, creativity, and flexibility.

Assets:  
 

• Knowledge of social and economic development issues affecting northern Alberta. 
• Knowledge of government's role, structure, policies and processes, particularly those related to northern development programs, the Alberta Public Agencies Governance Act (APAGA), the Public Agency Governance Policy, and the NADC Act.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including an ability to build relationships with a mix of stakeholders.

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 permanent full-time position and the hours of work are Monday to Friday – 8:15am - 4:30pm for a total of 36.25 hours.

Working location is Edmonton or northern Alberta (Grande Prairie, Fort McMurray or Peace River). Applications from candidates in any location north of Highway 16 who are able to work from a Government of Alberta office will also be considered.

In your resume, please include dates (including months and years) associated with all education and work experience. Also, please indicate whether your work experience is casual, part-time or full-time.

A cover letter demonstrating your qualifications, experience and skills for this position is required and will be used as a screening tool.  

As part of the interview, shortlisted applicants may be required to complete a written assignment.

The final candidate for this position will undergo an pre-employment checks and reference checks.

Any costs associated with obtaining the required documents as noted or interview travel expenses, will be the resonsibility of the candidate.

Employees located north of the 55th or 57th parallel may be eligible for the 55th to 57th Parallel Retention Allowance or Northern Allowance.

All external new hires to the Government of Alberta who are recruited to positions in any of the designated locations shall be eligible for a northern attraction bonus.

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 Services 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