Contract & Procurement Spec.

Role Responsibilities

Reporting to the Manager of Contracts, the Contract and Procurement Specialist is responsible for effectively developing, procuring, managing and administering various types of agreements across a wide breadth of social programs and client populations. This position leads and/or supports the procurement of services and management of contracts to meet the needs of Albertans, within the framework of a ministry and regional strategic procurement plan.

The Contract and Procurement Specialist draws on a strong working knowledge across social programs, including that of program development, system outcomes, service design and delivery. Familiarity with associated legislative, policy and practice frameworks are critical to plan for, procure and monitor services that meet the complex needs of Albertans through their lifespan. A thorough understanding of client needs, community and sector issues, and the labour market in Fort McMurray combined with a working knowledge of procurement practices is essential for implementing effective contract and grant management.

The Contract and Procurement Specialist works independently with a high level of autonomy and has strong negotiation, monitoring and consultative skills. This role requires the development and maintenance of a strong network of collaborative relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including Community and Social Services delivery staff and service providers, to assess service needs, identify emerging issues, and ensure that services are in place to meet the needs of multiple client groups.

As the Contract and Procurement Specialist your key objectives will be:

•    Relationship Management and Communication: Build and facilitate a network of linkages and collaborative relationships with key stakeholders like regional staff and management, service providers, key industry/sector organizations, other Ministries and governments, and community organizations representing a variety of client groups to improve program delivery and outcomes for Albertans with disabilities and those requiring financial, employment and other supports.

•    Monitoring and Reporting: Work in collaboration with program delivery staff and service providers to monitor and manage contracts and grants while ensuring compliance with terms of the agreement and achievement of outcomes.

•    Planning: Participate, within the context of the ministry’s strategic procurement plan, business plan, program initiatives, and regional priorities, in the development of the region’s procurement plan by identifying trends and providing analysis based on consolidated client and program outcome data, service delivery gaps and emerging best practices to ensure quality of service to meet the dynamic needs of clients throughout their lifespan.

•    Procurement Management: In alignment with the ministry of strategic procurement plans, ensure procurement of services that are timely, effective, aligned with the ministry policies, procedures, regulations and compliant with procurement policy and legislation.

Please click on this link JR77750 (77752) Contract And Procurement Specialist 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 Contract and Procurement Specialist, in addition to your education and experience, you will demonstrate well-honed competencies in the following areas:

•    Systems Thinking: Taking a broad scale, long-term view, assessing options and implications; understand the strategic direction of the organization.

•    Agility: Creates opportunities for improvement, recognizing the importance of timing and being prepared to take action when appropriate.

•    Drive For Results: Sets and accomplishes goals and priorities in order to deliver outcomes consistent with Government direction, departmental objectives and public expectations.

•    Building Collaborative Environments: Engages others to think broadly about impacts of projects, brings differing perspectives together.

Qualifications

University graduation in a related field (Bachelor of Social Work, Business Administration, Social Sciences etc.) plus 4 years progressively responsible related experience; or equivalent as described below.

Equivalency:

Directly related experience or education considered on the basis of:

•    One year of experience for one year of education or 
•    One year of education for one year of experience.

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:

•    Strong knowledge of Assisted Living and Social Services programs, delivery models, related legislation, and ability to work across ministries. 
•    Procurement & Contract Management: Skilled in procurement practices, trade agreements, solicitation methods, risk management, and service delivery standards including accreditation and licensing. 
•    Financial & Data Management: Comprehensive understanding of financial policies, budgeting, forecasting, client tracking systems, and data integrity principles. 
•    Stakeholder Engagement & Community Resources: Ability to engage diverse stakeholders, collaborate with community agencies, and develop innovative resources and program criteria. 
•    Leadership & Strategic Skills: Strong business acumen, change management expertise, analytical thinking, negotiation, conflict resolution, and capacity to manage multi-disciplinary agreements. 
•    Technical & Communication Skills: Proficiency in computer systems, information management tools, excellent verbal/written communication, teamwork, and organizational skills.

Notes

We are currently hiring for one full-time permanent position. Work hours are Monday to Friday, 36.25 hours/week.

Work location is in Fort McMurray or  Athabasca, Lac La Biche, Bonnyville, Cold Lake and willing to travel to Fort McMurray as the job requires.

The successful candidate will be required to have a valid driver’s license and have access to a reliable vehicle.

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.

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.