Senior Policy Advisor

Role Responsibilities

Shape policy that makes a difference. Bring your strategic thinking, analytical skills and collaborative approach to help advance priorities across the Status of Women and Inclusion branch. This competition will support work across gender equity, women’s economic participation and security, gender-based violence, multiculturalism, anti-racism and inclusion.

As a Senior Policy Advisor, you will lead complex policy and research initiatives, analyze data and emerging trends, build strategic relationships with external partners, and support government advisory councils in bringing community-informed perspectives and advice to government.

Key responsibilities include:

1. Lead strategic policy analysis and development, identifying emerging issues, assessing policy and legislative options, considering impacts and risks, and developing practical recommendations for senior leadership.
2. Analyze quantitative and qualitative data and evidence from multiple sources to identify trends, gaps, disparities and emerging issues. Assess the strengths and limitations of available evidence and translate findings into clear policy advice and recommendations.
3. Lead strategic support for government advisory councils, including working with council members and leadership, developing forward agendas and work plans, identifying issues for consideration, supporting the development of advice and recommendations, and coordinating government follow-up.
4. Build and sustain strategic relationships with external stakeholders, including community and multicultural organizations, women-serving organizations, Indigenous partners, industry, other orders of government and other partners to understand emerging issues and community perspectives.
5. Plan and lead meaningful stakeholder engagement, bringing together diverse perspectives and translating community and stakeholder input into policy options, advice and government responses.
6. Lead cross-ministry and intergovernmental work on complex policy issues, navigating different mandates and perspectives, building consensus, and coordinating collaborative approaches.
7. Monitor the external environment and assess demographic, social, economic, legislative and policy developments to identify emerging risks, opportunities and potential impacts for Alberta’s diverse communities.
8. Provide strategic advice on complex and sensitive issues, considering policy, operational, stakeholder and reputational implications and recommending approaches to manage risks and advance government priorities.
9. Prepare high-quality decision and briefing materials, including briefing notes, reports, presentations, policy options and recommendations for senior and executive leaders.
10. Lead and coordinate complex projects and initiatives, managing competing priorities, timelines, partners and deliverables in a dynamic environment.

The Job Description is provided for further details on 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.

Creative Problem Solving
Assess options and implications in new ways to achieve outcomes and solutions.

Systems Thinking
Analyze policy options and develop practical recommendations.

Drive for Results
Track operational priorities and recommend solutions to emerging issues.

Agility
Adapt to changing priorities and uncertainty to achieve better outcomes for women and girls in Alberta.

Develop Networks
Build strong partnerships and share insights on gender-based violence in Alberta.

Qualifications

Minimum Recruitment Standards

University graduation in a related field plus 4 years progressively responsible related experience; 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.

Preference will be given to candidates with post-secondary education in business administration, social science or a related field of study.

In addition to the minimum qualifications, the following knowledge, skills, and experience would be considered strong assets:

• Strong knowledge of government policy and decision-making processes.
• Knowledge of gender equity, gender-based violence, women’s economic participation and security, multiculturalism, anti-racism and inclusion.
• Experience interpreting complex quantitative and qualitative data, synthesizing research findings and stakeholder perspectives, and developing evidence-informed policy options and recommendations.
• Demonstrated experience engaging colleagues across government, other orders of government and external stakeholders, with sound judgment in complex and politically sensitive environments.
• Project planning, coordination and implementation.
• Ability to assess risks, impacts and policy implications.
• Executive briefing and communication skills.
• Strong political acuity, strategic thinking and relationship-building skills, including the ability to communicate with diverse partners, navigate competing interests and build consensus on shared policy priorities.

 
Minimum recruitment standards outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification.

Notes

Applicants are required to provide a cover letter that outlines in detail their experiences and how that experience relates specifically to the requirements for this position. Applications without an appropriate cover letter or appropriate resume will not be considered.

There are two (2) Permanent, full-time positions, working 36.25 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

Location: 10405 Jasper Building, Edmonton, T5J3N4.

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 we have to offer:

• Working for the Alberta Public Service.
• Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP) .
• Alberta Public Service Benefit Information.
• Professional learning and development.
• Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool.
• Positive workplace culture and work-life balance.