Advisor, Policy & Governance

Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo•Derwent, AB

2d•CA$98,662 - CA$104,300•Onsite

About The Position

The Legislative Services team ensures the effective operation of municipal governance. The department provides direct support to Mayor and Council, manages Council and Committee meetings and ensures legislative and procedural requirements are met in accordance with the Municipal Government Act and other legislation. The team is also responsible for maintaining official records, administering municipal bylaws and policies, overseeing elections, and fostering transparency through access to information and privacy management. By upholding strong governance practices and ensuring accountability, Legislative Services helps build public trust and supports the Municipality in serving the region effectively. Reporting to the Senior Manager of FOIP, Policy and Contract Management, the Advisor, Policy and Governance provides advice and guidance to the organization on the development and maintenance of a policy management program, and is the key resource in the development, revision and update of governance documents. The Advisor, Policy and Governance also assists in overall administration of the Municipality’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIP) program. Primary responsibilities of this position include: Program Development: Assists with overall program service delivery with direct involvement in daily operations and overall administration. Researches and assists with the development and implementation of departmental strategies and tools based on best practices for continuous improvement. Departmental Advice: Takes a lead role in promoting innovative and practical approaches to policies and governance document initiatives throughout the organization. Acts as a departmental advisor to provide technical and functional guidance regarding policies, procedures, program implementation, and legislation to management. Ensures consistent, innovative, and legislatively compliant administrative guidelines, policies, procedures, and precedents. Service Delivery: Creates and implements strategies that support and encourage expansion and diversification of existing policies and governance documents. As the key resource in the development and maintenance of governance documents, the Advisor, Policy & Governance will create, review, monitor and recommend changes to policies, processes and strategies, and provide guidance and assistance in the interpretation and application of same. The Advisor also assists in overall administration of the FOIP program to ensure legislative compliance of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIP Act). May require use of personal vehicle for business travel purposes.

Requirements

Strong verbal and written communication skills, including well-developed, effective presentation skills.
Demonstrated ability to build effective working relationships in a manner that builds trust, credibility, and support.
Ability to think and act with sensitivity to the unique challenges of a public and political environment and to maintain confidentiality.
Planning, organizational, time management, conflict resolution and problem-solving skills.
Background in municipal government/public sector; sound knowledge of the structures, functions, and interactions of all three levels of government in Canada.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Knowledge of the theory and principles of policy and governance development.
Knowledge of FOIP legislation.
Diploma or Degree, such as political science or business administration, or an equivalent that involves research, analysis, policy development and strategic planning.
Completion of the Government of Alberta’s FOIP Act training program is required, or candidate must be able to complete within six months of commencement of employment.
Criminal Record Check
Valid Class 5 Driver License

Nice To Haves

Experience working in a public-sector environment with unionized and non-unionized employees considered an asset.

Responsibilities

Assists with overall program service delivery with direct involvement in daily operations and overall administration.
Researches and assists with the development and implementation of departmental strategies and tools based on best practices for continuous improvement.
Takes a lead role in promoting innovative and practical approaches to policies and governance document initiatives throughout the organization.
Acts as a departmental advisor to provide technical and functional guidance regarding policies, procedures, program implementation, and legislation to management.
Ensures consistent, innovative, and legislatively compliant administrative guidelines, policies, procedures, and precedents.
Creates and implements strategies that support and encourage expansion and diversification of existing policies and governance documents.
Creates, reviews, monitors and recommends changes to policies, processes and strategies, and provide guidance and assistance in the interpretation and application of same.
Assists in overall administration of the FOIP program to ensure legislative compliance of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIP Act).