Policy Analyst

Government of Alberta•Edmonton, AB

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Ministry of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration supports regional and provincial economic development, promotes international trade and investment, attracts skilled workers and promotes safe, fair and healthy workplaces. The Policy and Strategy Unit leads the assessment, development and implementation of policies, strategies and initiatives relating to small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), entrepreneurs in Alberta, regional economic development, strengthening Alberta's business support and economic development ecosystem to support increased regional competitiveness and productivity. The unit provides and contributes strategic foresight, evaluation, and assessment of economic sector trends and identification of barriers. The unit also develops and presents models, strategies, and policies on the ecosystem in Alberta (and in other jurisdictions). As part of this work, the unit carries out distinct and sometimes high-profile policy projects, such as strategies and frameworks, and provides policy support for program outcome evaluations, impact analysis and program policy design. This unit also participates in related cross-ministry policy initiatives. Reporting to the Manager of Strategic Initiatives, this position provides research and policy analysis to inform decision-making by senior leadership and affected stakeholders on policy options related to strategic economic development and regional economic issues, programs and opportunities. This work is critical to inform Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration (JETI) on economic development and regional economic development issues, collaboration best practices, related risk factors, economic development opportunities, and ultimately inform strategic decision-making and program/policy/strategy development. In this role you will be required to support various policy, strategy and research projects with competing priorities. The Analyst supports and influences policy development with a wide audience including GoA departments, elected officials, industry, and stakeholders. The role will require a strong ability to perform jurisdictional, market, economic, and statistical research and analysis; provide strategic and policy advice related to economic development, SMEs and entrepreneurs; and more broadly to identify opportunities and programs to stimulate economic growth. You will work closely with team members, including the Managers and Directors in the branch, this position is responsible for contributing to Department processes and ensuring an effective flow and exchange of information and advice among affected stakeholders on a cross section of economic development policy issues. This requires extensive problem solving, systems thinking, decision-making, relationship development, and business communication skills. You may represent the department in interdepartmental work teams and cross ministry teams.

Requirements

University graduation in Business, Economics, Political Science, Public Policy or a related field plus 2 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.
Resume and cover letter that succinctly demonstrate their qualifications against the job requirements, including education, experience, and relevant competencies.
Resume must include precise employment dates (month and year) to assist in assessing attention to detail skills.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of economic development and business growth and competitiveness concepts, processes and practices.
Knowledge of public and not-profit sector programs applicable to regional economic development and business development and how they apply and can benefit Alberta.
Detailed knowledge of business, industry, export, and economic drivers, and their key issues and impact on the Alberta's economy.
Well-developed research, analytical, and problem-solving skills to interpret key economic and regional business indicators and develop appropriate responses and processes to maximize economic and business growth.
Practical knowledge of economic, statistics, cross-jurisdictional cost benefit analysis.
Knowledge of provincial and federal legislation, policies, and programs/supports related to economic and business development.

Responsibilities

Support various policy, strategy and research projects with competing priorities.
Support and influence policy development with a wide audience including GoA departments, elected officials, industry, and stakeholders.
Perform jurisdictional, market, economic, and statistical research and analysis.
Provide strategic and policy advice related to economic development, SMEs and entrepreneurs.
Identify opportunities and programs to stimulate economic growth.
Contribute to Department processes and ensuring an effective flow and exchange of information and advice among affected stakeholders on a cross section of economic development policy issues.
Represent the department in interdepartmental work teams and cross ministry teams.