Policy Analyst

Government of Alberta•Edmonton, AB

6d•CA$82,168 - CA$107,710•Onsite

About The Position

The Alberta Public Service works to build a stronger province for current and future generations. We make a difference in the lives of Albertans through rewarding and diverse career opportunities. The Ministry of Education and Childcare Alberta Education and Childcare support students, parents, teachers and administrators from Early Childhood Services (ECS) through Grade 12. What we have heard from Albertans will help us as we move forward in developing our future direction—to ensure students can meet the challenges and embrace the opportunities of the 21st century. To learn more about the Ministry of Education & Childcare, please visit: https://www.alberta.ca/education-and-childcare. Are you passionate about making a real difference in the lives of children and families? Do you enjoy researching, analyzing and finding innovative solutions to multilayered problems? If you are looking for an opportunity to showcase and enhance your analytical and policy skills, consider applying to join our team of professionals committed to maintaining and improving Alberta’s childcare sector! The successful candidate will report to the Manager, Childcare Policy within the Childcare Policy Branch. The position will be responsible for policy development and work associated with the review, development, implementation and evaluation of programs and services for childcare and early childhood development. This position is for a policy expert with a focus on program and operational policy initiatives relating to facility and home-based childcare delivery, inclusive childcare, childcare subsidy, licensing and early childhood educator certification. This position must work closely to build relationships and understand perspectives from with a range of internal and external stakeholders. This role is responsible for: · Implementing/supporting Ministry and government priorities related to Early Learning and Childcare; · Leading policy development to support and inform Ministry delivery of childcare services; and · Maintaining and strengthening internal/external stakeholder relationships. Key outcomes and supporting activities include: Information, Analysis and Advice: Leads research and implementation of key ministry priorities through development of decision packages. Project Management: Takes a lead role, with minimal supervision, in carrying out major policy and planning projects. This includes the review, evaluation, interpretation and/or development of provincial early learning and childcare policy and programs, within the framework of the department's business plan objectives. Program/Policy Support and Development: Leads policy development to inform delivery of Ministry childcare programs and services. Program/Policy Consultation: Represents the Department on various working groups and committees with staff from other divisions and ministries. The Job Description is provided for Further details on this position.

Requirements

University graduation in a related field (Social Sciences, Public Policy, etc.) plus 4 years of related experience or equivalent
Understand and research current childcare theory and approaches.
Work collaboratively, listen actively and apply a critical thinking lens to information from program areas, other ministries and external stakeholders.
Maintain awareness and current understanding of political direction and how it relates both to broad priority issues and detailed operational policy decisions.
Work closely with the Childcare Policy Manager, raising issues and seeking direction as needed.
Support senior leadership as needed, including the Director and Executive Director.

Nice To Haves

A Master’s degree is an asset.
Knowledge of Alberta's childcare sector and major childcare initiatives including theory, practice and delivery that guides work in this sector.
Reading, reviewing and interpreting legislation, regulations, policy, and standards.
Ability to communicate complex concepts using clear succinct language and plain English writing.
Ability to coordinate and synthesize information in a rapidly changing environment.
Developing, evaluating, implementing policy initiatives, programs, and services.
Demonstrated experience building effective partnerships when working with multiple internal and external stakeholders. Capacity to develop shared understanding and outcomes through facilitation, consultation, consensus-building and conflict management.
Overall awareness of Ministry legislation and regulations.
Strong organizational skills, with ability to manage multiple, diverse, complex, and sensitive assignments within fixed timelines
Strong team and interpersonal skills, ability to promote teamwork, collaboration, and partnership.
Communication skills and training on difficult conversations, facilitation, leadership, etc.
Strong planning, analytical, issues management and consultative skills.
Ability to work independently, be proactive and take initiative.

Responsibilities

Implementing/supporting Ministry and government priorities related to Early Learning and Childcare
Leading policy development to support and inform Ministry delivery of childcare services
Maintaining and strengthening internal/external stakeholder relationships
Leads research and implementation of key ministry priorities through development of decision packages
Takes a lead role, with minimal supervision, in carrying out major policy and planning projects. This includes the review, evaluation, interpretation and/or development of provincial early learning and childcare policy and programs, within the framework of the department's business plan objectives.
Leads policy development to inform delivery of Ministry childcare programs and services.
Represents the Department on various working groups and committees with staff from other divisions and ministries.