Strategic Initiative & Research Analyst

Government of Alberta•Edmonton, AB

3d•CA$76,613 - CA$100,492•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 System Support and Policy Branch provides leadership to build system capacity to meet the needs of children and youth through cross-ministry and welcoming, caring, respectful and safe learning environment initiatives. This role analyzes programs and builds system capacity that promotes an inclusive education system for children and students.For more information about the Ministry of Education and Childcare, please visit https://www.alberta.ca/education-and-childcare

Requirements

University graduation in 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.
Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, including the ability to synthesize information from varied sources and develop sound recommendations.
Research and evaluation skills, including experience with literature reviews, environmental scans, data collection, and qualitative and quantitative analysis.
Ability to interpret policies, programs, supports and services to identify gaps, implications, options and practical solutions.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare briefings, reports, resources, presentations and other materials for varied audiences.
Experience using data management, business productivity or ministry information systems such as Microsoft Office, PASI, SADS, BI Central or dashboards.
Time management and Project Management skills, with the ability to prioritize competing assignments and meet tight, concurrent timelines.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of the Ministry of Education and Childcare mandate, business plan, organizational structure, priorities and programs.
Knowledge of provincial education legislation, standards, ministerial orders, policies and related frameworks that guide inclusive education and student success.
Experience supporting cross-ministry initiatives, committees, working groups, strategic frameworks or operational plans.
Experience developing communications products such as web content, promotional materials, graphics, tables, charts or presentation materials.

Responsibilities

Support cross-ministry frameworks and operational plans: Contribute to the development, implementation and evaluation of strategic frameworks and operational plans that support student well-being and safe learning environments.
Coordinate partner engagement: Liaise with ministry and cross-ministry partners, coordinate meetings and consultations, and support collaboration with government and non-government stakeholders.
Analyze policy, supports and services: Review education-related policies, programs, supports and services to identify gaps, assess implications and recommend practical solutions.
Develop recommendations and briefing materials: Prepare recommendations, briefing notes, supporting documents, speaking notes and responses to public inquiries for ministry decision-makers.
Conduct research and environmental scans: Complete literature reviews, environmental scans and research activities to identify emerging trends, issues and opportunities affecting children, youth and school authorities.
Analyze data and information: Collect, interpret and evaluate qualitative and quantitative information from internal and external sources to inform planning and decision-making.
Support accountability and evaluation: Develop performance indicators, evaluation measures and accountability approaches to assess initiatives, programs and resources.
Build school authority capacity: Plan, write, design and edit resources, reports, web content, promotional materials and presentations that help school authorities create welcoming, caring, respectful and safe learning environments.
Maintain key messaging and communications: Align messaging with current research, legislation, policy, ministry priorities and cross-ministry goals while supporting communication planning and activities.
Participate in committees and working groups: Represent branch and sector perspectives on ministry and cross-ministry committees, teams and working groups to support coordinated action and implementation of decisions.
Support continuous improvement and collaboration: Work with branch and sector colleagues to coordinate activities, improve processes, share information and ensure continuity of supports for cross-ministry priorities and initiatives.