Policy Advisor

Job Information
Job Title: Policy Advisor
Job Requisition ID: 88278
Ministry: Education and Childcare
Location: Edmonton
Full or Part-Time: Full Time
Hours of Work: 36.25 hours per week
Permanent/Temporary/Wage: Permanent-2 positions
Scope: Open Competition
Closing Date: November 02, 2026
Classification: Program Services 4
Salary: $3,148.2 to $4,126.82 ($82,168 - $107,710/year)

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.

Ministry of Education and Child Care
The Ministry of Education and Childcare supports students, parents, teachers and administrators from Early Childhood Services (ECS) through Grade 12. Through safe and respectful schools for all students, Alberta’s government is making life better by investing in education - one of the most important investments we can make in our future. The Ministry has the following responsibilities: develop curriculum and set standards; evaluate curriculum and assess outcomes; teacher development and certification; support students with diverse learning needs; fund and support school boards; First Nations, Métis and Inuit and francophone education; and oversee basic education policy and regulations.

For more information on the Ministry of Education and Childcare, please visit: Education and Childcare | Alberta.ca

First Nation, Métis and Inuit Division

The First Nations, Métis and Inuit Division is dedicated to supporting change across the education system to close the achievement gap between First Nations, Métis and Inuit students and non-Indigenous students. The division also works to ensure all Alberta students are knowledgeable, understanding and respectful of the rich diversity of Indigenous peoples, including their cultures, languages and histories, the importance of treaties, and the legacy of Indian Residential Schools.

Within the division, the Policy and Grants unit advances strategic policy and initiatives that support First Nations, Métis and Inuit K–12 education outcomes through policy research and analysis, project leadership, cross-government collaboration, and engagement with education partners and Indigenous communities.

Strategic Services and Governance Division

The Strategic Services and Governance Division through its sectors and units, including Strategic Analytics, Planning and Reporting, Policy Excellence, and Stakeholder Relations supports the education system and department through corporate services, leadership, excellence and integration.

The Policy Design and Development unit within the Policy Excellence Sector leads the development of policy solutions and frameworks and provides strategic advice to support department priorities. Drawing on research, evidence and subject-matter expertise, the unit works collaboratively with other divisions and departments to identify emerging issues, develops options and recommendations to support decision-making.

Role Responsibilities

Reporting to the Manager, the Policy Advisor provides strategic advice, policy analysis and project leadership to advance ministry priorities and improve First Nations, Métis and Inuit K–12 education outcomes. Working with a high degree of independence, the position leads complex and sensitive files, translates executive direction into evidence-based policy options and actionable initiatives, and plans, manages and evaluates major policy and strategic projects involving ministry, cross-government and external partners.

Reporting to the Manager, Policy Design and Development, the Senior Policy Analyst in the Strategic Services Governance Division would be responsible for leading the development, issues analysis, consultation, options development, and implementation of education-related polices, legislation, regulations, and ministry initiatives for which the sector is responsible.

Key responsibilities include:

• Policy and Strategic Initiative Leadership: Lead the review, development, implementation and evaluation of major policy, program and strategic initiatives.
• Project Management: Establish project charters, work plans, performance measures, resource allocations and risk-management strategies for complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives.
• Research, Analysis and Advice: Conduct research, jurisdictional scans and comparative analysis; assess emerging trends and complex issues; and develop evidence-based options, recommendations, briefing notes, reports and correspondence.
• Executive Decision Support: Prepare strategic briefings and decision documents for senior and executive leadership, including responses to requests from the Minister, Deputy Minister and Executive Team.
• Collaboration and Relationship Building: Build effective relationships across the ministry and government, represent the branch on committees and working groups, and support engagement with school authorities, Indigenous communities, other governments, research groups and education partners.

The  Job Description is provided for further details on the Policy Advisor Position.

The  Job Description is provided for further details on the Senior Policy Analyst 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.

• Systems Thinking: Takes a holistic, long-term view of complex systemic barriers affecting Indigenous student success and identifies opportunities to align policy and strategic approaches across education and related systems.
• Creative Problem Solving: Engages diverse perspectives and works across divisions and ministries to identify root causes, improve processes and develop practical, evidence-informed solutions to complex policy issues.
• Agility: Anticipates changing priorities, trends, risks and obstacles; adapts plans and approaches; and remains focused on achieving outcomes in uncertain or sensitive environments.
• Drive for Results: Takes responsibility for outcomes, monitors project and program results, and identifies opportunities for continuous improvement while advancing priorities that provide value to Albertans.
• Develop Networks- Develops and sustains a network of relationships across the division and with other Government of Alberta ministries on issues and work with other branches to develop effective communication channels to enhance and maximize the effectiveness of interactions.
• Building Collaborative Work Environments- Leads cross functional collaboration and initiate strategic communication systems to anticipate and address potential conflict and builds an atmosphere of genuine trust and teawork.

Qualifications

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

Equivalency: Directly related education or experience will be considered on the basis of 1 year of education for 1 year of experience, or 1 year of experience for 1 year of education.

Required Skills:

• Experience conducting policy research and analysis and developing evidence-based options and recommendations.
• Experience working with government policy, legislation and/or regulatory frameworks.
• Experience independently leading complex policy, program or strategic initiatives involving multiple partners and deliverables.
• Experience preparing briefing materials and decision documents for senior or executive leaders.

Assets:

• A master’s degree in public administration, policy, education or a related discipline.
• Experience working with First Nations, Métis or Inuit communities and applying cultural understanding, awareness and appropriate cultural protocols.
• Experience working in Alberta’s education system and/or on First Nations, Métis and Inuit education policy, programs or initiatives.
• Experience leading jurisdictional scans or comparative analyses across Canadian or international jurisdictions.
• Knowledge and an understanding of applicable acts and related legislation and regulations, including Education Act, Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act etc.

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

Notes

This is (2) two full-time position working 36.25 hours per week, Monday to Friday. The successful candidate is expected to work out of the Edmonton Office.

Applicants are advised to provide a cover letter summarizing information that clearly and concisely demonstrates how their qualifications meet the advertised requirements, including education, experience, and relevant examples of required competencies.

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.

How To Apply  

Applicants are advised to provide information that clearly and concisely demonstrates how their qualifications meet the advertised requirements, including education, experience, and relevant examples of required competencies.

Candidates are required to apply online. Please see Job Application Resources for more information.

In your resume, please include dates (including months and years) associated with all education and work experience. For example, January 2006 - June 2009 (part-time). This example is provided for illustrative purposes only. Applicants are encouraged to present their information clearly and thoroughly, using a format that best conveys their experience.

It is recommended applicants who have completed post-secondary studies from outside of Canada obtain an evaluation of their credentials from the International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) or from a recognized Canadian Credential Evaluator; please visit the Alliance of Credential Evaluation Services of Canada for more information.

It is also recommended that applicants include the assessment certificate from IQAS or any other educational assessment service as part of their application.

Closing Statement

This competition may be used to fill future vacancies, across the Government of Alberta, at the same or lower classification level.

We thank all applicants for their interest. All applications will be reviewed to determine which candidates' qualifications most closely match the advertised requirements.

If you require any further information on this job posting or require an accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact Liliane Karara at Liliane.Karara@gov.ab.ca.