Senior Governance Analyst

Job Information
Job Title: Senior Governance Analyst
Job Requisition ID: 69281
Ministry: Advanced Education
Location: Edmonton
Full or Part-Time: Full Time
Hours of Work: 36.25 hours per week
Permanent/Temporary: Permanent
Scope: Open Competition
Closing Date: April 28, 2024
Classification: Program Services 4 Market Adjustment
Salary: $2,757.39 to $3,604.17 bi-weekly $71,967 - $94,068/year

The Government of Alberta is committed to a diverse and inclusive public service that reflects the population we serve to best meet the needs of Albertans. Consider joining a team where diversity, inclusion and innovation are valued and supported. For more information on diversity and inclusion, please visit: https://www.alberta.ca/diversity-inclusion-policy.aspx

Ministry of Education

Through safe and caring 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 is responsible for: developing and evaluating curriculum; teacher development and certification; supporting students with diverse learning needs; funding and supporting school boards; First Nations, Mtis and Inuit and Francophone education; and overseeing basic education policy and regulations.

For more information on the Ministry of Education, please visit: https://www.alberta.ca/education.aspx

Within the Governance and Legislation Branch of the Strategic and Business Services Division, the Public Agency, and System Governance (PASG) unit is responsible for providing comprehensive and strategic advice and services to the ministry of Advanced Education (AE) in the primary areas of:

• Public agency governance (including 21 public post-secondary institution boards and 3 university senates, and AE's higher education and skills trades public agencies.
• Agency governance supports (e.g., accountability and compliance; board appointments; and leadership in the department on agency governance matters).
• System governance (i.e., the structures, processes and relationships that support effective governance across the entirety of Alberta's skills and adult learning system.

Role Responsibilities

This Senior Governance Analyst has a lead assurance and advisory role for public agency accountability and compliance measures (e.g., review and renewal of mandates and roles documents (MRDs) to promote clarity and alignment with government legislation and expectations; compensation frameworks and disclosures; compliance with Conflicts of Interest Act and code of conduct requirements). Legislation and policies include the Alberta Public Agencies Governance Act (APAGA), Public Sector Employers Act (PSEA), Public Sector Compensation Transparency Act (PSCTA), Post-secondary Learning Act (PSLA), Athabasca University Regulation and Skilled Trades and Apprenticeship Education Act (STAEA).

The position also ensures that the Minister, senior officials, ministry staff, and agencies are provided with timely and comprehensive information and advice on agency governance matters. Multiple files are managed by the incumbent with a focus on providing advice on agency governance, understanding governance best practices and trends, and coordinating mandate and roles document development, review, and approval.

This position is also an operational focal point and liaison with the Public Agency Secretariat (PAS) supporting cross-ministry governance deliverables and proactive issues management. The Analyst provides interpretation and advice to guide the actions of ministry staff and senior officials in accordance with applicable legislation and policy, addressing potential governance challenges as they arise.

The role requires adaptability in fast-paced environments, ensuring that governance issues are managed efficiently under tight deadlines. Recommendations and advice are provided to the Manager, Public Agency Governance to inform broader governance issues, including identifying and mitigating risks. The Senior Governance Analyst works closely with PASG team members, public agencies, units across the department, and with other departments to foster integrated and comprehensive public agency governance.

The role and responsibilities include but are not limited to:

1. Public Agency Accountability and Compliance

• Develop materials to support communication of government accountability and compliance requirements and
• Provide related advice to public agencies across a range of accountability and compliance topics.
• Develop resources and tools for the collection of relevant reporting and information from public agencies.
• Lead processes to ensure all AE public agencies have up-to-date mandate and roles documents that are approved by current board chairs and the current Minister.
• Lead annual and three-year reviews and renewals of mandate and roles documents in compliance with APAGA requirements.
• Lead the review and analysis of collected compensation data, working with each AE public agency to support compliance with Public Sector Compensation Transparency Act disclosures, and compensation frameworks for designated agency executives.
• Maintain the integrity of datasets and create data reports and resources on the analysis completed (e.g., bi-annual data analysis of Advanced Education's PSCTA disclosures and inventory/tracking of APAGA requirements related to mandate and roles documents and code of conduct policies).
• Identify and respond to emerging issues related to accountability and compliance.

Role Responsibilities Continued

2. Public Agency Accountability and Compliance Research and Analysis

• Research, analyze and evaluate data and information that may affect related accountability and compliance decisions in areas such as compensation. This includes seeking and analyzing information from knowledge experts from the Public Agency Secretariat and Provincial Bargaining Coordination Office, information from other jurisdictions, legislation, policy documents and/or academic literature.
• Lead the development of research reports, position papers and other documents.
• Identify significant public sector policy shifts at provincial, national and/or international levels that may potentially affect multiple facets of public agency accountability and compliance.
• Analyze economic, social, political, and technological issues to identify trends with the potential to affect public agency accountability and compliance.
• Analyze information and identify potential implications to present findings for consideration by leadership teams.
• Assess agency cross-jurisdictional trends (e.g., compensation, benefits, and pension legislation).

3. Project Management and Process Improvement

• Lead and contribute to enhancement/improvement projects and process measures so that the ministry has consistent and robust processes in alignment with APAGA and ministry governance priorities and legislation.
• Foster/promote consistent philosophy and processes throughout the ministry, while recognizing diversity of sector requirements.
• Identify key stakeholders and analyze processes, steps and milestones for research and coordination projects (e.g. mandate and roles document reviews, cross-jurisdictional reviews, agency best practice scans and reviews).
• Provide input on public agency recruitment processes and/or practices based on compliance and accountability
• Information collected from public agencies, as required.

4. Governance Supports and Capacity

• Maintain sound working relationships with public agency staff, program areas across the ministry, and peers in other ministries.
• Engage in cross-government initiatives to support alignment of ministry and GOA public agency governance principles, approaches, and processes.
• Serve as an operational liaison with the PAS and public agency staff on agency governance matters, with a focus on accountability and compliance.
• Share information, best practices, learnings etc. to foster consistent and effective practices across the GOA and the ministry.
• Collaborate with various stakeholders and provide support to any outreach efforts to ensure coordination and integration of compensation frameworks in designated public agencies.
• Remain current and informed of ministry and/or ABC issues, proactively recommending review and evaluation of policies related to agency compensation and benefits.

Role Responsibilities Continued

5. Issues Management

• Respond to day-today issues and inquiries and liaise with other Ministry staff, as required, as a content expert in public agency and PSI governance, and assist in the complete of action and information requests.
• Build and maintain an awareness of current issues/trends in governance in higher education to better understand and respond to day to-day inquiries in a timely manner
• Research assigned issues, provide content and strategic analysis for the preparation of briefing papers, and draft discussion papers.
• Work with the department's policy areas in the identification and evaluation of complex and sensitive issues relating to governance that impact adult education and the higher education system in Alberta.

6. Support the Manager in achieving the mandate and goals of the unit.

• Plan and lead ad hoc assigned projects.
• Provide advice and guidance on accountability and compliance topics across department units as needed (e.g., contribute to overarching system governance initiatives).
• Provide support and coaching to other unit staff as needed.
• Provide the Manager and Director with advice and recommendations for emerging issues, opportunities, and challenges.
• Develop briefing materials, presentations, speeches, and correspondence to inform issues management and to ensure branch, division and department leadership have appropriate input for decision-making.
• Provide input into operational planning and reporting.

Please click on this link to view the job description for this 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.

This link will assist you with understanding competencies: https://www.alberta.ca/system/files/custom_downloaded_images/psc-alberta-public-service-competency-model.pdf

• Agility: Demonstrates flexibility to integrate some new and emergent governance policy directions. Government priorities, deadlines, relationship building with the ministry's agencies, boards, and commissions require adaptability given the level of independence provided to the Governance Analyst position.
• Build Collaborative Environments: Works within the PASG team to support department, ministry, public agencies and other relevant networks, working groups and committees; this requires an ability to communicate effectively and openly, build trust, and establish a collaborative working environment and networks amongst individuals representing different interests. Being an operational liaison with the Public Agency Secretariat requires development of respectful and open relationships with another ministry.
• Creative Problem Solving: This position will be expected to solve problems through a thorough review of a wide variety of data sources, including offering options that evaluates the alternatives and considers the implications of proposed solutions.
• Drive for Results: Coordination of research projects, ensuring APAGA compliance, and the need to support adherence to governance framework require this position to have high standards of quality. Many activities and products produced are in support of the Minister's relationship with boards and board chairs.
• Systems Thinking: Plans, initiates, and develops governance orientation and training materials that align with overarching Government of Alberta governance framework and meet the needs of specific users.

Qualifications

A university degree in Public Administration, Law, Political Science, or related field is preferred, plus four years of progressive related experience. Directly related experience or education is considered as an equivalency on a one-for-one basis.

Equivalency: Directly related education or experience considered based on:

• 1 year of education for 1 year of experience; or
• 1 year of experience for 1 year of education

Technical Competencies, certification, and/or training

• Knowledge of government's role, structure, and decision-making processes related to public agency governance.
• Knowledge of applicable Acts, Legislation, policies, directives, and programs
• Ability to apply thorough foundation of knowledge of governance topics and common issues (e.g., accountability, transparency)
• Financial acumen to address related compensation issues and navigate related discussions
• Knowledge of research methodologies, techniques, and procedures, including the application of qualitative and quantitative research methods and data analysis
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, interpersonal and relationship building skills. The Senior Governance Analyst is expected to conduct meetings related to APAGA requirements as well as other relevant legislative and policy parameters and must have the necessary tact to participate in complex and sometimes sensitive conversations with senior executives within the GOA as well as representatives from public agencies who are involved in board governance.
• Ability to think strategically and critically on a broad scale in the development and implementation of innovative and feasible solutions
• Strong research skills with the ability to maintain objectivity in the face of competing interests
• Ability to multi-task with limited direction, while working in a dynamic environment that requires adaptability and
• The ability to respond quickly to changing priorities
• Experience working with multiple stakeholders on cross-government initiatives
• Experience with the Microsoft Office suite, and excellent knowledge of Excel
• Political acumen sensitivity to confidential materials and information

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

Refer to https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-minimum-recruitment-standards

Notes

This is a full-time permanent position, working 36.25 hours per week, Monday to Friday based out of Edmonton.

• Shortlisted candidates may be required to undergo a written assessment.
• Final candidates will be required to undergo a security screening.
• Parking is not provided for this position.
• Employee annual professional fees/dues are not covered for this position.

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

Applicants are required to provide a cover letter that outlines in detail their experiences and how that experience relates specifically to the requirements for this position. Applications without an appropriate cover letter or appropriate resume will not be considered.

Links and information on what the GoA has to offer to prospective employees:

• Working for the Alberta Public Service - https://www.alberta.ca/advantages-working-for-alberta-public-service.aspx
• Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP) - https://www.pspp.ca
• Management Employees Pension Plan (MEPP) - https://www.mepp.ca
• Alberta Public Service Benefit Information - https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-benefits
• Professional learning and development - https://www.alberta.ca/professional-development-support-directive
• Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool - https://researchapscareers.alberta.ca
• Positive workplace culture and work-life balance
• Opportunity to participate in flexible work arrangements such as working from home up to two days per week and modified work schedule agreement
• Leadership and mentorship programs

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 for a job online. Please visit https://www.alberta.ca/job-application-resources#before for more information. Please visit Recruitment Principles, for more information.

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)(https://www.alberta.ca/international-qualifications-assessment.aspx) or from a recognized Canadian Credential Evaluator; please visit the Alliance of Credential Evaluation Services of Canada for more information (https://canalliance.org/en/default.html).

It is 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 accommodations during the recruitment process, please contact Annie Oa at Annie.Oa@gov.ab.ca