Director, Policy, Planning & External Relations

Important messages

At Western Economic Diversification we create a diversified western Canadian economy that has strong, competitive and innovative businesses and communities. We promote the development and diversification of the economy to advance the interests of the West in national economic policy, program and project development and implementation. We pride ourselves on being a great employer and in 2016 our department was recognized as one of Alberta’s Top 70 Employers.

It is your responsibility as a candidate to submit a cover letter, which clearly outlines that you meet each of the essential screening qualifications (i.e. Education and Experience Qualifications) as well as a Curriculum Vitae which is linked to the information in your cover letter. Please note that it is not sufficient to only state that the qualification is met or to provide a listing of current or past responsibilities. Rather you must provide concrete examples, which illustrate how you meet each qualification. One suitable approach is to use each screening qualification as a heading, and provide a description outlining how that qualification is met. Failure to provide an appropriate cover letter may result in your application being rejected from the process.

Reference (including current supervisor) MUST be included in your application.

Please note that interviews are tentatively scheduled for May 11 and 12, 2017. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

Duties

The Director, Policy, Planning and External Relations is accountable to the regional Assistant Deputy Minister for the direction of economic research and analysis; identification of emerging policy issues; direction of regional strategic and business planning activities; management of horizontal issues in a multi-lateral/multi-stakeholder environment; consultation and advocacy activities; negotiation of bi-lateral and multi-lateral agreements; direction of Grants &Contributions funds and managing projects within a 'virtual environment' that brings together the ideas, skills, experience and expertise of staff within the Region and across the Department.

Intent of the process

The intent of the process is to staff one position on an indeterminate basis. A pool of qualified candidates may be established and may be used to staff future term, indeterminate, acting, assignment, secondment or deployment opportunities within Western Economic Diversification.

Positions to be filled: 1

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

A covering letter in 2,500 words (maximum)

You must meet all essential qualifications in order to be appointed to the position. Other qualifications may be a deciding factor in choosing the person to be appointed. Some essential and other qualifications will be assessed through your application. It is your responsibility to provide appropriate examples that illustrate how you meet each qualification. Failing to do so could result in your application being rejected.

In order to be considered, your application must clearly explain how you meet the following (essential qualifications)

Education:
• Bachelor’s degree from a recognized post-secondary institution with a specialization in business or public administration, commerce, economics, political science, or in a field related to the duties of the position.

Experience:
• Experience in advising and briefing Ministers, Deputy Ministers, or senior executives.
• Experience in public policy analysis and in managing policy research activities.
• Experience in managing policy issues.
• Experience in developing partnerships and building consensus with internal and external clients (e.g. other levels of government, academia, think tanks, private sector organizations).
• Experience in managing human and financial resources. (Please indicate number of employees supervised as well as the size and type of budget managed).

The following will be applied / assessed at a later date (essential for the job)

English essential

Information on language requirements

Knowledge:
• Knowledge of the trends and policy issues relating to regional economic development in Alberta and in Western Canada.
• Knowledge of the objectives and priorities of the Federal and Provincial government, particularly in relation to regional economic development.

Key Leadership Competencies:
• Create Vision and Strategy;
• Mobilize People;
• Uphold Integrity and Respect;
• Collaborate with Partners and Stakeholders;
• Promote Innovation and Guide Change; and
• Achieve Results

Ability:
• Ability to communication effectively – orally and in writing.

The following may be applied / assessed at a later date (may be needed for the job)

Asset Qualifications:
• Master’s degree from a recognized post-secondary institution in a related area to the position.
• Experience working in an organization (public or private) focused on economic development.
• Depth, breadth and scope in any one or combination of the experience factors.
• Cultural Fit (positive attitude, self-motivated, team-oriented, honesty).

Degree equivalency

Organizational Needs:
• Increase Employment Equity representation.

Conditions of employment

Condition(s) of Employment:
• Secret Security Clearance;
• Willingness to travel frequently; and
• Willingness to work overtime

Other information

Please provide a valid e-mail address as correspondence will be sent via e-mail whenever possible.

Acknowledgment of receipt of applications will not be sent; we will contact candidates when the screening process is completed.

Simulations for the Selection of Executives (SELEX) may be used for assessment of short list of partially qualified candidates.

Note: For information on the Key Leadership Competencies, please visit the following website: http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/tal/kcl/intro-eng.asp.

Reference checks may be sought.

An interview may be administered.

A test may be administered.

You must provide proof of your education credentials.

Persons are entitled to participate in the appointment process in the official language of their choice.

You must indicate on your application if you require a technical aid for testing or an alternative method of assessment.

The Public Service of Canada is committed to building a skilled, diverse workforce reflective of Canadian society. As a result, it promotes employment equity and encourages candidates to indicate voluntarily on their application if they are a woman, an Aboriginal person, a person with a disability or a member of a visible minority group.

The Public Service of Canada is also committed to developing inclusive, barrier-free selection processes and work environments. If contacted in relation to a job opportunity or testing, you should advise the Public Service Commission or the departmental official in a timely fashion of the accommodation measures which must be taken to enable you to be assessed in a fair and equitable manner. Information received relating to accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially.

Preference

Preference will be given to veterans and to Canadian citizens, in that order.

Information on the preference to veterans

We thank all those who apply. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.