Senior Policy Analyst

Important messages

Are you curious about the work of federal regional development agencies? We are looking for senior policy analysts to join our Parliamentary Relations and Government Affairs team. Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) is, in so many ways, the best-kept secret for challenging and engaging careers. Let us count the ways:

• As a small department, we are encouraged to be creative in our problem solving. In fact, our Deputy Minister officially celebrates individuals and teams who take risks.
• In 2019, our staff ranked us the #1 place to work in the federal government – way to go WD! And they consistently rank us as one of the best places to work (results from the Public Service Employee Survey).
• Our size presents many more opportunities to work on far reaching policy files, help to shepherd them from start to finish, and serve western Canadians.
• The 2020 Fall Economic Statement has brought us new and exciting planned and potential activities to deliver on: creation of a new regional economic development agency for BC, support for the air sector, more COVID-19 relief funding – on top of what we already do.
• Place- based policy analysis has never been more important - we provide regional perspectives on so many memoranda to Cabinet, proposals and budget submissions, and we need your help to keep up!
• Did we mention the people? We have some of the best! WD is a truly collegial environment where we thrive together and get the job done.

If your interest is piqued, see below for our requirements (in bureaucratic speak):

Work environment

Please note: As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are working remotely for the time being. Interviews and related assessments will be conducted virtually throughout this staffing process. Please ensure you have a reliable internet connection and access. If you are appointed to a position, WD will provide tools and/or equipment to support remote work. There may be an opportunity to visit an office subject to public health recommendations.

Intent of the process

A pool of qualified candidates will be established and may be used to staff similar positions at this group and level. This process may be used for various positions and tenures (including but not limited to term and indeterminate appointments, internal assignments, secondments, deployments, acting appointments, casual) as well as various locations, security requirements, language requirements and conditions of employment. The pool of qualified candidates may also be shared and accessed with other federal government departments.

Positions to be filled: Number to be determined

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

A covering letter in 500 words (maximum)

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

Education:
• Graduation with a degree from a recognized post-secondary institution with acceptable specialization in economics, sociology or statistics.

Candidates must always have a degree. The courses for the specialization must be acceptable and may have been taken at a recognized post-secondary institution, but not necessarily within a degree program in the required specialization. The specialization may also be obtained through an acceptable combination of education, training and/or experience.

Degree equivalency

Experience:
• Significant experience* researching and analyzing economic policy issues, including the use of qualitative and/or quantitative data
• Significant experience* preparing briefing materials (such as reports and/or briefing notes) on policy issues for senior management.
• Experience providing strategic advice or recommendations to senior management on complex** issues.
• Experience in developing and maintaining positive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience collaborating on policy-related or economy-related initiative(s) with partners or stakeholders.

*Significant experience means the depth and breadth of experience normally associated with having performed a broad range of various complex related activities, which are normally acquired over a minimum period of 2 years.
**Complex policy issues are defined as policy issues that are ambiguous, poorly defined or require input, expertise, and analysis from multiple sectors, organizations, or disciplines.

If you possess any of the following, your application must also clearly explain how you meet it (other qualifications)

Asset Qualifications:
• Master’s degree from a recognized post-secondary institution in a field relevant to the duties of the position.
• Depth, breadth and scope in any one or combination of the experience factors.
• Experience in regional economic development.
• Experience coordinating Cabinet affairs or parliamentary relations.
• Experience supervising or managing human resources.

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

Various language requirements

Information on language requirements

Knowledge of:
• Information sources and methods necessary for the analysis of regional development and economic policy issues;
• Economic issues related to Western Canada;
• Federal and provincial government roles and activities related to economic development in Western Canada; and
• Cabinet affairs procedures, parliamentary proceedings and processes.

Competencies:
• Demonstrating integrity and respect;
• Thinking things through;
• Working effectively with others;
• Showing initiative and being action-oriented;
• Oral Communication; and
• Written Communication

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

WD is committed to building a skilled and diverse workforce that reflects the Canadians we serve. We encourage you to indicate if you belong to one of the designated employment equity groups when you apply. Appointments of members of these EE groups ensures our workforce is inclusive and representative of the Canadian public we serve.

Conditions of employment

• Secret Security Clearance;
• Willingness to work overtime when required; and
• Willingness to travel if necessary.

Other information

The Public Service of Canada is committed to building a skilled and diverse workforce that reflects the Canadians we serve. We promote employment equity and encourage you to indicate if you belong to one of the designated groups when you apply.

Information on employment equity

Preference

Preference will be given to veterans and to Canadian citizens, in that order, with the exception of a job located in Nunavut, where Nunavut Inuit will be appointed first.

Information on the preference to veterans

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