Director, Policy, Planning and External Relations

Important messages

Have you always wanted to be a leader in an innovative, diverse, client-centered organization? Well now is your chance! Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan) is looking for a Director to join our Alberta team.

You will excel in this role if you have an in-depth understanding of the Alberta economy, the roles of federal and provincial governments in fostering inclusive economic development and diversification, strong leadership skills, proven management success and a network of economic development contacts in Alberta. This role will appeal to someone who has high standards, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and demonstrates a commitment to teamwork and staff development. We encourage all highly motivated and strategic individuals with excellent communication skills to apply!

We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the hiring process. If you need to be accommodated during any phase of the process, please contact Rochelle Haws by email at . All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.

Duties

About the role:
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.

About PrairiesCan:
PrairiesCan is the department that diversifies the economy across the Canadian Prairies. PrairiesCan leads in building a strong, competitive Canadian economy by supporting business, innovation and community economic development unique to Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. The department does this by making investments using grant and contribution programs, providing business services through network partners, and undertaking policy development and coordination activities to assist clients and improve the prairies economy. To promote growth and diversification in the West, the department plays four key roles: investor, advisor, convenor, and pathfinder.

Work environment

PrairiesCan is one of Western Canada’s best employers and one of the highest rated departments by employees in the federal government because of its support for employees, innovative workplace and ability to make a difference in the lives of Western Canadians.

At PrairiesCan, we care about what we can accomplish as a team and we also care about each other. To sustain this high-performing culture, we hire top talent and provide an employment experience that brings out the best in people. We want to achieve great results for Canadians and we want to be the best at what we do.

Why Choose PrairiesCan:
• Work with amazing people who support each other
• Meaningful work that makes a difference to the country
• Excellent compensation package
• Flexible work arrangements
• Modern work tools and technology

PrairiesCan offices are open environments with well-regulated air quality, ergonomic sit- stand workstations, and a combination of natural and fluorescent lighting. PrairiesCan is currently following the direction from the Office of the Chief Human Resource Officer on the common hybrid work model across the federal public service. This common hybrid work model consists of work on site at least 2–3 days each week, or 40–60% of their regular schedule. You may find more information here: https://www.canada.ca/en/government/publicservice/staffing/common-hybrid-work-model-federal-public-service.html.

The physical demands of this position include spending a significant amount of screen time on a computer or equivalent, as well as reading documents in digital and/or print media. This role will also involve meeting with stakeholders virtually by video or telephone, and in-person.

Intent of the process

The intent is to staff one indeterminate position.

A pool of qualified candidates may be established and may be used to staff similar positions at this group and level.

Positions to be filled: 1

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

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

Education:
• Successful completion of a degree from a recognized post-secondary institution or an acceptable combination of education, training and experience.

Degree equivalency

Experience:
• Significant* experience managing financial and human resources.
• Significant* experience in managing one or more of the following areas: policy, planning, external relations, research or communications.
• Experience in advising and briefing Ministers, Deputy Ministers, or senior executives.
• Experience developing partnerships and building consensus with internal and external stakeholders (ex. federal/provincial/territorial departments, central agencies, the private sector, academia, labour groups, not-for-profit organizations, and/or Indigenous communities).

*Note: Significant is defined in terms of both depth and breadth of experience that is normally acquired by performing the tasks continuously over a minimum period of at least 3 years in the last 7 years.

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

Asset Qualifications:

Education:
• Master’s degree from a recognized post-secondary institution in a related area to the position.

Degree equivalency

Experience:
• Experience in advocacy and promoting prairie or regional economic interests.
• Experience in economic analysis or working in an organization (public or private) focused on economic development.
• Experience engaging with Indigenous communities, governments and organizations.
• Experience managing staff remotely or in a matrix environment.
• Established professional networks in Alberta.

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
• Achieve Results
• Promote Innovation and Guide Change
• Excellent Communicator

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

Organizational Needs:
• Prairies Economic Development Canada is committed to having an inclusive and diverse workforce that is representative of the population we serve. Consideration may be given to candidates who self-identify as belonging to one of the following employment equity groups: Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities, and women.

Operational Requirements:
• Willingness and ability to work overtime when required.
• Willingness and ability to travel occasionally.

Conditions of employment

Secret security clearance

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

TIPS FOR APPLICANTS: When answering the screening questions ensure that you provide complete and thorough details of your experience. Do not assume that the screening board has any previous knowledge of your background, qualifications, or work history. You must be specific and provide concrete examples/details for each experience element, as applications will be screened only on the information provided. Failure to provide sufficient information may result in your application being screened out of the process.

Qualifications, including communication (oral and written), may be assessed at any stage of the process.

Communication for this process will be sent via email. Applicants MUST check their email accounts frequently as there may be a deadline for responses. It is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure accurate contact information is provided and updated as required. Candidates who apply to this selection process should include an email address that accepts email from unknown users (some email systems block these types of email).

Depending on the number of applicants, the needs and/or Human Resources plans, volume management strategies such as random selection, top-down approach and/or establishing cut-off scores to determine who will continue in the staffing process, may be used for the purpose of managing applications.

Preference

Preference will be given to veterans first and then to Canadian citizens and permanent residents, 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.