Intergovernmental Advisor

This position serves as a key administrative support for regional and intermunicipal initiatives, including committee and special project work. Facilitating process and decision making within a complex organizational, regional, and provincial dynamic, the Intergovernmental Advisor is a critical support to the Manager of Corporate Planning and Intergovernmental Services. This position additionally coordinates recommendations and implements the tactical planning of issues-management, legislative and regulatory directives, and advocacy efforts—all within a quickly evolving political landscape.

Job Duties

Regional Affairs Coordination and Advisory

Maintain an appropriate understanding of issues, opportunities and functioning of the Edmonton Metropolitan Region Board, and associated initiatives (such as RAMP, MRSP, etc.). Facilitate effective two-way communication (verbal, written, personal) with EMRB staff, the 13 EMRB communities and other partner municipalities.

Maintain and enhance relationships and promote the reputation of Sturgeon County as a leader in regional cooperation. Participate in regional Intergovernmental efforts to coordinate municipal efforts, when applicable.

Attend and participate in EMRB and initiative meetings, sometimes in parallel with Elected Official, Senior Leadership member and/or program area content owner to ensure continuity and to provide back-up, when required.

Review meeting agendas in advance of meetings and prepare annotated agendas.

In the case of Board, Task Force or Committee meetings in which Sturgeon County is a member, lead briefings and develop associated briefing materials for elected officials and Senior Leadership.

Provide additional briefings to Council on issues of particular importance to the County, as required,

Government Advocacy Implementation and Intergovernmental Project Support

Support the implementation of regional, provincial, and federal Advocacy Planning to advance Sturgeon County interests. Develop materials that align efforts to the County’s strategic objectives as identified in the Strategic Plan and Corporate Business Plan.

Research, analyze, and consult with departments to formulate, document, and propose County strategy, positions, and approaches for review with the Manager of Corporate Planning and Intergovernmental Services, Senior Leadership, and Council (as required). May require considerations that are technical in nature, translating into plain language.

Facilitate appropriate and timely information flow within the organization, as well as to and from other regional parties, other governments, and associations. At times, the Intergovernmental Advisor will additionally be required to represent the County’s interests at organizational tables, including but not limited to: the Edmonton Metropolitan Region Board (EMRB),

Municipal Associations (RMA, AUMA, FCM, etc.),

Other levels of Government (provincial and federal),

Intermunicipal Affairs Committees (IACs), and

other municipalities both inside and outside of County borders.

Facilitate the organization of several key intermunicipal and internal Committees (whose membership includes elected officials and senior administration); includes strategic planning of meetings agendas and associated materials, prepare or secure briefings/advisories/position papers, development of confidential or sensitive documents, record minutes and maintain action, event, and connection registers.

Progress and support legislatively required processes, such as Intermunicipal Collaboration Frameworks (ICFs) and Intermunicipal Development Plan (IDPs), Joint Use Planning Agreements, internal policy, and bylaw development, etc.

Support the development of comprehensive (and at times, complex) Request for Decision documents and Briefing matters to appear before Council to progress initiatives of an intergovernmental nature, or to support program areas in their development of these materials.

Develop Terms of References, Project Charters, work plans and execute other special projects and assignments as required. Investigate leading best practices and successful collaboration models to support organizational strategic objectives.

Other : Develop professional relationships (internal and external) to maintain effective partnerships facilitating the fulfillment of corporate strategies and initiatives.

Undertake special projects related to local, regional, or provincial/federal programs/policies and/or advocacy efforts. Support the advancement of Sturgeon County’s ecosystem approach.

Adhere to applicable responsibilities and accountabilities as outlined in the Sturgeon County Health and Safety Management System.

Job Skills : To be successful in this position the incumbent must have : Ability to concisely communicate to a broad range of stakeholders in a clear and succinct manner, in written report and verbal/presentation form. A strong eye for detail is critical.

Well-developed project man