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Annex 5:

Generic Policy Analyst Draft Competency Profile


Introduction
In the context of concern with improving the policy capacity of the federal
government, considerable work has been done to identify problems and
propose solutions.

One finding was that generic competencies and skills are needed to
diagnose broad policy issues, see the interconnections, and anticipate future
research needs.

To address this issue, a competency profile has been developed for policy
analysts, based on research and consultation. This profile includes 6 broad
types of competencies: Knowledge, Organizational, Technical / Operational,
Intellectual, Relationship and Personal. These competencies frequently
emphasize the ability to think and act with a horizontal point of view.

This profile is intended for use as the cornerstone of an integrated Human


Resource Management system (covering selection, training, career
counselling, etc.) for policy analysts across the Public Service. It can be
adapted by individual departments for the particular kinds of policy jobs that
exist there. Different working levels and types of work will affect the
knowledge, skills and abilities required.

For example, for the job of a policy specialist, one might add in-depth
knowledge and technical expertise in a particular field. For the job of a
policy manager, one would add leadership and management skills.

The attached profile has been developed in an inspirational, visionary,


forward-looking style. It is intended as a description of the "ideal" policy
analyst - a model - something to strive for. It is not intended as a
benchmark for one individual. It may be considered in terms of a complete
policy group where the competencies of the policy analysts working together
should meet or exceed this profile.
Summary

Policy analysts are change agents with an eye on the medium and long term
as well as the short term. They help to conceptualize, design, implement
and assess policy, program and legislative changes. They help Ministers to
align policy change with the evolving roles of government at all levels, and
to use governance tools to achieve policy goals.

Policy analysts are knowledge brokers who serve and advise Ministers and
Deputies at all stages of the policy development process. They operate with
enormous sensitivity to the political process. They respect the collective
and individual responsibilities of Ministers and Cabinet. As intellectual
interlocutors between the public service and the political level, and often
with the public at large, the quality of their work reflects on the integrity of the
entire public service. They serve the government objectively, professionally
and neutrally to help it achieve its policy goals. They are also custodians
with a view to maintaining long-term sevice transcending the short-term view
of the government of the day.

The ideal policy analyst has mastered the tools of the trade, has experience
in diverse policy fields, and brings to bear superior judgement, analysis and
integrative skills to ensure that past, present and future considerations are
available to Ministers to assess their policy options. Policy analysts bring
ideas, wisdom and insight to issues. They create intellectual frameworks
that enable discussion of issues by a wide range of constituencies, and they
advise and often assist Ministers in interacting with these constituencies.
They draw together knowledge from within and outside of government in a
sensitive, collaborative fashion, and are acutely aware of the broadest
context within which policy develops. They act as both team players and
diplomats in working with communities of shared interest within and outside
of government. The public interest is always an important consideration in
their work.
Knowledge
‚ is familiar with the legal framework (e.g. Constitution, Acts and
Regulations), political and government priorities (e.g. jobs, youth,
social programs, fiscal challenges, regional concerns and international
trade) and other issues of interest to society

‚ appreciates the collective and individual responsibilities of senior


management (Ministers, Deputy Ministers and Assistant Deputy
Ministers) and Cabinet

‚ knows the structure, processes and key players of the government,


the Public Service and one's own department

‚ understands the components of the policy-making process and the


inter-relationship across central agencies, the federal government and
other levels of government

‚ is aware of the links with external components such as federal-


provincial organizations, key stakeholders and interest groups

‚ realizes the impact of policy on the operations of one's own


department, as well as other departments and organizations

‚ knows how to develop policy and when to move an agenda forward,


taking into account environmental and political factors

‚ is up to date on research in one's field


Organizational Competencies

‚ can set suitable priorities and deadlines for projects, and either adhere
to them or adapt as necessary

‚ can judge best information to obtain and provide within required


deadlines

‚ can balance the quality and timeliness of outputs for multiple projects
or files

‚ can ensure that an entire policy change agenda is moved forward from
conception to implementation to evaluation

Technical / Operational Competencies


‚ knows when and how to use appropriate research tools and analytical
methodologies (e.g. theoretical and applied research, statistics,
modelling, environmental scanning, trend analysis, forecasting)

‚ keeps up to date with technological changes and their impact on


future opportunities and challenges

Intellectual Competencies

Cognitive Capacity

‚ has an agile, disciplined intellect enriched by relevant education


and/or experience

‚ is a clear thinker who can distill complexity into simple terms and go
from the abstract (conceptualization) to the practical (implementation)

‚ is able to think in a broad, strategic manner: in the short, medium and


long term; vertically, horizontally, globally, cross-sectorally and
multidisciplinarily; about local, regional, national and international
issues
‚ has exceptional integrative, synthesizing and analytical skills

‚ exercises strong judgement in weighing and balancing competing


interests, views and information

‚ interprets information and intelligence from a wide range of sources;


sees inter-connections and identifies links

‚ has vision and clear-sightedness in discerning options, trends,


problems, symptoms, causes and effects

‚ is flexible and able to switch mental gears quickly

Creativity

‚ is a creative thinker with enormous curiousity and imagination

‚ responds to challenges with innovative yet practical solutions

‚ systematically tests new ideas against old knowledge and re-


examines issues
Relationship Competencies

Interpersonal Relations

‚ can work well both independently and as a team player

‚ builds and maintains good working relationships with persons both


within and outside of the Public Service

‚ draws together knowledge from both within and outside of the Public
Service in a professional, collaborative fashion, showing openness to
other points of view and new information

‚ shares information appropriately with interested parties both within


and outside of the Public Service

‚ is diplomatic, empathetic, tolerant and patient

‚ uses consultation, in combination with knowledge and ideas, to lead to


solutions (ideally but not necessarily reaching consensus)

‚ builds and maintains a network of contacts in both internal and


external policy communities (e.g. colleagues, stakeholders, academe,
interest groups)

Communication

‚ is able to understand different audiences and adapt communication


styles and media accordingly

‚ has excellent writing skills, from drafting to producing final products

‚ is able to communicate well orally and is an active listener


Personal Competencies

Stamina / Stress Resistance

‚ strives for a balanced lifestyle so as to fulfill responsibilities with


energy and enthusiasm

‚ copes well with ambiguity, uncertainty, change, chaos and tight


deadlines

‚ paces oneself well, recognizing demands of peak periods in policy


files

Ethics and Values

‚ shows objectivity, professionalism, integrity and honesty in dealing


with people at all levels

‚ shows commitment to the government agenda, such as being able to


explain policy options and decisions

Self-Improvement

‚ is pro-active in seeking opportunities to recharge intellectual batteries


and ensure continuous learning, both on the job and through formal
training programs

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