Scrum Master

Job Overview

Job Description

The Government of Alberta (GoA) has embarked on transforming the work of government to deliver simpler, more efficient, and better services for the citizens of Alberta, thereby ensuring that the needs of Albertans are effectively met in the digital age. The Province has a strategic role within government to drive efficiencies, innovation and modernization. The Digital Design and Delivery Division (DDD) is the Province’s new centre for digital delivery. It was established to maximize capability and confidence in modern digital practice by ensuring service quality and value through standards and controls. This includes utilizing human-centred design approaches together with agile methodology and modern data practices.

DDD works in partnership with GoA ministries to deliver programs that better serve Albertans. DDD requires two (2) Scrum Masters to work with DDD on service innovation, program review, and digital transformation projects across the GoA. The Scrum Master will work as part of cross-functional program review or product delivery teams. These teams, led by GoA product owners and DDD work collaboratively, and collectively participate in a full range of activities including field research, backlog definition and refinement, and sprint planning and execution. Digital transformation projects review the current state of services, identify future opportunities, and then deliver new services that are efficient, effective and affordable.

Scrum Master(s) identify and remove roadblocks and distractions that affect sprint commitments and prevent delivery of product features. Scrum Master(s) will be responsible for the management of the agile sprint process for cross-functional program review or product delivery teams, and will provide leadership and mentoring in agile principles, policies, and procedures, to enable the teams to self-organize and deliver consistently on sprint deliverables. Scrum Master(s) will be expected to manage communication, maximize transparency, disseminate information related to service delivery, and resolve any conflict when it arises.

Duties:
The Scrum Master will be required on a full-time basis, working across two (2) to three (3) projects. Time, location, and frequency of work will vary depending on the needs of the particular project. At the end of each term, it is expected that the Scrum Master may work a maximum of 1,960 hours, unless otherwise agreed upon with the Province. However, the Scrum Master may be required to work fewer or more hours depending on the nature and needs of their work, as directed by the Province.
Services and project deliverables should evolve as the work progresses, in response to emerging user and business needs, as well as design and technical opportunities. However, the following must be delivered (iteratively) over the course of the project:
• Lead and mentor cross-functional program review and product delivery teams in agile principles, policies, and procedures.
• Lead and facilitate key agile ceremonies, including planning sessions, stand-ups, sprint reviews, product demos, retrospectives, and refinement. This could also include ad hoc sessions.
• Facilitate effective delivery of Services and deliverables by the cross-functional program review and product delivery teams through coaching and guiding the GoA product owner and the team. Specifically:
o Coach the team on the application of agile methodology including how to provide effective estimates and sprint commitments, how to adjust for external dependencies, how to eliminate blocking issues, etc.
o Promote the successful achievement of sprint goals and commitments, by acting as the intermediary between the GoA product owner and team.
o Guide the GoA product owner on reporting, release planning, and road-mapping.
• Maintain delivery metrics and report on product level plans, progress, and quality assurance using project management tools and Artifacts such as sprint burndown/velocity charts, product backlogs, and sprint backlogs. The Scrum Master(s) will be required to report on progress to the Province as directed.
• Participate in digital service delivery activities, such as user research and usability testing.
The Province and the Contractor shall determine changes to Services and Materials as required. The Province and the Contractor will determine changes to Services and Materials through the Artifacts.

Equipment Requirements:
It is preferred resource has their own equipment, though GoA will provide laptop/desktop if necessary.
If resource requires their own equipment, the computer's operating system must be a modern version of Windows or MacOS that is compatible with Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) and related software for remote access. Windows is preferred due to better compatibility. AVD/remote-related software will be installed on the resource's computer.

In the event that the Contractor’s resources are directed to work remotely, the Contractor shall be responsible for providing all of its equipment, including computers, software, printers, supplies, desks and chairs. However, the Province shall ensure that the Contractor’s resources have the necessary access and credentials to the Government of Alberta’s system.
In the event that, the Contractor’s resources are directed to work in-person, the Province shall provide the requisite office space, furniture and office supplies. However, the Contractor shall continue to be responsible for providing computers and software and the Province shall continue to ensure that the Contractor’s resources have the necessary access and credentials to the Government of Alberta’s system.
The fixed rate quoted must be inclusive of all overhead, office space and equipment, including supplies, administrative burden, mark-up and all other costs to perform the Services for the duration of the Contract.

Working Hours:
Standard Hours of work are 08:15 16:30 Alberta time, Monday through Friday excluding holidays observed by the Province
Work must be done from within Canada, due to network and data security issues.
It is anticipated the role will be 100% remote, however in the event of an onsite meeting, the GoA does not pay for travel to attend on-site meetings, nor any expenses related to relocation, commuting, housing/accommodation, food/drink.

Location:
This resource will primarily work remotely; however, the resource may be required to attend meetings or work sessions in office on reasonable notice from the Province. At the time of providing such notice, the Province will advise of the expected duration of any such meetings or work sessions. However, time to travel and any associated expenses to and from Edmonton and/or travel within Alberta will be at no cost to the Province.

Incumbency:
These are net new roles. Please note that for this and all other opportunities, the Ministry seeks the best person to fill the role.

Background Check Required:
• The Supplier shall, prior to commencement of the Services, provide the Province, on its request and at no cost to the Province, with criminal record check along with a credit check.
• The GoA will review the criminal record check along with the credit check and confirm if this meets the Enhanced Background check requirements prior to the position starting.

Mandatory Training Courses:
• Once hired the resource will be required to complete all mandatory training which includes but not limited to Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and Security awareness training. There may also be some optional courses as well.