Program Development Officer (Temporary, until March 31, 2028)

CDA-AMC•Toronto, ON

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

Canada’s Drug Agency (CDA-AMC) is a pan-Canadian health organization. We are an independent, not-for-profit organization with offices in Ottawa and Toronto. Created and funded by Canada’s federal, provincial, and territorial governments, we drive better coordination, alignment, and public value within Canada’s drug, health technology, and health systems landscape. We provide health system leaders in Canada with independent evidence and advice, empowering them to make informed decisions about drugs, health technologies, and broader health system strategies and investments, and we collaborate with national and international partners to enhance our collective impact. CDA-AMC was named 1 of the National Capital Region’s top employers for the third year in a row. This recognition celebrates our dedication to fostering a positive and inclusive work environment that nurtures growth and innovation. It reaffirms our ongoing efforts to create an outstanding workplace where our employees thrive and feel valued. At CDA-AMC, employees participate in a hybrid workspace arrangement that allows for flexibility and enhanced work-life balance. We believe in the positive impact of in-person collaboration and the importance of team building. This position follows a hybrid work schedule with a minimum of 2 days onsite, though this requirement may vary based on business and operational needs. We are seeking to fill a current opening on our Appropriate Use team. Reporting to the Director, Appropriate Use, the Program Development Officer will be responsible for supporting the development of, and defining the corresponding deliverables for, projects focused on improving health outcomes and patient safety through appropriate use. You will work closely with internal project teams to ensure an ongoing focus on implementing the Appropriate Use Strategy. The Program Development Officer is also responsible for finding the balance that matches customer needs with the feasibility of the request.

Requirements

Completed a graduate degree in health sciences, pharmacy, medicine, health services research, or quality improvement
Knowledge and understanding of drug therapy, health services research, implementation science, and quality improvement and how best to maximize the uptake and impact of evidence-based information in the health sector
Knowledge and experience in research methods used in the development and application care interventions for health technology assessments
An understanding of health care systems in Canada and knowledge of the decision-making processes within the federal, provincial, and territorial jurisdictions
Strong writing, presentation, negotiation, and facilitation skills, together with solid planning and analytical skills
Strong customer service orientation, with the ability to communicate and build collaborative and productive relationships with a variety of partners
Experience managing multiple tasks, with the ability to manage and facilitate change
Conceptual thinking skills to promote systems thinking and identify trends and process improvements
The ability to thrive and effectively identify potential solutions in situations characterized by uncertainty or ambiguity.
Candidates must be legally eligible to work in Canada.

Nice To Haves

Experience as a pharmacist or in pharmacy
Fluency in French.

Responsibilities

Support the Appropriate Use Strategy: Help develop and maintain products and initiatives that advance the organization’s pan‑Canadian Appropriate Use Strategy. Work with a multidisciplinary team to design, implement, and improve appropriate use projects and tools (e.g., program map).
Develop and Manage Project Materials: Create and update project materials using proactive environmental scans and input from internal teams and external partners. Prepare presentations, briefing notes, background materials, and other documents needed for meetings or decision‑making. Maintain and update project workplans and ensure all relevant parties stay informed. Use knowledge of quality improvement and appropriate use to inform project development and implementation. Distill complex information into clear summaries that support monitoring of the appropriate use landscape.
Engage Interested Parties: Build relationships and communicate with federal, provincial, and territorial decision‑makers, clinicians, patient and caregiver groups, and other partners. Act as the main point of contact for inquiries related to assigned appropriate use priority areas. Support engagement activities by taking meeting notes, summarizing feedback, and following up on action items. Represent the organization at national or international meetings and conferences when required.
Analyze Data and Support Project Delivery: Collect, track, and analyze internal and external data to support appropriate use initiatives and program evaluation. Interpret health care data and summarize trends to inform decision‑making. Produce reports that demonstrate the impact of appropriate use activities. Track and report on the progress of appropriate use initiatives throughout their life cycle. Ensure deliverables continue to meet partners’ needs and align with organizational priorities. Provide regular project status updates to support effective planning and compliance with organizational processes.
Contribute to Program Operations: Support the ongoing maintenance and operations of existing appropriate use programs and tools. Help identify new project opportunities by staying informed about key partners, emerging issues, and trends in appropriate use. Collaborate with internal teams to promote the uptake and impact of appropriate use products.

Benefits

Participation in a defined benefit pension plan with the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP)
Comprehensive benefits package for employees and dependents, including health, dental, life, and travel insurance
Spending accounts to meet your health care and individual wellness needs
Employee assistance program
Generous paid time off (including a minimum of 4 weeks of vacation, paid sick leave and life leave, a December holiday closure, your birthday as a paid day off, and other leave options)
Flexible hours and a hybrid work model that promotes work-life balance
Opportunities to work with and learn from highly specialized professionals
Personal growth through professional development opportunities, corporate training, and support for continuing education
A friendly culture in which community engagement is supported and people’s efforts and important milestones are recognized
The opportunity to make a difference for people living in Canada and effect positive change.