Senior Policy Advisor

Government of Alberta•Edmonton, AB

1d•CA$81,853 - CA$107,297•Onsite

About The Position

The Alberta Public Service works to build a stronger province for current and future generations. We make a difference in the lives of Albertans through rewarding and diverse career opportunities.The Ministry of Primary and Preventative Health Services is building a more resilient and sustainable health care system that can support Albertans getting care when and where they need it, while responding to system-wide health challenges, improving health outcomes, and maintaining fiscal responsibility. The ministry supports Albertans' health and well-being throughout their lives by protecting public health and promoting wellness; coordinating and delivering safe, person-centered, quality health services; health system planning and capital infrastructure planning; supporting innovative information management and technologies; regulating health care; and funding the health system. The Pharmaceutical Strategy & Foresight Unit leads the identification of, and develops appropriate responses to, key trends and shifts that may affect the effective and efficient operations of publicly funded drug programs. The unit develops and advances strategic research priorities, conducts advanced environmental scanning and policy analysis and implementation. The unit is also responsible to advance integration of Alberta's publicly funded drug programs with other parts of the health system to support positive collaboration and efficient use of resources. Reporting to the Manager of Pharmaceutical Strategy, the Senior Policy Advisor is responsible for project management and policy and program development work and legislative analysis associated with the review, evaluation and/or implementation of system initiatives on publicly funded drug programs, health benefits, pharmacy services and their integration with other parts of the health system.

Requirements

University graduation in a related field (e.g.: social sciences, health care administration, economics, law, public health, pharmacy) plus 4 years progressively responsible related experience; or equivalent as described below.
Experience in project design, development, management, and evaluation.
Demonstrated experience in leading strategic initiatives, policy development and management, and research evaluation experience within the public and/or health care sector.
Experience developing and amending policies and working with related legislation.
Proven track record of developing and maintaining effective relationships and partnerships with diverse stakeholder groups.
Demonstrated success in managing complex, multi-faceted issues.
Systems Thinking – You consider the broader impacts of policy options across the health system, identify interdependencies and potential risks, and provide advice that supports ministry priorities and government objectives.
Develop Networks – You build collaborative relationships with program areas, cross-ministry partners, legal services, and stakeholders to gather perspectives, facilitate information sharing, and support the development of effective policy solutions.
Agility – You respond effectively to changing priorities, emerging issues, and tight timelines by adjusting approaches, identifying alternatives, and providing timely policy analysis and advice.
Drive for Results – You deliver high-quality policy analysis, briefing materials, and recommendations that support informed decision-making and contribute to achieving ministry objectives.
Creative Problem Solving – You research and analyze complex issues, integrate diverse perspectives, and develop practical policy options and recommendations that address risks, challenges, and stakeholder considerations.

Nice To Haves

Working knowledge of the tenets of primary healthcare, including pharmaceutical delivery systems and the role of stakeholders.
Knowledge of health economics, health care systems, epidemiology, roles and relationships of pharmacists and other health care providers in the continuing care environment, and the pharmaceutical industry.
Working knowledge of research and evaluation methods.
Knowledge of risk management techniques.
Knowledge of the client and stakeholder community impacted by the ministry mandate and operations, including relevant organizations, committees, advisory groups, and representatives.
In-depth knowledge of health issues, public health policies and services, health care system structure, related legislation.

Responsibilities

Plan strategies and initiatives related to health system initiatives to improve effectiveness and appropriateness of publicly funded drug programs and access to pharmacy services.
Employ advanced environmental scanning and methodologies to monitor trends and signals in the pharmaceutical sector.
Project management, from start to finish, large complex projects with minimal supervision (e.g., all branch strategic foresight and environmental scanning initiatives).
Collect, synthesize and analyze pharmaceutical information and make recommendations to ensure alignment of policies and programs to reflect government direction and inform future options.
Supervise project staff and/or consultants to ensure timely project completion, as required by each assigned project, to accomplish expected outcomes.
Monitor and report on project status and achievements and provide options on how to solve significant emerging risks and project milestones.
Develop and maintain competencies in, and specialized knowledge of, the pharmaceutical sector.
Provide the ministry perspective and program directives at external meetings, including representing Alberta on relevant federal/provincial/ territorial committees, and with professional organizations.
Provide accurate and responsive program information to the general public and health care professionals via direct telephone contact.
Participate in Ministry committees, teams and working groups, representing and providing branch perspectives and expertise to ensure thoroughness and consistency in policy and program development.
Collaborate with department staff to ensure coordination and integration of activities and promote collaboration within the Ministry and with health system stakeholders.
Develops relationships with key stakeholders and maintains an extensive network of contacts to stay abreast of key trends and emerging opportunities in the pharmaceutical sector.
Assess options and implications that may result from changes to existing services, programs, and legislation through analysis of possible strategies and approaches; identify associated risks and be able to provide strategies to mitigate those risks.
Keep abreast of current and emerging pharmacy practice issues, continuing care systems, best practice strategies, and developments in drugs/ technology.
Participate in the development of the yearly operational plan and manage the implementation of the branch strategic plan.
Provide support and advice that is presented to the Minister, Deputy Minister, Executive Director and/or Director in the development of Alberta's position on new pharmaceutical issues of strategic importance.