Senior Policy Advisor
About The Position
The Ministry of Mental Health and Addiction is transforming Alberta’s health system to the Alberta Recovery Model, which adopts a recovery-oriented approach for addiction and mental health. A recovery-oriented system of care is a coordinated network of personalized, community-based services for people at risk of or experiencing addiction and mental health challenges. It provides access to a full continuum of services and support, from prevention and intervention to treatment and recovery. The vision is for every Albertan to have the opportunity to pursue recovery and live a healthy and productive life. The Ministry also liaises with the Office of the Alberta Health Advocates and Recovery Alberta. The Ministry of Mental Health and Addiction is seeking a dynamic Senior Policy Advisor to play a key role in advancing intergovernmental collaboration and supporting system-wide policy oversight. In this role, you will contribute to the development and coordination of strategic policy initiatives, ensuring Alberta’s mental health and addiction system is aligned with government priorities and responsive to the needs of Albertans. You will work in a fast-paced environment, providing timely advice, leading engagement across jurisdictions, and supporting decision-making at senior levels.
Requirements
- University graduation in health, human services, public administration or social sciences, and a minimum of four (4) years of progressively responsible experience related to the role; or equivalent as described below.
- Experience coordinating intergovernmental or multi-stakeholder initiatives, including organizing meetings, facilitating discussions, and advancing priorities across jurisdictions or partner organizations.
- Experience conducting policy research, analysis, and jurisdictional scans, and synthesizing findings to support evidence-based decision-making.
- Experience developing briefing materials and strategic advice for senior leadership, such as briefing notes, correspondence, or presentations.
- Experience supporting policy development and implementation, including analyzing issues, identifying risks and options, and contributing to policy or program recommendations.
Nice To Haves
- Experience supporting or coordinating intergovernmental agreements or initiatives, including familiarity with government processes and compliance requirements.
- Experience developing business cases or funding proposals, including articulating policy options, impacts, and recommendations.
- Knowledge of mental health and addiction systems, programs, or policy environments, particularly within a public sector context.
- Experience working within government or large public sector organizations, including collaboration with central agencies or multiple ministries.
Responsibilities
- Lead and coordinate intergovernmental engagement by organizing and supporting meetings, discussions, and collaborative initiatives across federal, provincial, and territorial partners, ensuring Alberta’s interests are effectively represented.
- Conduct jurisdictional scans and environmental analysis to assess policy landscapes, emerging trends, and service delivery models, providing evidence-based insights to support decision-making.
- Develop strategic advice and materials for senior leadership, including briefing notes, correspondence, and presentations for Executive Directors, Assistant Deputy Ministers, and the Minister.
- Support the development of policy options by analyzing issues, identifying risks and opportunities, and recommending practical, aligned solutions.
- Coordinate the review of intergovernmental agreements, ensuring compliance with Government of Alberta policies, legislation, and established processes.
- Foster strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including other ministries, agencies, and central agencies, to support integrated and collaborative approaches.
- Promote coordination and integration of activities across the branch and ministry to support system oversight and effective program delivery.
- Provide timely analysis and advice on complex issues, demonstrating sound judgment in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
- Support branch leadership and operations, including contributing to priority projects and providing back-up support as needed to ensure continuity of work.
Benefits
- Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP)
- Alberta Public Service Benefit Information
- Professional learning and development
- Positive workplace culture and work-life balance.
- Leadership and mentorship programs.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
