Contract and Procurement Specialist

Role Responsibilities

The Ministry of Assisted Living and Social Services is seeking a skilled and dedicated Contract Specialist to support the procurement, management, and oversight of contracts and grants across a broad range of social programs. This role ensures that Albertans regardless of age, ability, or life circumstances receive high-quality services that meet their evolving needs.
As a Contract Specialist, you will apply strong analytical, relationship-building, and contract management skills to support regional and provincial procurement priorities. You will work with service providers, regional staff, and various stakeholders to plan, procure, monitor, and evaluate services that directly impact vulnerable Albertans.

This position requires a high degree of independence, sound judgment, and the ability to navigate complex, politically sensitive environments. You will be relied upon for your program knowledge, understanding of legislation and policies, and ability to effectively manage multiple contracts and priorities at once.

Key Responsibilities:

1.    Relationship & Stakeholder Management
Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with service providers, community organizations, sector partners, and internal program staff to support effective service delivery and address emerging regional issues.
2.    Contract & Grant Monitoring
Develop monitoring plans and oversee contracts and grants to ensure compliance, quality of service, and achievement of outcomes. Identify risks, resolve issues, and support continuous improvement efforts.
3.    Planning & Analysis
Support regional and provincial procurement planning by analyzing service needs, identifying gaps and trends, conducting environmental scans, and contributing to strategic recommendations.
4.    Procurement & Agreement Management
Lead or support procurement activities, including developing solicitation documents, evaluating submissions, negotiating agreements, and ensuring alignment with legislation, policy, and Ministry procurement frameworks.
5.    Program Knowledge & Risk Management
Apply strong knowledge of social programs, legislation, financial policies, and service delivery models to assess risks, support decision-making, ensure quality standards, and enhance service outcomes for diverse client groups.

Please click on this link to view the job description for this position.

APS Competencies

Competencies are behaviors that are essential to reach our goals in serving Albertans. We encourage you to have an in depth understanding of the competencies that are required for this opportunity and to be prepared to demonstrate them during the recruitment process.

This link will assist you with understanding competencies:
https://www.alberta.ca/system/files/custom_downloaded_images/psc-alberta-public-service-competency-model.pdf.

•    Agility
•    Drive for Results 
•    Develop Self and Others
•    Build Collaborative Environments 
•    Develop Networks
•    Systems Thinking
•    Creative Problem Solving

Qualifications

University graduation in a related field plus 4 years progressively responsible related experience; or equivalent as described below. 

Equivalency:  Directly related education or experience considered on the basis of: 1 year of education for 1 year of experience; or 1 year of experience for 1 year of education.

Example:
•    2 year diploma plus minimum 6 years of progressively responsible related experience
•    1 year certificate plus minimum 7 years of progressively responsible related experience
•    No post-secondary education in a related field, minimum 8 years of progressively responsible related experience would be required

Qualifications:
•    Understanding of social service delivery models, community agencies, and client needs across diverse populations.
•    Knowledge of procurement practices, contract management, and relevant legislation.
•    Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
•    Strong analytical, strategic thinking, Negotiation, mediation, and conflict-resolution skills  
•    Ability to manage multiple contracts, priorities, and deadlines independently.
•    Extensive experience using Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.

Assets:
•    Strong financial analysis skills, including budgeting, forecasting, and reviewing expenditures.
•    Ability to work in complex, politically sensitive environments with discretion and sound judgment.
•    Strong organizational skills and the ability to coordinate across programs and sectors.
•    Knowledge of client tracking systems, data integrity practices, procurement systems, and related software.

Minimum recruitment standards outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification. 
Refer to https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-minimum-recruitment-standards.

Notes

Preferred Working location is Calgary, Alberta

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Hours of work are 36.25 hours weekly, Monday to Friday.

In your resume, please include dates (including months and years) associated with all education and work experience. Also, please indicate whether your work experience is casual, part time or full time.

Your cover letter and resume will be used as a screening tool to assess your written communication. An additional written assignment may be used as part of the screening process.

Any costs associated with obtaining the required documents/checks as noted or interview travel expenses, will be the responsibility of the candidate. Out-of-province applicants can obtain the required documents/checks from the province they currently reside in. 

Links and information on what the GoA have to offer to prospective employees.

•    Working for the Alberta Public Service - https://www.alberta.ca/advantages-working-for-alberta-public-service.aspx.
•    Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP) - https://www.pspp.ca.
•    Alberta Public Service Benefit Information - https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-benefits.
•    Professional learning and development - https://www.alberta.ca/professional-development-support-directive.
•    Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool – https://researchapscareers.alberta.ca.
•    Positive workplace culture and work-life balance.
•    Leadership and mentorship programs.