Contract and Procurement Specialist

Role Responsibilities

The Ministry of Assisted Living and Social Services is seeking a skilled and dedicated Contract and Procurement 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 and Procurement 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:

• 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.
• 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.
• Financial Review
  Conduct financial reviews and risk assessments of service providers to evaluate eligibility of expenses, viability, sustainability, and capacity to deliver contracted services.
• Procurement Activities
  Lead and support competitive procurement activities, including procurement planning, evaluation management, negotiations, contract award, implementation, debriefing activities, and ensuring alignment with legislation, policy, and Ministry procurement frameworks.
• 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.
  
  

The Job Description is provided for further details on 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.

Qualifications

Minimum Recruitment Standards: University graduation in a related field (Bachelor of Social work, Bachelor of business administration or public administration, Bachelor of Human Service Administration) 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

Assets:

• Extensive knowledge of social services programs, social service delivery models, community agencies, and the needs of individuals with disabilities or other vulnerable populations.
• Ability to assess service provider capacity, service delivery outcomes, community needs, service gaps, and risks affecting clients and programs.
• Strong relationship-building, stakeholder engagement, collaboration, negotiation, mediation, and conflict resolution skills with service providers, community partners, and government stakeholders.
• Knowledge of procurement, contract and grant management and relevant legislation.
• Ability to manage multiple contracts, priorities, and deadlines independently, with strong organizational and coordination skills across programs and sectors.
• Strong financial analysis and reporting skills, including budgeting, expenditure review, and the use of Excel and data analysis tools to support contract management and procurement planning.

Minimum recruitment standards outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification.

Notes

Hours of work are 36.25 hours weekly.

Location: Red Deer, Olds and surrounding areas.

Candidates must be eligible to work in Canada. A current work visa is required.

Final candidates will be required to undergo a security screening. 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.  

Pre screening questions will need to be completed as part of your application process for this competition. As part of the selection process candidates may be invited to a telephone and/or written assessment prior to an interview. Please ensure you provide a current email address in your resume.


Links and information on what we have to offer:

• Working for the Alberta Public Service
• Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP) 
• Alberta Public Service Benefit Information
• Professional learning and development
• Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool 
• Positive workplace culture and work-life balance.