Pharmaceutical Program Specialist

Role Responsibilities

Are you a policy expert with a knack for strategic planning and collaboration? If you're ready to use your skills to improve drug benefit coverage and pharmacy services for Albertans, consider joining us as a Pharmaceutical Program Specialist.
 
We are seeking a motivated and experienced Pharmaceutical Program Specialist to join our team at the Pharmaceuticals and Supplementary Health Benefits Branch of the Ministry of Health. As a Pharmaceutical Program Specialist, you will play a crucial role in the development and implementation of initiatives for Alberta's publicly funded drug programs. You will lead strategic research, policy development, and collaboration efforts to ensure effective and affordable drug benefit coverage and pharmacy services for all Albertans.
 
The Key Responsibilities of the Pharmaceutical Program Specialist includes:
 

• Lead and oversee the review, development, and implementation of program policies, strategies, and initiatives to enhance the effectiveness and appropriateness of publicly funded drug programs and access to pharmacy services.
• Manage large complex projects independently, including creating project work plans, resource requirements, and monitoring project status and achievements.
• Analyze pharmaceutical information, synthesize data, and make recommendations to align policies and programs with government direction and stakeholder feedback.
• Effectively communicate Alberta's position and represent the Ministry with external partners, including federal/provincial/territorial efforts.
• Develop relationships with key stakeholders and maintain a network of contacts to stay informed about trends and emerging opportunities.
• Support branch forecasting and budgeting.
• Identify and propose solutions to address critical drug program challenges, assess implications of changes, and provide strategies to mitigate risks.
• Support branch business goals, contribute to the development of operational plans, and provide input for continual improvement of team processes.

 
Join us in shaping a healthier Alberta. Your expertise can make a real impact on healthcare accessibility. Apply now and be part of our mission to drive positive change.

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: Takes opportunities to improve work processes.
• Drive for Results: Partners with groups to achieve outcomes.
• Develop Networks: Proactively builds networks, connections and trust in stakeholder relationships.
• Creative Problem Solving: Reflects on performance and identifies development opportunities.
• Systems Thinking: Keeps broader impacts and connections in mind.

Qualifications

A University graduation in a related field (Sciences, Health, Business, etc.) plus 2 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.

 
Experience:

• Experience in policy development, policy implementation and working with related legislation.
• Demonstrated experience in project design, development, and evaluation.
• Proven track record of leading strategic initiatives, policy development, and research within the public and/or healthcare sector.
• Experience in representing organizations in interdepartmental, provincial, and national forums.

 
Assets: 

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills in complex and politically sensitive contexts.
• Excellent communication skills, including preparing reports, briefings, and presentations.
• Ability to work independently within established frameworks and guidelines.
• Effective collaboration and relationship-building abilities with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to manage competing interests and prioritize tasks effectively.
• Familiarity with pharmaceutical industry trends and practices.
• Knowledge of drug plan management and health policy reform initiatives.

 
Preferred:

• Previous policy development experience.
• Strong facilitation skills and the ability to consolidate and synthesize ideas into coherent summaries.

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

Hours of Work:
Monday to Friday from 8:15AM – 4:30 PM

Location:
Working location is ATB Place, 10025 Jasper Avenue
 
Other information: 
A cover letter outlining how your experience relates to the qualifications of this role is recommended.     
 
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. 

What we offer:

• 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.
• Opportunity to participate in flexible work arrangements such as working from home up to two days per week and modified work schedule agreement.
• Leadership and mentorship programs.