Senior Program and Policy Analyst

The Canadian Centre of Recovery Excellence (CoRE) is a trailblazing Crown corporation backed by the Government of Alberta, dedicated to transforming the recovery journey for individuals facing mental illness and addiction. By providing decision-makers with cutting‑edge data, evidence, and actionable insights, CoRE paves the way for impactful recovery solutions.

Through groundbreaking research, world‑class data and analytics, expert guidance, and strong collaborations, CoRE is driving meaningful change at every level of the system. With an unwavering commitment to real‑world results, CoRE is not just supporting recovery — it’s shaping a brighter future for all Albertans.

As a trusted advisor to governments, healthcare professionals, and global leaders, CoRE empowers communities to deliver recovery‑focused mental health and addiction services that truly make a difference.

Position Summary

The Senior Program and Policy Analyst leads the preparation of essential documents that support CoRE’s business operations and meets reporting requirements. This role conducts research, analysis, and modelling to develop evidence‑based recommendations that inform decisions on policy, programmes, and strategic initiatives. It requires deep knowledge of government processes and proven expertise in preparing policy advice for government stakeholders. Key responsibilities include developing briefing notes, advisory notes, reports, and other documentation for the executive leadership team (ELT) and government officials. The Senior Program and Policy Analyst oversees a team of programme and policy analysts responsible for supporting the divisions across CoRE through document development and preparation of corporate and government business documents.

This role may be offered on a part‑time or full‑time basis and can be based in Calgary or Edmonton.

Responsibilities

Program, Policy, and Document Development

- Develop briefing notes (BN), advisory notes, issue sheets, presentations, reports, and other documents to support CoRE’s operations.

- Assist with the Request for Proposal (RFP) process including preparing statements of work, responding to questions, and evaluating proposals.

- Plan and lead environmental and jurisdictions scans across multiple topics that will shape policy, programme, and strategy development and implementation.

- Plan and complete research activities to inform mid‑to‑long term policy, programme, and strategy advice, development or implementation.

- Liaise with provincial and national stakeholders to build linkages and leverage shared information for common purposes.

- Contribute to the identification and response to emerging issues, trends, opportunities, and risks relevant to CoRE’s policies and programmes.

- Provide secretarial support to Expert Groups and other committees.

- Provide leadership and policy analysis on strategic policy development and integration across various policy domains.

- Build relationships and engage with a diverse range of stakeholders, including government agencies, organisations, and community members.

- Conduct data analysis, SWOT assessments, and other techniques to support policy papers, reports, and presentations.

- Participate in and support a wide range of committees, including working groups, to ensure effective representation of CoRE.

Consolidated CoRE Planning and Reporting

- In partnership with ELT: Develop CoRE’s Annual Report including planning, assigning, writing, and compiling the final document for leadership approval.

- Develop and implement CoRE’s Business Plan including writing portions of the document and shepherding it through approval channels.

- Develop and implement CoRE’s Operational Plan including project management at an organisational level.

- Develop organisational performance measures to gauge CoRE’s advancement of business goals and priorities and report quarterly to ELT.

- Assist with preparing the narratives for finance related documents for submission when required to the Government of Alberta including grant reports, budget documents, among others.

- Analyze proposals and recommend options and decisions in alignment with CoRE’s mandate.

- Manage and lead large projects, ensuring effective alignment and integration of strategic, programme, and operational policies.

- Prepare material for the Ministry of Mental Health and Addiction’s annual report, business plan, committees (including Committee of Supply and Public Accounts).

- Support CoRE divisions with preparing briefing notes, presentation slides, and other documents with clear policy recommendation for CoRE’s leadership and Government.

- Lead the creation and preparation of written materials and reports to support standards development.

- Plan and lead the exploration of global best practices in mental health and addiction and present recommended options to CoRE leaders.

CoRE Priorities Advancement

- Mentor and coach team of programme and policy analysts.

- Ensure adherence to privacy, confidentiality, and security protocols in all research activities.

- Stay current with developments in the field by attending and participating in conferences, workshops, and relevant training sessions, including opportunities to present when possible.

- Other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

- Degree in health, social services, or public policy, and a minimum of four years of progressively responsible experience or equivalent relevant experience.

- A minimum of five years experience working in a government setting.

Assets

- Experience in mental health and addiction policy, planning, or service delivery.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

- Knowledge of relevant Government of Alberta frameworks and leading practices for strategic planning, business planning and reporting, including timelines, formats, and standards.

- Knowledge of relevant legislation and how it impacts CoRE’s mandate and operations.

- Knowledge of and ability to interpret relevant legislation and policy (e.g., Health Information Act, Protection of Privacy Act (Alberta) (POPA), and Access to Information Act (Alberta (ATIA)).

- Knowledge of and ability to implement project management approaches and methods.

- Awareness of CoRE’s stakeholder network, including health and non‑health sector groups, and government and non‑government stakeholders.

- Well‑developed written and oral communication skills to address diverse audiences.

- Skilled in defining a problem, developing, and analysing available solutions, and making informed recommendations.

- Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain positive effective working relationships and partnerships with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders.

- Creative and innovative thinking to research and coordinate creative and innovative solutions to new challenges.

- Ability to consolidate data from several sources and distil intelligence to inform short, medium, and long term strategy, policy, and programme development.

- Strategic thinking to link operations to strategic plans.

- Ability to facilitate discussions with various audiences of the organisation.

- High level of political acumen to navigate sensitive and confidential issues with tact and diplomacy.

- Proficiency in the business productivity software (e.g., MS Office, SharePoint sites, databases, dashboards).

- Strong project management experience to coordinate and support complex projects and assignments.

- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and demonstrate initiative.

Pension and Benefits

CoRE offers a pension plan with LAPP which provides a retirement income, survivor benefits, and early retirement options. Explore more at www.lapp.ca .

As part of our commitment to our employees’ well‑being, CoRE is pleased to provide a group benefits plan and health spending account. This comprehensive plan includes extended health care coverage, travel insurance, dental care, specialised medical coverage, and more.

Pre‑employment Conditions

Prior to an offer of employment, candidates are required to complete and maintain satisfactory Criminal Record, Education Verification, and Canadian Work Authorization checks as well as Conflict of Interest disclosure, as applicable.

Applicants should provide a resume and cover letter that clearly and concisely demonstrates how their qualifications meet the advertised requirements, including education, experience, and relevant examples of required competencies.

Closing Date

December 12, 2025

We thank all applicants for their interest. All applications will be reviewed to determine which candidates' qualifications most closely match the advertised requirements. Additional screening information may be requested. Candidates chosen to move forward to interview will be contacted. An eligibility list may be established to fill similar positions.

CoRE is committed to inclusiveness, equity, and accessibility and encourage all qualified candidates to apply. If you require accommodation during any portion of the selection process, please let our team know at hr@recoveryexcellence.org.

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