Pharmaceutical Program Specialist

**Job Information**

Job Requisition ID: 67315
Ministry: Health
Location: Edmonton
Full or Part-Time: Ful-Time
Hours of Work: 36.25 hours per week
Permanent/Temporary: Permanent
Scope: Open Competition
Closing Date: March 11, 2025
Classification: Program Services 3 Market Adjustment

**Salary**: $2,626.89 to $3,448.73 bi-weekly ($68,561 - $90,011/year)

The Ministry of Health works to ensure Albertans receive the right health care services, at the right time, in the right place, provided by the right health care providers and teams. For more information on the work Alberta Health does, visit this link:
The Pharmaceuticals and Supplementary Health Benefits Branch provides leadership in the development and implementation of initiatives for Alberta’s publicly funded drug programs.

The Pharmaceutical Strategy and Foresight Unit leads the identification of, and develops, appropriate responses to key trends and shifts that may affect the operations of publicly funded drug programs. The Unit develops and advances strategic research priorities, conducts advanced environmental scanning and uses strategic foresight methods. The Unit is also tasked with advancing integration of Alberta’s publicly funded drug programs with other parts of the health system to support positive collaboration and efficient use of resources.

**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.

Please

**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:

- **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