JOB INFORMATION

Job Requisition ID: 72767
Ministry: Primary and Preventative Health Services
Location: Edmonton
Full or Part-Time: Full Time
Hours of Work: 36.25 hours per week
Permanent/Temporary: Permanent
Scope: Open Competition
Closing Date: July 14th, 2025
Classification: Manager, Zone 2
Salary: $3,339 to $4,493.32 biweekly ($87,147.90 to $117,275.65/ year)
The Ministry of Primary and Preventative Health Services is building a more resilient and sustainable health care system that can support Albertans getting care when and where they need it, while responding to system-wide health challenges, improving health outcomes and maintaining fiscal responsibility. The ministry supports Albertans’ health and well-being throughout their lives by protecting public health and promoting wellness; coordinating and delivering safe, person-centered, quality health services; planning capital infrastructure; supporting innovative information management and technologies; regulating health care; and funding the health system.
As partners in providing all Albertans with access to effective and affordable drug benefit coverage and pharmacy services, the Pharmaceutical & Health Benefits Branch provides leadership in the development and implementation of initiatives for Alberta’s publicly funded drug programs. The branch is seeking qualififed candidates for key leadership roles in two units.
The Professional and Industry Relations Unit is responsible for building quality, long-term relationships with external partners to ensure positive outcomes for Albertans and the health system. This includes oversight of the development, negotiation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the Product Listing Agreements (PLA) as well as agreements with professional associations, other contracts/grants, and pricing negotiations for the Branch.
The Policy and Advisory Unit is responsible for policy and oversight of drug and supplementary health benefit plans for Albertans enrolled in social assistance programs. It administers the Health Benefits Exception Committee, and works with health system partners to oversee provincial programs related to drugs, diabetes supplies and supplemental health benefits including the Tracked Prescription Program and the Insulin Pump Therapy Program. The unit also provides policy and planning support for key branch initiatives.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelors degree or higher in Pharmacy and Four (4) years of related experience.
• Regulated member of the Alberta College of Pharmacists.
• Equivalency: related diploma and six (6) years of related experience.
• Must be a regulated member of the appropriate college as required by the Health Professions Act.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Strong research and analysis skills and experience
• Strong skills in synthesis and evaluation through a policy perspective.
• Sound communication skills to work with multiple internal and external stakeholders
• Sound written communication skills for report writing, drafting correspondence and briefings, preparing policy and procurement documents, and developing communication materials.
• Theoretical knowledge of research methods and approaches used in health care.
• Knowledge of the health care system in Alberta, in particular drug programs
• Knowledge of pharmaceutical regulatory and health technology assessment processes.
• Experience applying the policy development process with respect to decision making, legislative planning, and budgeting, in order to make sound policy recommendations.
• Experience providing pharmacy services in a community health or retail.
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ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES CONTINUED,

The main responsibilities of the Manager, Policy & Advisory are:

• Development and maintenance of program policy for health benefits: The Manager will ensure program policy for health benefits and health related supplementary benefits are developed to meet government goals, the needs of clients, effective stewardship of public funds, and best practices in health benefit delivery.
• Program co-ordination: The development and maintenance of effective linkages with other divisions, and branches are crucial to this position. The Manager plays a key role in working with other ministries that deliver social assistance programs, to ensure health benefit policies and programs are developed to take into account the requirements of various stakeholders and other department directions.
• Planning: The Manager will recommend program, budget and legislative (regulatory) options for government, through the decision-making and regulatory processes. The Manager is responsible to propose policy options, rationales, and implications (financial impact, client impact, operational requirements) on an ongoing basis, for senior management consideration.
• Policy and Program implementation: The position is accountable for ensuring policy and program changes are implemented effectively. This includes developing and delivering policy documents, developing implementation plans in conjunction with program delivery partners, developing communication plans jointly with AH Communications, and ensuring communications to stakeholders are clear and timely. The position also plays an active role in the administration of the Health Benefits Exceptions committee, which requires application of both clinical judgment and a thorough understanding of health benefit program policies.
• Program effectiveness: The position holder will respond to inquiries from senior management with respect to analysis of the costs and benefits of program policies. The position has responsibility to develop options in response to emerging issues and trends, which involves a superior level of understanding of the health benefit programs, rigorous consideration of root causes and potential impacts of policy changes.
• Staff Development: The Manager plays a key role in developing professional staff to ensure thorough knowledge of health benefits and programs, and effective support for senior management.

If you are ready to seize this exciting opportunity to make an impact within the Pharmaceutical and supplementary benefits division, please apply today, we would like to meet you!
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The Pharmaceutical Policy Consultant will be accountable for the following key responsibilities;

• Provide leadership in the development and ongoing review of specific program policy, strategies and initiatives in partnership with internal and external stakeholders to enhance cost-effective sustainability pharmacovigilance and equitable pharmaceutical programs to Albertans.
• Develop options to enhance branch programs, processes, or policy based on assessment of diverse data and information sources.
• Participate in the management of the Alberta Drug Benefit List (ADBL) and government-sponsored drug programs to achieve business goals and meet the needs of clients within program frameworks.
• Provide a liaison for Primary and Preventative Health Services and the Minister by establishing relationships with other governments, industry, professional associations, and the medical and academic research community.
• Provide pharmaceutical policy perspectives to support the implementation of integrated information systems, including the Electronic Health Record that will support research and improve clinical and management decision making