Pharmaceutical Program Spec

Job Information
Job Title: Pharmaceutical Program Specialist
Job Requisition ID: 86010
Ministry: Primary and Preventative Health Services
Location: Edmonton
Full or Part-Time: Full Time
Hours of Work: 36.25 hours per week
Permanent/Temporary/Wage: Permanent
Scope: Open Competition
Closing Date: October 21, 2026
Classification: Program Services 3
Salary: $2,935.39 to $3,850.29 bi-weekly ($76,613.68 $100,492.57/year)
The Alberta Public Service works to build a stronger province for current and future generations. We make a difference in the lives of Albertans through rewarding and diverse career opportunities.

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; health system planning and capital infrastructure planning; supporting innovative information management and technologies; regulating health care; and funding the health system. 

The Pharmaceuticals and Supplementary Health Benefits Branch provides leadership in the development and implementation of initiatives for Alberta’s publicly funded drug programs.

The Pharmaceuticals and Supplementary Health Benefits Branch provides leadership in developing and implementing policies, strategies, and initiatives that support the health and well-being of Albertans. The branch focuses on improving program effectiveness, addressing emerging healthcare needs, and ensuring the responsible use of public resources.

Role Responsibilities

Join a collaborative team supporting Alberta’s publicly funded drug programs and helping ensure Albertans have access to effective and affordable drug benefit coverage and pharmacy services.

Reporting to the Pharmaceutical Policy Consultant, the Pharmaceutical Program Specialist supports the planning, research, analysis, and operation of pharmaceutical programs, including Alberta Blue Cross Non-Group, Seniors, and Palliative programs. The position contributes to identifying and addressing operational issues, developing and implementing initiatives such as drug pricing policies and drug utilization reviews, and supporting collaboration with other jurisdictions.

The role also responds to public inquiries, assesses claims-related issues, and supports the effective management of the Alberta Blue Cross contract, in accordance with Government of Alberta policies, legislation, program standards, and branch operational plans.

In this role, you will:

• Research and draft documents to support operations of Alberta's Public Drug Programs.
• Provide information, analysis and advice that contributes to branch operations in line with operational plans to support achievement of goals and targets.
• Develop and maintain program-related information for the department and provide updates on the status of the publicly funded drug programs in Alberta.
• Liaise with other branches, divisions, ministries, and governments to support frameworks for environmental scanning, program development and re-design and research and analysis. 

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.
To be successful in this role, you will demonstrate the following Alberta Public Service competencies:

• Agility – Adapts to changing priorities and takes initiative to improve work processes. Demonstrates flexibility, creativity, and composure when addressing challenges, seeks guidance when needed, and identifies opportunities to work more effectively within established policies and guidelines.
• Drive for Results: Takes accountability for delivering quality results, sets clear goals, and plans work effectively based on past experience. Works collaboratively with others to achieve objectives and strives to meet or exceed expectations.
• Build Collaborative Environments: Builds positive working relationships by encouraging open and respectful communication, valuing diverse perspectives, and leveraging the knowledge and expertise of others. Supports constructive conflict resolution and recognizes the contributions of team members and stakeholders.
• Creative Problem Solving: Demonstrates a continuous improvement mindset by asking questions, gathering information from multiple sources, and considering diverse perspectives to make informed decisions. Identifies opportunities to improve processes, explores alternative approaches, and shares lessons learned to support better outcomes.

Qualifications

University graduation in a related field, such as health care delivery, pharmacy, public health, or a related discipline, plus a minimum of two years of related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience in an analytics-related field, as described below.

Equivalency

• One year of experience for one year of education OR
• One year of education for one year of experience.

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

The following experience is considered as assets:

• Strong research and analytical skills, including the ability to synthesize and evaluate information from a policy perspective.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, prepare reports and briefings, draft correspondence, and develop communication materials.
• Knowledge of research methods and approaches relevant to health care.
• Knowledge of Alberta’s health care system particularly publicly funded pharmaceutical and drug benefit programs.
• Knowledge of government policy development processes, procedures, and relevant health legislation and regulations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and SharePoint.
• Experience using the ARTS Ministerial correspondence system to process action requests.
• Experience preparing Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and developing educational and communication materials.

Notes

Hours of work are 08:15 AM to 4:30PM, Monday to Friday.

This is a full-time permanent position working 36.25 hours per week in downtown Edmonton.

 

Application Requirements

As part of the application process, you are required to:

• A cover letter is required. Please outline why you are interested in the role and how your experience relates to the qualifications. Writing quality of your cover letter and resume will be assessed as part of the screening process. 

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.

How To Apply

Applicants are advised to provide information that clearly and concisely demonstrates how their qualifications meet the advertised requirements, including education, experience, and relevant examples of required competencies.

Candidates are required to apply online. Please see Job Application Resources for more information.

In your resume, please include dates (including months and years) associated with all education and work experience. For example, January 2006 - June 2009 (part-time). This example is provided for illustrative purposes only. Applicants are encouraged to present their information clearly and thoroughly, using a format that best conveys their experience.

It is recommended applicants who have completed post-secondary studies from outside of Canada obtain an evaluation of their credentials from the International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) or from a recognized Canadian Credential Evaluator; please visit the Alliance of Credential Evaluation Services of Canada for more information.
It is also recommended that applicants include the assessment certificate from IQAS or any other educational assessment service as part of their application.

Closing Statement

This competition may be used to fill future vacancies, across the Government of Alberta, at the same or lower classification level.

We thank all applicants for their interest. All applications will be reviewed to determine which candidates' qualifications most closely match the advertised requirements.

If you require any further information on this job posting or require an accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact Edmund Mendoza at Edmund.Mendoza@gov.ab.ca.