Senior Pharmaceutical Policy Analyst

The Opportunity:

The Drug Plan and Extended Benefits Branch is seeking an experienced pharmacist for the role of Senior Pharmaceutical Policy Analyst. In this role, you will provide pharmaceutical expertise to support the Branch in its programs and initiatives.

Reporting to the Pharmaceutical Pricing and Value Manager in the Policy and Appropriateness Unit, you will represent the Branch through a number of provincial and national drug review and optimal use drug use initiatives.

As the Senior Pharmaceutical Policy Analyst, you will:

• Provide pharmaceutical expertise to support the Branch in its programs and initiatives;
• Use your clinical and problem-solving skills to provide information, recommendations, and advice on change initiatives;
• Liaise with other Branches in the Ministry and multiple external stakeholders;
• Support ongoing efforts to improve appropriateness, accessibility, and affordability by working with representatives within the Branch, as well as other publicly funded drug plans, Canada's Drug Agency (CDA) and the pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance (pCPA);
• Support and/or lead negotiations of contracts of significant value and implement product listing agreements, which may include price discounts, risk sharing, evidence development and health-outcomes based agreements; and
• Examine cost/benefit and utilization data, as well as population data, to determine the financial impact of Drug Plan funding decisions.

• Provides pharmaceutical expertise to support program development, implementation, and evaluation.
• Applies clinical knowledge to advise on strategic priorities, policy changes, and drug coverage under provincial programs.
• Collaborates with internal Branches and external stakeholders to advance initiatives.
• Works with national organizations (e.g. Canada's Drug Agency CDA) and the pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance (pCPA) and other publicly funded drug plans to improve drug accessibility, affordability, and appropriateness.
• Lead or support negotiations for high-value contracts and implement product listing agreements, including risk-sharing and outcomes-based models.
• Analyzes cost-benefit, utilization, and population data to assess financial impacts of funding decisions.
• Represents the Branch and Ministry in consultations, stakeholder meetings, and committees at provincial and pan-Canadian levels.
• Communicates complex analyses and recommendations to internal and external stakeholders to build understanding and consensus.
• Develops, monitors, evaluates, and update Ministry policies and programs.
• Identifies emerging issues, assess implications, and recommend changes to legislation, regulations, or standards.
• Support negotiations and oversee development of contracts of significant value and implement product listing agreements.
• Builds and manages strategic relationships with other publicly funded drug plans and other stakeholders.
• Collects and interprets data to respond to inquiries and support decision-making across a range of programming issues.

Job Capabilities:

As a public servant, we are seeking someone who:

• Is accountable, takes ownership of their work by contributing to organizational outcomes and demonstrates the corporate values in our Commitment to Excellence.
• Is innovative and seeks out ways for improvement by thinking creatively, identifying new ideas and taking responsible risks.
• Works collaboratively with others to understand, engage and have meaningful dialogue to achieve work outcomes.
• Is inclusive, identifies and is aware of personal bias, and readily seeks out and appreciates diverse perspectives.
• Is adaptable, continuously learns from experience and applies those learnings to new situations.
• Focuses on achieving public service excellence.

Technical Knowledge and Skills:

• Knowledge and expertise in pharmaceutical policy (e.g., drug plan formularies, drug approval and coverage processes, etc.)

• Ability to navigate complex negotiations

• Ability to implement system wide project plans related to pharmaceuticals

• Knowledge of pharmacoeconomics

• Risk assessment expertise

Job Skills:

• Communication (Level C)
• Critical Thinking (Level C)
• Digital Skills (Level C)
• Interacting with Others (Level C)
• Navigating Ambiguity (Level C)
• Managing Self (Level C)
• Health, Safety and Wellness (Level A)
• Data Literacy (Level C)
• Influence (Level C)
• Political and Organizational Awareness (Level C)

Learn more about the Government of Saskatchewan’s Capabilities and Skills Framework here.

What We Offer:

• Dynamic and challenging work
• Competitive salary
• Comprehensive benefits package including pension
• Vacation, earned days off, and other types of leave
• Inclusive work environments
• Career growth, development, and advancement opportunities
• Flexible work arrangements

Our Commitment to Excellence:

The Government of Saskatchewan upholds deep-rooted values of Respect and Integrity, Serving Citizens, Excellence and Innovation, and Acting as One Team.