Senior Policy Advisor

Job summary

Lead the development and implementation of public drug program policies, standards, and cabinet submissions, while identifying challenges and recommending evidence-based solutions. Build partnerships, present complex issues to senior leaders, and develop implementation plans and risk mitigation strategies that support access, quality, value, and sustainability.

Job details

Shape policy. Make a meaningful impact on the health of Ontarians. Join a dynamic team of professionals in the Drug Programs Policy and Strategy Branch, where you'll help shape policies that improve access to medications and support the sustainability of Ontario's public drug programs. We're seeking a self-starting, collaborative, results-oriented professional to provide expert policy analysis and project management expertise in support of key strategic initiatives. The Branch tackles many complex issues and requires individuals who are able to adapt, learn quickly and take charge in a dynamic space. About the job You will: • Lead the development and implementation of public drug program policies, standards, and cabinet submissions. • Build and maintain strong relationships across government and with external partners. • Identify policy challenges and opportunities, and recommend evidence-based solutions. • Present complex issues clearly to support senior leadership decision-making. • Develop results-focused implementation plans that improve access, quality, value, and sustainability. • Design and manage risk mitigation strategies. What you bring to the team Policy Analysis and Development Skills You have: • knowledge of policy and program development related to public drug programs. • the ability to interpret legislation, regulations, and policy direction. • knowledge of performance measurement, monitoring, and evaluation. • strong analytical skills to develop solutions and assess strategic impacts. Project Management, Research and Analytical Skills You have: • knowledge of project management principles and practices. • experience providing project management expertise and supporting multiple transformation initiatives. • research and analytical skills to conduct environmental scans, assess trends, and inform strategic decision-making. • the ability to align current actions with long-term strategic priorities. Relationship Management, Negotiation and Facilitation Skills You have: • the ability to build and maintain effective relationships with a diverse range of partners and stakeholders. • strong facilitation and communication skills to address complex, sensitive, and high-profile issues. • consensus-building and mediation skills to foster collaboration and achieve coordinated outcomes across partners and stakeholders. Communication and Computer Skills You can: • prepare and present reports, analyses, policies, and briefing materials for senior leaders. • clearly communicate complex issues, risks, and recommendations to a variety of audiences. • use standard software and research tools to prepare briefings, issue notes, and other supporting documents. Don't meet every qualification? If you are excited about this position and meet most, but not all, of the listed qualifications, please still consider applying. We recognize that no one person might have every qualification in this job ad, and you just might be the right candidate! How we support diversity, inclusion and accessibility We are building an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We encourage everyone interested in working with us to apply, including people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black and racialized individuals, as well as people from all ethnicities, cultures, sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions. Our hiring process is accessible, consistent with Ontario's Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005. We are working to prevent and remove barriers in our hiring processes and can offer accommodation to address specific needs related to Code-protected grounds such as disability, family status and religion. For more information about accommodation during the hiring process please contact us. Learn more about the work the OPS is doing to create an inclusive, anti-racist, accessible and diverse workplace: diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives accessibility Anti-Racism Policy Additional information Address: 1 English Temporary, duration up to 12 months, 5700 Yonge St, Toronto, Toronto Region Compensation Group: Association of Management, Administrative and Professional Crown Employees of Ontario Understanding the job ad - definitions Schedule: 6 Category: Policy and Analysis Posted on: Thursday, September 24, 2026 Note: T-HL-247830/26 How to apply: You must apply online. Your cover letter and resume combined should not exceed five (5) pages. For tips and tools on how to write a concise cover letter and resume, review the Writing a Cover Letter and Resume: Tips, Tools and Resources. Customize your cover letter and resume to the qualifications listed on the job ad. Using concrete examples, you must show how you demonstrated the requirements for this job. We rely on the information you provide to us. Read the job description to make sure you understand this job. OPS employees are required to quote their WIN EMPLOYEE ID number when applying. If you require a disability related accommodation in order to participate in the recruitment process, please Contact Us to provide your contact information. Recruitment services team will contact you within 48 hours. All external applicants (including former employees of the Ontario Public Service) applying to a competition in a ministry or Commission public body must disclose (either in the cover letter or resume) previous employment with the Ontario Public Service. Disclosure must include positions held, dates of employment and any active restrictions as applicable from being rehired by the Ontario Public Service. Active restrictions can include time and/or ministry-specific restrictions currently in force, and may preclude a former employee from being offered a position with the Ontario Public Service for a specific time period (e.g. one year), or from being offered a position with a specific ministry (either for a pre-determined time period or indefinitely). The circumstances around an employee's exit will be considered prior to an offer of employment. Remember: The deadline to apply is Thursday, October 8, 2026 11:59 pm EDT. Late applications will not be accepted. We thank you for your interest. Only those selected for further screening or an interview will be contacted. The Ontario Public Service is an inclusive employer. Accommodation is available under the Ontario's Human Rights Code .

What you’ll do

Lead the development and implementation of public drug program policies, standards, and cabinet submissions, while identifying challenges and recommending evidence-based solutions. Build partnerships, present complex issues to senior leaders, and develop implementation plans and risk mitigation strategies that support access, quality, value, and sustainability.

Requirements

The role calls for knowledge of public drug program policy and development, legislation and regulations, performance measurement, and project management, along with strong research and analytical abilities. Candidates should also demonstrate relationship-building, negotiation, facilitation, consensus-building, and communication skills, including preparing reports and briefings for senior leaders.

Listed skills

• Policy development · Preferred
• Negotiation · Preferred
• Communication · Preferred
• Project management · Preferred
• Facilitation · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Policy Analysis
• Policy Development
• Public Drug Programs
• Legislation And Regulation Interpretation
• Performance Measurement
• Monitoring And Evaluation
• Project Management
• Research
• Environmental Scanning
• Strategic Analysis
• Relationship Management
• Negotiation
• Facilitation
• Consensus Building
• Communication
• Risk Mitigation

Job areas

• Government & Public Sector
• Management & Leadership
• Healthcare
• Administrative

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