Work for the pCPA

The senior public affairs advisor provides public policy analysis, research and strategic advice to support the pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance (pCPA). The role monitors and interprets legislative, economic, public policy, and partner developments in Canada to inform pCPA priorities, anticipate potential impacts on pCPA operations, and support evidence-based responses.

Reporting to the director, Partner Relations, the senior public affairs advisor leads and contributes to evidence-based public policy analysis and recommendations that inform organizational priorities, strengthen decision-making and advance the pCPA’s goals in a complex and evolving pharmaceutical environment.

About the role

The senior public affairs advisor provides public policy analysis, research and strategic advice to support the pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance (pCPA). The role monitors and interprets legislative, economic, public policy, and partner developments in Canada to inform pCPA priorities, anticipate potential impacts on pCPA operations, and support evidence-based responses.

Reporting to the director, Partner Relations, the senior public affairs advisor leads and contributes to evidence-based public policy analysis and recommendations that inform organizational priorities, strengthen decision-making and advance the pCPA’s goals in a complex and evolving pharmaceutical environment.

Key responsibilities

Public policy development and analysis

• Conduct in-depth research and analysis on complex pharmaceutical and public policy issues.
• Review and interpret legislation, regulations, and health economic assessments to assess implications for the pCPA and its partners.
• Analyse public policy and positioning across the pharmaceutical ecosystem (health organizations, governments, associations, etc.) to identify strategic implications.
• Monitor activity across key federal, provincial, and territorial departments to assess potential impacts on the pCPA and its partners.
• Review and interpret economic reports, landscape analysis, and budget documents to identify potential impacts on the pCPA operations.
• Identify emerging issues and trends with potential implications for the organization and leverage policy strategies and communications approaches to mitigate risk and manage outcomes.

Environmental monitoring

• Track domestic and international political, economic, and public policy developments with implications for the pharmaceutical landscape.
• Monitor sector initiatives, awareness efforts, and public narratives that may have implications for the pCPA.
• Track and assess federal, provincial, and territorial legislative developments and related health system reforms that could impact the pCPA operations.
• Identify emerging issues and trends with potential implications for the organization and leverage policy strategies to mitigate risk and manage outcomes.
• Provide early intelligence and risk assessment to inform proactive planning and strategic positioning.

Strategic advice and organizational support

• Provide expert advice to the director, Partner Relations and senior leadership on issues related to public policy, partner initiatives, and legislation.
• Facilitate collaboration and knowledge exchange across the organization and with key external partners to ensure consistent and coordinated public policy approaches.
• Translate complex public policy, technical information, and partner initiatives into clear, concise materials for internal decision-making.
• Contribute to internal briefings and support the integration of public policy analysis into planning and reporting.
• Develop evidence-based public policy response options, briefing materials, reports, presentations, and other documents for the pCPA’s senior leadership.
• Support the development and maintenance of policy tools, templates, and knowledge products that promote high-quality analysis and consistent advice.
• Prepare materials for consultation, working groups, and committees.

Accountability

• Accountable to the director, Partner Relations.

Qualifications

Education and experience

• A degree in public policy, political science, public administration, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in public policy research and analysis within the health or public sector.

Skills and abilities

• As English is the primary working language at the pCPA, exceptional written and verbal communication skills in English are required.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills in French (asset).
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with the ability to interpret complex data and identify strategic implications.
• Solid understanding of government processes.
• Solid understanding of the Canadian pharmaceutical landscape (asset).
• Experience interpreting health economic evidence and public policy research to assess implications for the pharmaceutical landscape (asset).
• Ability to monitor and synthesize information from legislative and budgetary processes.
• Experience looking beyond the data to generate understanding of the strategic implications of new public policy ideas.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear and concise policy briefs, reports and recommendations.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Collaborative and adaptable, with a commitment to continuous learning and improvement.
• Proficiency with standard office software.

Employment terms

• The hiring salary range for this full-time permanent position is $ 94,000 - $ 114,300. This range reflects the salary for candidates with varying experience levels, job knowledge, and qualifications relevant to the position. Specific offers will be based on individual backgrounds and qualifications.
• The pCPA provides employees with a comprehensive group benefits package from the first day of employment.
• The ideal candidate must be legally eligible to work in Canada and can work from any location within Canada.
• This position requires frequent travel in different provinces and territories, including periodic multi-day, overnight trips.

If you are interested in this position, please submit your resume and cover letter in one PDF document, using the naming convention “FirstName LastName – Senior Public Affairs Advisor” to [email protected] by the end of January 19, 2026.

We thank all those who apply; however, only those chosen for further consideration will be contacted.

The pCPA is an equal-opportunity employer. In accordance with the Accessible Canada Act, 2019, and all applicable provincial accessibility standards, the pCPA will provide accommodation for applicants with disabilities upon request throughout the recruitment, selection, and/or assessment process.