Senior Policy Analyst
Canadian Drug Policy Coalition

The Canadian Drug Policy Coalition (CDPC) is a national coalition of organizations and individuals that advocates a drug policy for Canada that is based on principles of public health, human rights, social inclusion and is informed by evidence. CDPC engages in policy advocacy, public education and dialogue and movement building within regional, national and international arenas with a goal of informing, educating and mobilizing citizens to become engaged in the global drug policy reform movement.

This is a senior level policy position with a national coalition of organizations working to improve Canada’s approach to addressing the benefits and harms associated with psychoactive substances. The Senior Policy Analyst provides support for the CDPC in developing its policy advocacy work and producing materials on Canadian and International drug policy issues. This position reviews existing legislation, regulations and policies related to drug policy in Canada and provides CDPC with an analysis of the implications of existing policies and proposed changes. 

The Senior Policy Analyst will prepare materials, conduct or commission research and deliberative dialogues with CDPC members and other stakeholders to support pro-active efforts to develop policy positions for the organization, respond to proposed policy regulations and support outreach to policy makers.
 
The Senior Policy Analyst will develop strong relations with senior officials in all levels of government, the research community, other relevant NGOs in the field, advocacy organizations, activist organizations, organizations developed by people who use drugs, and philanthropic organizations that focus on public policy issues. The Senior Policy Analyst will convene and lead experts to examine and develop positions on and propose solutions to drug policy issues of concern to CDPC. This position reports to the CDPC Executive Director.
 
Duties and Responsibilities:

• Work with the CDPC Policy Working Group to identify opportunities to initiate constructive policy, legislative or regulatory changes that would contribute to CDPC actualizing its vision statement;
• Play a lead role in the development and production of the annual CDPC Report Card on Canadian Drug Policy in a Global Environment;
• Analyze and prepare written materials and policy briefs on current and proposed policy, legislation and regulatory proposals regarding the potential impact on individuals who use substances, in formats that are suitable for CDPC members, policy makers, senior policy staff within government, thought leaders and the general public where appropriate;
• Conduct or commission research as needed to examine the effects of current or proposed policy, legislative and regulatory changes in the area of drug policy and/or which impact people who use illicit drugs (e.g., justice and prison issues);
• Develop and maintain strong contacts with key experts from the research community, public health, human rights, legal, law enforcement, regulatory agencies, activist organizations and organizations developed by people who use drugs;
• Convene, as needed key experts as referenced above;
• Contribute to developing relevant panels, programs or presentations at drug policy and related events and conferences;
• Participate in meetings and conferences of other organizations relevant to the work of CDPC;
• Other duties as may be assigned.

Travel will be a required part of this position.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Graduate degree in law, critical public policy, critical sociology, public health, human rights or related field, with demonstrated experience in policy analysis, preferably in the areas of drug policy, public health, human rights and/or criminal justice;
• Minimum five years experience within organizations where issue analysis and strategic thinking were a critical component of work;
• Knowledge of government policy processes, legislative and/or regulatory processes, and advocacy work;
• Superior research and analytical skills;
• Excellent oral, written and interpersonal communications skills, including the ability to communicate the substance of CDPC policy positions orally and in writing to member organizations and other relevant parties;
• A passion for public policy and the political process;
• Demonstrated ability to work as a collaborative team player as well as to work independently and take initiative;
• Ability to juggle multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a demanding work environment;
• Proficiency in statistical analyses, web-based research and Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, Outlook);
• Connection to a strong network of individuals who can provide additional support and knowledge to inform CDPC policy analysis and work an asset;

This position requires a detail-oriented person with strong organizational skills, and a self-starter who thrives in a rapidly changing environment and excels at working with a diverse team of colleagues and members. Fluency in French or Spanish an asset.

This is a one-year full-time contract position with a possibility of renewal. Salary range: $55,000 – $60,000

To Apply:
Please send application by email and include: a cover letter, four writing samples, a list of publications, CV or LinkedIn profile to cdpc@sfu.ca Attention: Donald MacPherson.

Position closes March 30th, 2012