The Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA) changes lives by bringing people and knowledge together to reduce the harms of alcohol and other drugs on society. We partner with public, private and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to improve the health and safety of people living in Canada. An NGO with a national focus, CCSA envisions a healthier Canadian society where evidence transforms approaches to substance use.
CCSA acknowledges that First Nations, Métis and Inuit people are the holders of Traditional Indigenous Knowledge. We respect the power of the Indigenous ways of knowing and of Traditional Indigenous Knowledge and commit to learning about and incorporating this knowledge into our work with proper guidance.
Reporting to the Director, Policy, or their designate, the Policy Analyst is responsible for supporting the development of evidence-informed policy and practices. The Policy Analyst supports CCSA’s mandate by monitoring and analyzing public policy and providing best advice in public policy and practice related to substance use.
Responsibilities
- Conducts interprovincial and interjurisdictional legislative analyses and develops recommendations to inform and promote evidence-informed policy and practice related to substance use
- Understands evidence-based research and its application to policy development
- Applies an understanding of government, partner and organizational relationships and applies political acuity to support policy development
- Writes and edits documents for presentations and publications as assigned
- Conducts policy analyses on specific aspects of substance use, problematic substance use and addiction relevant to the organization’s strategic directions and priorities
- Identifies and coordinates opportunities for CCSA to lead or contribute to evidence-informed policy related to substance use
- Presents policy analyses and recommendations to senior leadership
- Represents CCSA and works with external collaborators at policy tables and working groups
- Works in close collaboration with CCSA’s Public Affairs and Communications division to ensure integrated messaging and support for all policy initiatives and to support effective government relations
- Closely collaborates with CCSA’s Knowledge Mobilization division to support the impact of CCSA’s knowledge products and partnership initiatives in enabling evidence-informed policy
- Works closely with CCSA’s Research division to synthesize the policy implications of CCSA’s research initiatives
- Works in close collaboration with in-house evaluation and to conduct impact analyses of new research directions vis-à-vis existing policies in the substance use and addiction field
- Performs other duties as assigned
