Job Description

Competition # : 39934

Department: Community Services

Location: HALIFAX

Type of Employment: Permanent

Union Status: NSGEU - NSPG

Closing Date: 31-Jul-23 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)

About Us

At the , we are a large and diverse department providing a broad portfolio of programs and services including Child and Family well-being (CFW), Employment Support Services(ESS), Income Assistance (IA), Homelessness and Supportive Housing, and Disability Support Program(DSP).

Through our services, we advocate and help vulnerable Nova Scotians be independent, self-reliant, and secure. We work collaboratively across the province with a strong dedicated network of support and staff, to achieve desired and shared outcomes for all.

About Our Opportunity

Reporting to the Manager of Policy, Strategic Policy & Decision Support (SPDS), the Research and Statistics Officer 4 (Corporate Planning Advisor) will directly impact the strategic direction and decision-making of the department. Your primary responsibility is to lead and provide support, advice, and subject matter expertise to align policy recommendations and implementation plans with greater department and government mandates and priorities. You will also coordinate strategic and corporate initiatives, including business planning, accountability reporting, mandate reporting, and appointments to agencies, boards, and commissions.

You will work closely with the SPDS Policy Teams Senior Policy Analysts, and DCS programs and operational units to provide expert strategic policy analysis that enhances the Department's objectives and outcomes.

Primary Accountabilities

In this critical role, you have a number of key responsibilities including:

• Supporting and providing advice to the Executive Leadership Team regarding strategic and divisional planning, and budget planning.
• Leading robust processes to develop the annual business plan and accountability report, mandate reporting; and coordinating responses to jurisdictional reviews and ad hoc information requests.
• Coordinating appointments to agencies, boards, and commissions.
• Working closely with the Senior Policy Analysts on the team to ensure strategic policy analysis and recommendations.
• Occasional drafting of submissions to Cabinet to make policy recommendations.
• Preparing briefing notes and reports for the Minister, Deputy Minister, and senior management to provide policy analysis, advice, and recommendations.
• Furthering linkages and relationships that drive strategy, innovation, and best practices within the department and our partners.
• Conducting thorough research and strategic analysis to inform policy analysis and recommendations.

Qualifications and Experience

You have a bachelors degree and at least seven (7) years of related experience with policy, research, and analysis; or a related masters degree and five (5) years of experience.

This role informs the departments strategic direction, mandates, and priorities. As such, the incumbent will take the initiative in establishing a thorough knowledge and understanding of the departments core programs. This position requires an understanding of and experience with research methods, both quantitative and qualitative, and the ability to develop performance and system outcome measures, accountability reports, and key performance indicators. In addition, exceptional leadership abilities are critical to your success, along with excellent written and oral communication skills, and presentation skills. Your ability to think strategically and coordinate multi-disciplinary teams is essential as you engage in consultation with internal and external stakeholders.

You have excellent interpersonal, organizational, analytical, and project management skills. Skills in consultation, team building, process facilitation, and group leadership are necessary. You must be proficient with Microsoft Office suite including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook (or equivalent). Sound knowledge of the governments business planning and reporting processes is an asset.

You will ensure that an anti-racist and equity lens is applied to all aspects of your work.

We will assess the above qualifications and competencies using one or more of the following tools: written examination, standardized tests, oral presentations, interview(s), and reference checks.

Equivalency

An equivalent combination of training, education, and experience will be considered. Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.

Salary Information

PR 15 -

$2,746.69 - $3,348.16

Benefits

Based on the employment status and union agreement, the Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as Health, Dental, Life Insurance, Pension, General Illness (Short and Long Term), Vacation, and Employee and Family Assistance Programs. Click to learn more about our various benefits offerings and eligibility criteria.

Working Conditions

Most of your work is spent located in a comfortable office environment.

What We Offer

• Career Development where you have access to career guidance, tools, resources, and ongoing training for every stage of your career.
• Engaging workplace. Our Employees feel valued, respected, connected, and tuned in. We have forward-thinking policies and strategies.
• Countless Career Paths.
• Department Specific Flexible working schedules.

Pay Grade: PR 15

Salary Range: $2,746.69 - $3,348.16 Bi-Weekly

Employment Equity Statement:

Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the citizens we serve. The Government of Nova Scotia has an Employment Equity Policy, and we welcome applications from Indigenous People, African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Persons with Disabilities and Women in occupations or positions where they are under-represented. If you are a member of one of these equity groups, you are encouraged to self-identify on your electronic application.

Current government employees may access this posting through the link below:

Offer of employment is conditional upon the completion of all applicable background checks and confirmation of credentials, the results of which must be satisfactory to the employer. We thank all applicants for the interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. All questions and concerns may be directed to Competitions@novascotia.ca.

Government of Nova Scotia