Job Description

Competition # : 38877

Department: Justice

Location: HALIFAX

Type of Employment: Permanent

Union Status: Legal - NSPG

Closing Date: 5/9/2023 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)

About Us

The Legal Services Division is the government\'s law firm, providing a full range of legal advice and services to support government operations and help government achieve its corporate priorities. With a staff of more than150 lawyers, paralegals, researchers and administrative professionals, the Division is one of the largest law offices in the Province.

We are skilled in administrative law, negotiation and drafting of agreements, commercial transactions, corporate governance, property transactions, the development of legislation and regulations to implement the public policy goals of government, support in employment and labour matters, and day to day advice on routine legal matters.

We represent government in all legal proceedings, except prosecutions. This includes formal litigation on behalf of the Crown before all levels of courts in the Province, the Federal Courts and the Supreme Court of Canada. Typical cases brought before these courts include judicial review applications, statutory appeals, contractual disputes, constitutional issues, class actions, child and adult protection proceedings, and other claims made by or against government.

We also represent government before administrative bodies and tribunals, and in arbitrations and mediations. We assist government departments and agencies navigate the procedural and substantive aspects of these proceedings and help them resolve disputes.

As well we are home to the Registry of Regulations, which is responsible for filing, consolidating and publishing Nova Scotia regulations.

For more information on the Department of Justice Legal Services please visit our website:

About Our Opportunity

This position works collaboratively with the Executive Director, other Divisional Directors and members of the management team within the Legal Services Division. The Director is accountable to develop clear objectives and deliver results in a fiscally responsible manner. In doing so, the incumbent exercises strong leadership skills, provides strategic direction and energizes individuals on the team to strive towards excellence in the provision of legal services. The Director sets appropriate expectations and standards to ensure the effective and efficient delivery of legal services and is responsible for managing the lawyers and provision of legal services to government departments, agencies, and crown corporations.

The Director is required to make decisions based on the analysis of information presented, sometimes in the face of ambiguous or conflicting situations. They are therefore required to put systems in place to proactively monitor risk and determine acceptable risk tolerances.

The Director is required to provide strategic, effective and efficient counsel and advocacy to senior management in other Departments and to the Deputy Minister of Justice. The Director regularly advises on a variety of complex and sensitive legal and policy issues and takes leadership role in advising senior official across government. The incumbent works horizontally across government using a systems-thinking approach and is a creative problem solver who can develop innovative solutions to complex problems and relationships.

Qualifications and Experience

The Director will be an individual with strong interpersonal and communication who is comfortable making strategic decisions in ambiguous situations based on a comprehensive understanding of the law and the priorities of government. As the successful candidate, you will need to be able to demonstrate the following:

• Eligibility to practice law in Nova Scotia with extensive legal experience and management experience;
• A comprehensive understanding of Crown law;
• Outstanding written and verbal communication and influencing skills;
• An ability to build effective new relationships across government and utilize existing networks in a political or complex environment;
• The ability to solve complex problems using innovative solutions;
• The ability to embrace change and create a clear compelling vision of the purpose of the change for others;
• Experience leading and managing a team of professionals, including facilitating development opportunities and succession planning;
• The ability to promote an organizational perspective and leverage limited resources for the benefit of the organization;

The Government of Nova Scotia has adopted the LEADS Leadership Framework. During the interview, candidates will be expected to express how they have demonstrated the key behaviours and capabilities required to effectively lead in a caring and inclusive environment. LEADS Domains includes Leads Self, Engage Others, Achieve Results, Develop Coalitions and Systems Transformation.

Please follow for more information.

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.

Benefits

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 offering and eligibility criteria.

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: MCL 32

Salary Range: $4,259.67 - $6,762.20 Bi-Weekly

*As of June 2023, salary will be $6,607.79 - $7,322.07 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