Job Description

Competition # : 39205

Department: L\'nu Affairs

Location: Flexible

Type of Employment: Permanent

Union Status: Exclusion - Non Union - NSPG

Closing Date: 6/5/2023 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)

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At the Office of L\'nu Affairs we don\'t just accept difference - we celebrate a supportive culture of diversity, inclusion, and belonging.

We work hard to create an environment where different perspectives and experiences are valued.

We are committed to helping diverse talent thrive. We encourage applications from those that equally value diversity.

About Us

The Office of L\'nu Affairs is responsible for coordinating Nova Scotia\'s approach to Indigenous issues. The Office leads negotiations related to Aboriginal and Treaty rights with the Mi\'kmaq of Nova Scotia and the Federal Government, coordinates and facilitates consultation between the Provincial Government and the Mi\'kmaq of Nova Scotia, provides strategic policy advice to government on provincial interests relating to Indigenous affairs, and works with partners inside and outside government to increase public education, awareness, and understanding of Indigenous issues in the Province.

With the Mi\'kmaq-Nova Scotia-Canada Tripartite Forum, the Made-in-Nova Scotia Process of Negotiations, Treaty Education and our coordinating role in consultation efforts with the Mi\'kmaq of Nova Scotia, we are on the road to developing a new relationship, one based on partnership, respect and mutual understanding.

A dedicated and passionate team, we are continually evolving to ensure that we meet the needs of the province.

About Our Opportunity

The Director of Policy and Indigenous Relations leads a team that is accountable for strategic, broad-based planning, policy research and information, federal/provincial/Mi\'kmaq relations and advocacy, and conducting assessments that underpin strategic directions and decision-making for policies, programs and services related to Mi\'kmaw and Indigenous peoples in Nova Scotia.

The Director of Policy and Indigenous Relations is accountable for providing advice and coordination of government\'s approach to Indigenous issues in Nova Scotia. This includes collaborative policy development, planning and research along with strategic, business, budget and operational planning for the Office. The Director is also accountable for provincial involvement in the Mi\'kmaq-Nova Scotia-Canada Tripartite Forum, and other forums that address Indigenous social and economic issues in Nova Scotia. In addition, and in collaboration with senior management, the Director is accountable for Indigenous and intergovernmental relationships within Nova Scotia, regionally and nationally, with other governments and Indigenous communities and organizations.

Primary Accountabilities

• Provide leadership and direction to the Policy and Indigenous Relations team and other departments on Mi\'kmaq and Indigenous affairs, strategic and operational planning, performance reporting, data collection and analysis to ensure that the strategic goals and objectives are met in the development of annual Business Plans, Operational Plans, Accountability Reports and regular updates.
• Ensure that Cabinet, Ministers and senior government decision-makers have relevant information, analysis and understanding of Indigenous issues in the Nova Scotia context, their implications and potential policy options to make informed policy and program decisions.
• Ensure that government\'s approach to addressing Indigenous issues in Nova Scotia is consistent, based on common principles and a common understanding of the context and interests of the Mi\'kmaw communities and Indigenous organizations.
• Builds and maintains effective relationships, solves problems and identifies opportunities amongst and with Indigenous communities/organizations and the provincial government.
• Provide oversight and strategic focus within OLA budgets to support capacity building, socio-economic development and assistance to Indigenous businesses, agencies and communities.
• Leads the administration of office management to ensure the division is responsive to the public locally, nationally, and internationally. This includes development of and response to branch correspondence in a timely, accurate and efficient way.
• Ensures the effective management of human and financial resources by setting and evaluating staff performance targets, promoting diversity and a healthy workplace, demonstrating leadership competencies, respecting corporate human resources practices, promoting teamwork and individual development, maintaining internal communications, monitoring expenditures while adhering to procurement guidelines.

Qualifications and Experience

To be considered for this leadership opportunity, you hold a university degree in a related field with substantial senior leadership experience in policy (an equivalent combination of training and experience may be considered).

You are a recognized leader, a strong and effective communicator, and you possess experience in leading teams. You are committed to open communication, collaboration and consultation with staff, partners and stakeholders and are recognized for your personal and professional credibility, creative problem-solving ability, and in-depth experience leading cross-organizational programs and initiatives.

You must also demonstrate:

• Several years of successful leadership and relevant work experience at a managerial level;
• Experience in collaborative policy development, planning and research along with strategic, business, budget and operational planning;
• Experience in designing and implementing an effective engagement process;
• Proven ability to lead external negotiations with a range of partners, including other levels of government;
• Excellent interpersonal skills, an ability to handle and organize large workloads, and a proven ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing;
• An aptitude to deal with complex issues, strong analytical skills, tact and diplomacy, capacity for decisive action, and the ability to influence;
• Strong working knowledge of the Indigenous landscape in Nova Scotia and Mi\'kmaw communities and organizations is required;

Assets

• Lived experience or connection with Mi\'kmaw or other Indigenous communities
• Ability to speak Mi\'kmaq would also be considered an asset

Competencies that are viewed as important for this position are: Decisiveness, Strategic Orientation, Effective Interactive Communication, Intercultural Diversity Proficiency, Partnering & Relationship Building, Team Leadership, Developing Others, Self-Awareness & Personal Impact.

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

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.

Additional Information

This is a full-time permanent position requiring the flexibility to travel to Halifax when needed.

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 for Nova Scotians.
• Department Specific Flexible working schedules.

Pay Grade: EC 14

Salary Range: $4,309.95 - $5,387.44 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