Job Description

Competition # : 42592Department: Community ServicesLocation: HALIFAXType of Employment: PermanentUnion Status: NSGEU - NSPGClosing Date: \xe2\x80\x8b28-May-24 \xe2\x80\x8b (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)About UsAt the , we are a large and diverse department providing a broad portfolio of programs and services including Child and Family Wellbeing (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 supports and staff to achieve desired and shared outcomes for all.About Our OpportunityWant to use economic insights and data to drive impactful change in communities?Join our team as an Economist, and you\'ll help shape evidence-based decision-making processes. Your efforts will not only influence policy but also contribute to the enhancement and expansion of vital community services and fostering an environment in which new ideas are encouraged.Reporting directly to the Director of Data Analytics and Insights, you\'ll lead economic and social system analyses to inform strategic directions. Collaborating with a diverse array of specialists, you\'ll coordinate the collection of crucial social service data, paving the way for sustainable improvements in areas such as poverty alleviation, homelessness support, and assistance for vulnerable populations.Primary AccountabilitiesYour primary accountabilities will revolve around leading the provision of social and economic analyses at various levels - national, provincial, and local. You will,

• ensure that DCS data analytics is informed by an anti-racist, equity lens
• lead the development of models and conduct statistical analyses to assess market conditions within the social services sector, thereby informing our policies and program responses.
• undertake and collaborate with research partners in data development, compilation, research, and forecasting to identify emerging market issues and trends impacting our clients.
• advise on and develop data collection strategies while providing economic and social trend insights to senior management.
• establish and maintain a network of stakeholders and partners, fostering collaboration for data collection and analysis purposes.
• provide economic expertise and support, lead the development of information resources related to social and economic trends, and proficiently utilize data visualization software to create compelling visualizations and narratives.

Qualifications and ExperienceYou have completed a related bachelor\'s degree (such as Economics, Social Sciences, or Public Policy), with five (5) years of related experience in econometrics, statistical analysis, and/ or economic modelling. An equivalent combination of training and experience will be considered.You have demonstrated experience with:

• Statistics Canada data, SQL programming or python
• utilizing advanced economic models and statistical techniques to assess market conditions.
• developing recommendations for policy and program responses based on thorough analyses of social and economic data.
• data development, compilation, research, and forecasting.
• utilizing data visualization software to design, simulate, and forecast trends, and effectively communicate findings to varying audiences.

You must have the ability to:

• synthesize complex information from various sources to provide actionable insights.
• build and maintain effective working relationships with diverse stakeholders and communities to facilitate data collection and analysis.
• lead the development of information resources and mentor team members in economic modelling and analysis techniques.
• adapt to evolving data analysis techniques and technological advancements.

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.EquivalencyWe recognize equivalent combinations of training, education, and experience, providing opportunities for individuals with diverse backgrounds to contribute their skills and expertise. Equivalencies include, but are not limited to:

• Completed Bachelor of Arts (Honours) with four (4) years of related experience; or
• Completed related Master\'s Degree with two (2) years of related experience.

Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.BenefitsBased on the employment status and union agreement, the Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as a , Health, Dental, Life Insurance, General illness, Short and Long Term Disability, Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs. For information on all our Benefit program offerings, click here: .Working ConditionsMost of your time is spent in a comfortable office setting. Your normal work week is 35 hours/week, 7 hours/day.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 15Salary Range: $2,760.42 - $3,364.90 Bi-WeeklyEmployment 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.This is a bargaining unit position initially restricted to current civil service employees represented by the Nova Scotia Government Employees Union (NSGEU). If applying from outside a government office, employees must apply correctly via this link:Failure to apply correctly means that your application will not be given first consideration as a bargaining unit applicant, and will only be included if external applications are pursued.External applicants and current casual employees will only be considered if there are no qualified civil service bargaining unit candidates. PLEASE NOTE: Candidates will not be considered for an interview if applications are incomplete or are missing information.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