Job Description

Competition # : 43303
Department: Community Services
Location: HALIFAX
Type of Employment: Term
Union Status: NSGEU - NSPG
Closing Date: 01-Jul-24 (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 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 Opportunity
Reporting to the Manager of Policy, Strategic Policy & Decision Support (SPDS), the Junior Policy Analyst (Research and Statistical Officer 2) is key in supporting the coordination of several departmental planning and reporting requirements. As the Junior Policy Analyst, you will also support a team of Senior Policy Analysts in the provision of policy advice through analysis and research and work closely with DCS programs and operational units to support policy analysis and regular reporting.
Primary Accountabilities
In this role, you have several key responsibilities including:

• Leading robust processes to develop the annual business plan and accountability report, and monthly mandate reporting.
• Collating departmental information and conducting research to support the Senior Policy Analysts with the drafting of briefing notes and submissions to Cabinet to provide policy analysis, recommendations, and progress updates to the Minister, Deputy Minister, and senior management.
• Supporting the departments responses to jurisdictional reviews and ad hoc information requests.
• Coordinating appointments to agencies, boards, and commissions.

Qualifications and Experience
You have a bachelors degree and at least three (3) years of related experience with policy analysis and research; or a related masters degree and one (1) year experience.
This role works within a team that supports the departments key program divisions in achieving their policy and programming goals. The incumbent will take the initiative in establishing a thorough knowledge and understanding of the departments core programs and mandates. In support of DCS mandate to support vulnerable Nova Scotians, you will demonstrate the application of an anti-racist and equity lens to all aspects of your work.
This position requires the ability to compile large amounts of information from varying sources and collate key information for the purposes of informing policy analysis and recommendations. The ability to think strategically and coordinate multi-disciplinary teams is essential as you engage with internal and external partners to support your work. Additional skills key to your success are excellent organization and prioritization, written and oral communication, and the ability to present information to various audiences. You must be proficient with Microsoft Office suite including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams (or equivalent). A knowledge of Cabinet submissions and the governments key planning and reporting requirements is an asset.
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
We 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:

• A completed related 2-year diploma along with five (5) years of related experience;
• Seven (7) years of total related experience.

Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.
Benefits
Based 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 Conditions
Most of your time is spent in a comfortable office setting. Your normal work week is 35 hours/week, 7 hours/day.
Additional Information
This is a term employment opportunity with an anticipated end date of May 31, 2025. The appointment status (term, temporary or casual) is dependent on the start date of the successful candidate.
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 10
Salary Range: $2,262.74 - $2,760.42 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.
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.