Job Description

Competition # : 47031
Department: African Nova Scotian Affairs
Location: HALIFAX
Type of Employment: Permanent
Union Status: NSGEU - NSPG
Closing Date: ?20-Oct-25 ? (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)
Designation Status
This opportunity is designated to applicants that identify as African/Black Nova Scotian and other Racialized Persons.
See the for more information, including additional details on the designated groups.
Information Session
Please join us for a virtual information session on our Secretary 2 (Administrative Assistant) (Designated) position with African Nova Scotian Affairs. During this session you will also have the opportunity to ask questions about the department, role, and application process. This session will be held on October 14, 2025 at 11:30 am, AST and hosted by the Manager of Operations and Projects.
You may join here:
Microsoft Teams meeting - Click here:
Please note: your name will be displayed to all those who register for this session.
About Us
African Nova Scotian Affairs (ANSA) is a vital link that connects government and the African Nova Scotian community. ANSA promotes understanding of African Nova Scotian issues; draws attention to the priorities that matter to communities; and supports concerns that need be addressed. These efforts are essential to help government better serve African Nova Scotians.
About Our Opportunity
Are you looking for a work environment where your work and expertise will help positively contribute to the lives of Nova Scotians? If yes, we have an exciting opportunity for you to explore as an Administrative Assistant with the Office of African Nova Scotian Affairs (ANSA). The Administrative Assistant reports to The Manager of Operations and Projects and supports the work of ANSA. The Administrative Assistant provides a broad range of office management, technical and administrative services to professional and technical staff of ANSA. The position involves interaction with department staff, industry clients, external partners, federal/provincial government representatives and the general public and the African Nova Scotian community
Primary Accountabilities
Key responsibilities include:

• Supporting ANSA by tracking routine and non-routine correspondence, memos and documentation.
• Responding to and directing incoming calls, emails and inquiries.
• Coordinating/arranging meetings, staff calendars; travel and accommodations; preparations including agendas, minutes/notes and travel documents.
• Maintaining filing records and retrieval systems, both physical and digital
• Assisting with monitoring budget related documents.
• Performing other routine day-to-day operational tasks, including tracking and ordering supplies; and maintaining office equipment.
• Preparing reports and presentation materials.
• Other duties as required

Qualifications and Experience
You have completed a 1-year secretarial/business administration diploma, and three years related experience, or an equivalent combination of training and experience may be acceptable.
As the successful candidate you have:

• Demonstrated ability to work under limited supervision to prioritize work demands and meet deadlines while exercising appropriate judgement.

The following would be viewed as assets:

• Experience working with the African Nova Scotian communities
• Strong written and verbal communication (including editing) skills.
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and a high degree of judgement and initiative in responding to matters as they arise.
• Ability to communicate effectively with a variety of people, including clients, community members, key partners, industry members, and all levels of government staff.
• Demonstrated organizational skills, including the ability to run a bring forward/reminder system, coordinating and arranging meetings, travel/accommodations.
• Experience with ordering and receiving supplies and processing invoices for payment.
• Experience with general filing, records management and database management.
• Experience contributing to the development of administrative process improvement/standards.

The following would be viewed as assets: Experience working with the African Nova Scotian communities
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
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: .
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: CL 18
Salary Range: $1,684.00 - $1,884.17 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.
Accommodation Statement:
We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. Candidates may request accommodations based on any grounds protected by the Human Rights Act. If you require an accommodation throughout the recruitment process, please contact us at competitions@novascotia.ca.
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.

Skills Required