Program Admin Officer 1-2 (Junior Procurement Specialist) (EOI Date: September 18)

Government of Nova Scotia; Halifax; On-site; CAD 1,000 - 3,000; Full time

Job summary

A government agency in Nova Scotia is seeking a Junior Procurement Specialist to oversee lower-risk procurement processes. The role involves advising on sourcing methods, ensuring compliance with regulations, and conducting cost analysis. Candidates should have a bachelor's degree and relevant experience, alongside strong skills in problem-solving and contract negotiation.

Benefits

Defined Benefit Pension Plan

Health Insurance

Flexible working schedules

Qualifications

• At least 1 year of relevant experience in procurement.
• Ability to draft and negotiate contracts.
• Strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee lower-risk procurement and contract management.
• Ensure compliance with policies and regulations.
• Conduct cost and savings analysis.

Skills

Project management

Leading end-to-end RFX processes

Contract drafting and negotiation

Strategic sourcing

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Overview

Competition #: 46981

Department: Service Nova Scotia

Location: HALIFAX

Type of Employment: Permanent

Union Status: NSGEU - NSPG

Closing Date: 06-Oct-25 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)

About Us

Procurement is a division of the Department of Service Nova Scotia (SNS) responsible for managing major purchases across departments, agencies, boards, and commissions, addressing their complex business needs. We ensure a transparent, competitive purchasing process that maximizes value while supporting environmental, economic, and societal goals. Our team provides the expertise needed to guide the government in finding creative, sustainable procurement solutions.

Procurement is evolving as both a function and a profession. Our vision is to lead government procurement service delivery through innovative approaches that achieve:

• Responsible management of public resources
• A clear focus on client needs
• Optimized sourcing solutions
• Transparency, compliance, and sustainability in all actions

What is Public Procurement refers to the process of identifying needs, sourcing products or services, conducting market research, and negotiating contracts, all while adhering to trade agreement obligations and internal procedures. The goal is to explore market opportunities and implement sourcing strategies that provide the best possible outcomes for the organization, its stakeholders, and Nova Scotia as a whole. SNS Clinical Procurement offers expertise and guidance to help clients, particularly Nova Scotia Health, find creative and sustainable solutions for complex business needs.

About Our Opportunity

Reporting to the Category Manager, the Junior Procurement Specialist is responsible for overseeing the procurement process for lower-risk and less complex procurement and contract management activities. This role provides advice and consultation on strategic sourcing methods, procurement best practices, and the progress of sourcing performance.

Primary Accountabilities

• Ensure compliance with policies, regulations, and trade agreements.
• Draft amendments and contract extensions.
• Draft and negotiate contracts.
• Collaborate with multi-stakeholder departments to clarify and define specifications.
• Facilitate meetings and decision points through MS Teams or in person.
• Summarize meeting outcomes, track decisions, and follow up on action items.
• Conduct cost and savings analysis.

Additional Responsibilities

• Assist in drafting solicitation documents.
• Schedule meetings and take minutes.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation across various systems and reports.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications And Experience

To succeed in this role, you will need a bachelor’s degree and at least 1 year of relevant experience in procurement, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Project management
• Leading end-to-end RFX processes
• Contract drafting and negotiation
• Strategic sourcing

You should also possess the following skills or relevant work experience:

• Strong interpersonal and creative problem-solving skills, with the ability to provide diplomatic advice and guidance to senior management. Able to effectively handle and resolve vendor and client complaints or inquiries.
• Proven ability to identify, manage, and reduce risks or disputes, including those that could lead to legal issues or damage trust in the procurement process.
• Flexibility and adaptability to quickly adjust to changing situations and environments.
• Excellent time management and organizational abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Word, and Teams.
• Experience in organizing and facilitating meetings with stakeholders and vendors, both in-person and virtually.

The Following Will Be Considered Assets

• Completion or partial completion of certifications/training such as PMAC, PSPP, SCMA, and PMP
• Experience in a clinical procurement environment
• Experience in public procurement
• Familiarity with SAP (procurement modules) and SAP Ariba
• Experience with market sounding
• Experience in data analytics

We may assess these qualifications and competencies through various methods, including written exams, standardized tests, oral presentations, interviews, and reference checks.

Equivalency

An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience will be considered. Applicants who wish to claim equivalency must clearly demonstrate how their qualifications meet the requirements in their application.

Equivalencies May Include

• 1 year related diploma and 4 years of experience
• 2 years related diploma and 3 years of experience
• 5 years related experience without any education
• A related master’s degree

An equivalent combination of training, education and experience will be considered. 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 Defined Benefit Pension Plan, 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: Benefits for government employees.

Working Conditions

• Work hours: 35 hours per week, 7 hours per day.
• Role expectations: The job requires strong mental focus, detailed analysis, and collaboration with key partners.
• Work environment: You will often manage multiple priorities with varying deadlines.
• Office setting: Most of your time will be spent in a comfortable office environment.
• Attention to detail: Accuracy and attention to detail are crucial in this high-volume, complex service area.
• Reading: Extensive reading and drafting of documents are necessary.
• Computer use: Prolonged use of computers is required.
• Meetings: Some off-site meetings may be required.
• Flexible hours: Occasional adjustment of working hours may be needed.

What We Offer

Career Development with access to guidance, tools, resources, and ongoing training for every stage of your career.

Engaging workplace where employees feel valued, respected, connected, and tuned in, with forward-thinking policies and strategies.

Countless Career Paths. Department specific flexible working schedules.

Pay and Employment Details

Pay Grade: PR 06 - PR 10

Salary Range: $1,924.95 - $2,760.42 Bi-Weekly

Employment Equity

Our goal is to be a diverse workforce representative 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

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 [e-mail].

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, applicants must apply correctly via the provided link. External applicants and current casual employees will be considered only if there are no qualified civil service bargaining unit candidates. Candidates will not be interviewed if applications are incomplete or missing information. Offer of employment is conditional upon the completion of all applicable background checks and credential verification to the employer’s satisfaction. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Questions may be directed to [e-mail].