Senior Policy Analyst (Program Admin Officer 4)

Public Service Commission, Government of Nova Scotia; Halifax; On-site; CAD 88,000 - 104,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Defined Benefit Pension Plan

Health, Dental, Life Insurance

Vacation and EAP

Job summary

The Public Service Commission, Government of Nova Scotia, Halifax, is seeking a Senior Policy Analyst to lead complex policy development within the Growth and Development Department. The role focuses on turning intergovernmental priorities into actionable advice while coordinating federal/provincial initiatives.

You will analyze issues, prepare high-level submissions, and collaborate with partners across government to advance housing and economic development priorities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field with six years of related work experience.
• Strong policy advisory experience to government is an asset.
• Self-starter with excellent planning, organization, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct policy analysis and provide strategic advice to senior leadership.
• Prepare complex submissions to Executive Council and Finance and Treasury Board.
• Coordinate timely responses to information requests and briefings for Deputy Ministers and Ministers.
• Lead development of briefing materials and presentations for senior leadership.
• Support continuous improvement of departmental processes.

Skills

Policy analysis

Stakeholder engagement

Planning & organizing

Communication

Oral presentations

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Competition #: 50086

Department: Growth and Development

Location: HALIFAX

Type of Employment: Term

Union Status: NSGEU - NSPG

Closing Date: 25-Oct-26 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)

About Us

The Department of Growth, Development, and Defence Industries drives economic growth and productivity by creating the conditions for communities, businesses and households to thrive. The Department works with key partners to foster a dynamic environment that supports housing innovation and sector development, providing the necessary solutions to grow our population and economy.

The Federal-Provincial/Territorial (FPT) Relations team advances Nova Scotia's housing priorities by building strong partnerships with FPT governments and positioning the Province to influence national housing policy, programs and funding decisions. The team achieves this by coordinating Nova Scotia's participation in intergovernmental forums, developing strategic policy and negotiating positions, and providing advice on the National Housing Strategy, Build Canada Homes and other federal initiatives.

About Our Opportunity

Reporting to the Director, Federal-Provincial Territorial Relations, the Senior Policy Analyst works in the Strategic Policy & Corporate Services division, contributing to and leading complex policy development and implementation. In this dynamic role, you will turn complex intergovernmental priorities into practical action—shaping strategic advice, strengthening relationships across jurisdictions, and advancing initiatives that make a meaningful difference for housing in Nova Scotia.

Primary Accountabilities

A few of your key responsibilities will include:

• Conducting comprehensive research, analysis, and evaluation of complex policy issues to provide strategic advice to senior leadership.
• Preparing and/or overseeing complex submissions to Executive Council and Finance and Treasury Board.
• Coordinating comprehensive and timely responses to requests for information.
• Leading preparation of briefing materials and/or presentations to senior leadership (including Deputy Minister and Minister) on a variety of complex issues.
• Supporting continuous improvement of departmental processes.

• Contributing to the department's long-term strategic planning and monitoring federal policy, funding commitments, bilateral agreements, and implementation risks to support timely reporting, decision-making, and escalation.
• Leading effective consultation and collaboration with partners across government and other jurisdictions to align priorities, integrate diverse perspectives, and develop coordinated policy advice and positions.

• Contributing to strategic planning in matters related to federal initiatives and Departmental priorities.
• Contributing to development of provincial negotiating priorities and supporting the implementation and renewal of bilateral agreements and other intergovernmental initiatives, including the Department's participation in the Federal/Provincial/Territorial (FPT) Housing Forum.
• Participate in FPT Housing Forum working groups and support collaboration within and among governments on key housing-related issues.
  

Qualifications and Experience

You have completed a bachelor's degree in a related field and have six (6) years of related work experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Previous experience providing policy advice and recommendations to government is considered a strong asset.

You are a self-starter and an innovative thinker who is solutions-oriented. You analyze and present information clearly and concisely. You have well-developed planning and organizational skills, coupled with the ability to multitask and adapt in this fast-paced environment with competing priorities and strict deadlines. You pay attention to detail and effectively interpret and apply policy and process.

You have proven experience maintaining effective working relationships with stakeholders and staff. You exercise sound judgement and a high degree of professionalism when providing technical and strategic advice. You communicate for maximum results, consistently maintain a courteous disposition, and hold a high standard for client and customer service. You are a self-motivated individual who works both independently with minimal supervision and participates fully as an effective team player.

You must be proficient in the use of Microsoft Suite and demonstrate a good understanding of computer technologies. A working knowledge of services and programs offered by the Department, along with government policies, procedures, and procurement processes is ideal.

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:

• Completion of a related master's degree and four (4) years of experience.
• Competition of a related diploma and eight (8) years of experience.
• Ten (10) years of related experience.

Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.

Benefits

Based on the employment status, 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

Your typical work week is 35 hours/week, 7 hours/day. Work activities are primarily conducted in a comfortable office setting, with some site visits as required, and frequent opportunities to move about and/or change positions. At times, this position involves pressure from deadlines, and there is an important requirement for accuracy.

Additional Information

This is a TERM employment opportunity with an anticipated end date of December 31, 2027. 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.

Pay Grade: PR 17

Salary Range: $3,410.48 - $4,005.58 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, Persons of African Descent, Racialized Persons, Persons with Disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ Persons 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 [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, 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.

If you are receiving a pension from the Nova Scotia Public Service Superannuation Plan (PSSP) or any related plans, you cannot receive pension payments while contributing to the same plan. If you accept a position that requires PSSP contributions, your pension payments must be stopped. Please contact the Nova Scotia Pension Services Corporation for more 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 [e-mail].