Policy Analyst jobs in Canada

Competition # : 47869

Department: Equity and Anti-Racism Initiatives

Location: HALIFAX

Type of Employment: Term

Union Status: NSGEU - NSPG

Closing Date: 17-Feb-26 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)

This opportunity is designated to applicants that identify as Indigenous Person, African/Black Nova Scotian and other Racialized Persons. See the Nova Scotia Government’s Employment Equity Policy for more information, including additional details on the designated groups.

The Office of Equity and Anti-Racism (OEA) works across government with partners and communities and public service employees, to help lead and support government’s equity and anti-racism work. OEA’s mandate both an internal and external focus.

• For public service employees—work to promote and advance equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility and to create a culturally responsive workplace;
• For all Nova Scotians—work to identify and address systemic racism, barriers, and inequities in government policy, legislation, programs and services.

We are an energetic team with a positive attitude and determination to make a difference by applying an all of government approach. Our team strives to be representative of the communities we serve and we strongly value diversity.

If you are interested in making a difference in the areas of equity and anti-racism and wish to join a strong team who strive to achieve success, we are interested in hearing from you!

The Policy Analyst (Research and Statistical Officer 3 (RSO3) will work on a variety of specialized and complex policy projects to advance equity and anti-racism initiatives in Nova Scotia including those related to the requirements of the Dismantling Racism and Hate Act, Nova Scotia’s Equity and Anti‑Racism Strategy and the 2SLGBTQIA+ Action Plan.

As the successful candidate, you will work on policy development, implementation, and evaluation/monitoring within the department. You will use formal processes and tools to develop policy documents, reports and recommendations, as well as regulations/legislation. You will complete policy research and may provide project support/leadership to departmental projects and initiatives.

This position reports to the Director, Policy and Planning.

As the Policy Analyst, you will be responsible for researching, developing and analyzing policy options and making recommendations on a broad range of departmental issues/programs related to equity and anti‑racism. This work will inform the decision‑making process by senior management. Some duties include:

• In depth knowledge of research methods, assist in the identification and analysis of policy options, drafting of policy papers and recommendations, development of policy instruments/standards, and consultation with internal and external stakeholders.
• Provide project management and/or support to designated projects and initiatives, with a high level of importance placed on developing effective working relationships across a variety of levels/work units.
• Provide policy advice and prepare, coordinate and assure quality control for departmental briefing materials and briefing binders for the minister, Deputy and Premier.

As our Policy Analyst, you will have a Bachelors’ Degree in a related discipline, plus five (5) years related experience involving project management, policy, research methods etc. An equivalent combination of training and experience may be considered.

• Demonstrated understanding of equity and anti‑racism related concepts
• Thorough knowledge of the public policy development process and experience in policy analysis.
• Experience in designing and leading policy analysis projects.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal).
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Demonstrated experience in report writing and preparation of briefing materials.
• Demonstrated ability to build collaborative working relationships.
• Computer skills, including thorough knowledge of software packages such as Microsoft Office;
• Knowledge of structure, processes, and key players in Government, as well as knowledge and/or experience within the Nova Scotia legislative environment would be 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.

• Experience working with Mi’kmaw and Persons of Indigenous descent;
• African Nova Scotians and Persons of African descent;
• Persons of Colour;
• Newcomers (immigrants and refugees);
• 2SLGBTQIA+—2 Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual/Biromantic, Transgender, Queer and/or Questioning, Intersex, Asexual/Aromantic and others whose identities are not reflected;
• Persons with disabilities (physical and mental);
• Persons who are neurodivergent.

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

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.

This is a TERM employment opportunity with anticipated end date of November 09, 2027. The appointment status (‘term’, ‘temporary’ or ‘casual’) is dependent on the start date of the successful candidate.

• 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.

PR 13

$2,750.62 - $3,343.61 Bi‑Weekly

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.

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. External applicants and current casual employees will only be considered if there are no qualified civil service bargaining unit candidates. 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.