Senior Policy Analyst

Union Status: Exclusion - Non Union - NSPG

Closing Date: 27-Jan-25 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)

About Us

The Accessibility Directorate is a dynamic and committed team that is leading and coordinating Nova Scotia’s work toward our goal of an accessible province by 2030. We work together with Nova Scotians with disabilities, community and disability organizations, government departments, municipalities and villages, other public sector bodies, businesses, and other partners to support the cultural shift needed to implement the Accessibility Act and address disability-related issues across government.

About Our Opportunity

As a Senior Policy Analyst, you provide policy advice and analysis, and strategic advice to the Minister of Justice, Deputy Minister and senior management of the Department on a range of accessibility and disability issues in Nova Scotia to advance government’s goal of an accessible Nova Scotia by 2030. This will include leading the implementation of the accessibility standard in the built environment and other initiatives related to this priority area.

Primary Accountabilities

• Conduct comprehensive research, analysis, development, measurement and evaluation of complex policy issues to provide strategic advice to senior leadership.
• Develop, formulate and administer policy related to the Accessibility Act and regulations, accessibility standards and other accessibility and disability related policy.
• Provide policy advice, prepare briefing materials, options paper, and provide timely response to requests for information.
• Prepare complex submissions to Executive Council and Finance and Treasury Board on accessibility policy initiatives.
• Engage with community members and partners.
• Develop and participate in briefings and presentations to senior leadership as required.
• Initiate, plan, develop and manage a wide range of policy-related projects and initiatives.
• Develop and implement capacity building and awareness activities and resources related to accessibility standards and other accessibility and disability related policies.
• Provide leadership in the development of long-term strategic plans to address critical accessibility and disability issues.
• Liaise with partners across the department, government, other public sector bodies, provincial and community organizations and others to collaborate on accessibility and disability priorities.

Qualifications and Experience

As the successful candidate you will have a university degree in a related field, plus several years progressive experience in a policy development role.

• Sound knowledge of all aspects of the policy development process and significant experience in development of policy frameworks, policies, standards and guidelines.
• Significant experience in project management, leading multi-disciplinary project teams, and conducting in-depth policy research and analysis.
• The ability to establish and maintain relationships with a range of partners, including other government departments, public and private sector organizations, and community organizations.
• The ability to assess evidence, information, and input, conceptualize and articulate alternative solutions to problems, analyse policy alternatives, and arrive at one or more recommended solutions with clear explanation of the implications from a policy perspective.
• The ability to work independently with minimal direct supervision, carry out work within tight timelines, manage competing priorities.
• Knowledge of accessibility and disability issues, including relevant legislation, policy and programs.
• Expertise in accessibility of buildings and outdoor spaces, including technical knowledge of building codes and accessible design.
• Exceptional communication skills.
• Fluency in French (oral and/or written) would be considered an asset.

Equivalency

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

Working Conditions

- Normal work week is 35 hours/week
- Some overtime work required
- Dynamic continuously evolving work environment

Additional Information

The position is based in Halifax. Persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

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.
• A dynamic, client-focused office environment where service excellence and teamwork are our focus.

Pay Grade: EC 11

Salary Range: $3,351.92- $4,189.95 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.

Current government employees may access this posting through the link below:

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.