Senior Policy Analyst

Union Status: Exclusion - Non Union - NSPG

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

About Us

The Department of Health and Wellness offers opportunities to grow and advance in a dynamic sector that touches the lives of all Nova Scotians. Along with our partners, including the Nova Scotia Health Authority and the IWK Health Centre, we’re committed to continually improving our health care system. With a focus on collaborative primary health care, acute care, improved supports for mental health and addictions, digital health, capital infrastructure, and more, the department is thinking differently about how to plan, fund, legislate and monitor to improve access and service delivery. To do this, we’re recruiting leaders at all levels of the organization who embrace a challenge and believe in their ability to make a difference.

About Our Opportunity

The Senior Policy Analyst with the Department of Health and Wellness, System Integration team, provides policy leadership and expertise to the System Integration team on major policy initiatives. With a specific focus on health infrastructure, this position is consistently called upon to lead from start to finish a variety of complex policy projects. They develop legislative, policy, and process initiatives that are strategically aligned with government priorities. The System Integration team brings clinical and infrastructure leaders into one branch to improve health services to Nova Scotians. This position also makes effective recommendations with a focus on strategic decision-making and the impact of recommendations.

Primary Accountabilities

As the Senior Policy Analyst, you will be responsible for leading a variety of complex policy projects from start to finish, including developing legislative, policy, and process initiatives that are strategically aligned with government priorities. Working closely with colleagues both in the department and partner organizations, the work requires conducting comprehensive research, analysis, measurement, and evaluation of complex policy issues to provide strategic advice to senior leadership. This involves developing knowledge of funding models, infrastructure project delivery methods, and project delivery coordination of multi-disciplinary teams to develop and/or review a wide range of deliverables, including reports, presentations, briefing notes, submissions, and other materials. Within a typical day you will also be responsible for:

• Developing and evaluating policy options and related background material.
• Independently leading aspects of the policy and legislative process, including preparation of submissions to Executive Council.
• Preparing reports and responses relating to health system issues related to infrastructure including the impact of interventions in Nova Scotia.
• Leading and/or participating in working groups to represent Infrastructure perspectives on specific policy issues and playing a leadership role to ensure deadlines are met and senior staff are aware of progress.
• Preparing briefing notes and correspondence for senior staff on a range of matters related to DHW’s mandate.

Qualifications and Experience

As our next Senior Policy Analyst, you will hold a bachelor's degree in a policy, engineering or finance-related field plus five (5) years of progressive experience in policy analysis and research. You will demonstrate experience with the following:

• Progressive position responsibility.
• Superior writing skills with proven experience in report writing and preparation of briefing materials.
• Strong leadership skills with proven ability to build collaborative working relationships.
• Computer skills and proficiency using Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).

In addition to the above, you will have strong leadership skills, independent judgement, and initiative as well as the ability to manage and conduct complex and specialized research and policy analysis. You will be well-organized, capable of managing change and competing priorities. You can undertake a high-level of work under tight deadlines and exercise sound judgement under pressure. Lastly, you will be able to work cohesively in a team environment and take on complex assignments with minimal supervision.

The following will be considered assets:

• Knowledge of infrastructure delivery and/or funding models.
• Knowledge of asset management fundamentals.
• Knowledge of structure, processes, and key players in Government.

Equivalency

An equivalent combination of training, education and experience will be considered. Equivalencies may include, but are not limited to:

• A completed Master's degree and 3 years of related experience.
• A completed Engineering or Architecture degree and 3 years of related experience.

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

Working Conditions

Most of your time is spent in a comfortable office setting. Your normal work week is 35 hours/week, 7 hours/day.

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: $3,047.22- $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 their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. All questions and concerns may be directed to Competitions@novascotia.ca.