Director Business Risk Management

About Us

The Department of Agriculture’s mandate is the development of competitive, sustainable and profitable agriculture and agri-business industries that contribute to the economic, environmental and social prosperity of Nova Scotia’s rural and urban communities.  Our vision is of a Nova Scotia agriculture and agri-food industry that is diversified, market-focused and profitable. We envision an industry recognized for its adaptable, collaborative business approach.

As part of the Agriculture Risk Management and Lending Branch, the Business Risk Management Division is responsible for providing risk mitigation programs to primary producers through the AgriInsurance, AgriInvest, and AgriStability programs. The Nova Scotia Crop and Livestock Insurance Commission, supported by the Business Risk Management Division, administers the AgriInsurance program on behalf of the Province.

About Our Opportunity

Reporting to the Executive Director of Agriculture Risk Management and Lending, you will be responsible for the delivery and administration of a comprehensive suite of risk management and industry support programs for the agricultural industry in keeping with the departmental business plan and mandate to increase local food production and consumption in Nova Scotia as well as expand upon Nova Scotia’s agricultural and agri-food exports. 

Primary Accountabilities

As the successful candidate, you will be responsible to:

• Provide expert analysis, advice, and recommendations to the Minister, Deputy and Senior Management team on issues, opportunities, and constraints related to programming and risk management tools.
• Provide leadership for the ongoing Business Risk Management Review Project.
• Lead program development, delivery, reporting and evaluation in support of research, infrastructure and growth initiatives that promotes both provincial and federal investments in Nova Scotia's Agri-food industry through a (FPT) multilateral agreement.
• Represent Nova Scotia in multi-lateral negotiations with the federal government and other provincial jurisdictions on issues affecting business risk management. 
• Maintain open effective communication with industry stakeholders to ensure program policy remains in step with changes that are occurring in and impacting on the industry.
• Provide strategic oversight of the Nova Scotia Crop and Livestock Insurance Commission, a non-adjudicative board of the Department.
• Focus on excellent client services and timely delivery of services and information through design, development, implementation and monitoring.
• Ensure the effective management of human and financial resources.

Qualifications and Experience

The Director must possess a Bachelor’s Degree, preferably in a field such as Business, Commerce, Agriculture, Actuarial Sciences.  The Director must have knowledge of the agricultural industry. 
 

The successful candidate must have several years work experience as a leader and manager of people.  The successful candidate must demonstrate experience in complex program and service delivery management, risk analysis, financial management, program administration, as well as experience in providing advice to senior management through both verbal and written communication.
 

The ideal candidate will be a strong leader, an excellent communicator, a relationship builder, a team plyer, supportive of innovation and be results-oriented.  Experience in effective management of human and financial resources is essential.
 

The following will be considered assets:

• A graduate degree or relevant professional designation
• Working with commodity groups and associations
• Delivering programs
• Presentation skills

Equivalency

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

LEADS:

The Government of Nova Scotia has adopted the LEADS Leadership Framework.  During the interview, candidates will be expected to express how they have demonstrated the key behaviours and capabilities required to effectively lead in a caring and inclusive environment. LEADS Domains includes Leads Self, Engage Others, Achieve Results, Develop Coalitions and Systems Transformation.

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.

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.

Additional Information

This is a Permanent Position located in Bible Hill, Nova Scotia.  The successful candidate must have a valid drivers licence and reliable access to a vehicle to enable travelling throughout Nova Scotia.  Occasional interprovincial travel may also be required.

What We Offer

• An opportunity to shape and influence the way programs and services are delivered for an ambitious, complex organisation that serves a diverse and innovative agricultural industry that positively impacts the lives of Nova Scotians.
• A position that comes with significant responsibility and opportunity to make an impact, interact regularly with senior officials and help shape the future of the province.
• A close-knit, collaborative team of leaders and an engaging workplace where our employees feel valued, respected, connected, and tuned in.
• Forward-thinking policies and strategies.
• Countless career paths and resources to develop yourself.