Program and Client Service Officer (Program Admin Officer 4)

About Us

The Department of Emergency Management is responsible for leading disaster and emergency planning, preparedness, response and recovery activities on behalf of the Province of Nova Scotia.  The objective of the Department is to ensure that Nova Scotians are safe, prepared and resilient in the face of disasters and emergencies. The Department leads the coordination and co-operation of partners and resources during provincial level critical incidents, supports municipal and other partners in regional level and local events, administers the province’s 911 service, maintains critical communications infrastructure and supports operations of our regional emergency management centres. The Department also works to ensure critical government services continue to function during and after critical events.

The Planning and Preparedness Branch enhances preparedness, reduces vulnerabilities, and ensures a coordinated response to critical incidents and emergencies by:

• Standing up and deploying the Nova Scotia Guard
• Reviewing comprehensive emergency management programs by the province and municipalities and ensuring they are robust
• Conducting thorough risk assessments and advising on mitigation strategies 
• Administering the Disaster Financial Assistance program to ensure recovery takes place as quickly as possible
• Leading strategic policy, including the management of federal and regional agreements and management of legislation, regulations, policies, establishing standards and preparedness initiatives
• Supporting effective risk management and business continuity for the Province, municipalities, and critical infrastructure partners
• Managing the resiliency office

About Our Opportunity

As Program and Client Service Officer, you have a key role in shaping and delivering programs that support the delivery of disaster recovery programs across Nova Scotia. Working alongside the Director of Recovery Program, this position is responsible for advancing province-wide initiatives related to for the prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery phases of all emergencies affecting, or having the potential to affect the province.

You will lead program planning, administration, and evaluation, while also providing expert advice that influences policy and long-term direction. Your work will support both immediate program delivery and the broader transformation and modernization of disaster recovery programs and services in the province.

Primary Accountabilities

In this role, you will:

• Manage and deliver outcomes for one or more programs, ensuring alignment with departmental goals and provincial priorities.
• Oversee the administration of legislation, regulations, and cost-shared grants with municipalities.
• Oversee client service delivery, ensuring responsive, trauma-informed, and culturally appropriate support to disaster-impacted individuals and communities.
• Design, evaluate, and improve programs, providing advice, policy recommendations, and long-term planning support.
• Act as a consultant to provincial and national organizations, developing training programs and reviewing proposals that require government support.
• Assist with budget forecasting and reporting.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with government officials, municipalities, community organizations, contractors, and consultants.
• Contribute to communications, change management initiatives, and continuous improvement of program delivery.
• Provide supervision or guidance to professional, program coordination, or support staff.
• Prepare and deliver progress reports, decision notes, and presentations.

Qualifications and Experience

You bring strong program leadership experience and the ability to balance strategy, policy, and operational delivery. You also have a related bachelor’s degree plus six (6) years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Required skills:

• Demonstrated experience in program administration, policy development, and evaluation.
• Strong knowledge of government structures, legislation, and municipal or provincial program delivery.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to build partnerships, influence stakeholders, and provide sound advice.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel within the province as required.

Assets:

• Experience in grant administration or cost-shared funding programs.
• Experience supervising or mentoring staff.
• Experience supporting diverse communities through disaster recovery.

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 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.

Working Conditions

This role is primarily office-based, with occasional site visits and travel within the province. Work is performed in a professional environment, with moderate deadlines and competing priorities. While the pace can be demanding at times, you will have the opportunity to influence meaningful programs that make a province-wide impact. Your normal work week is 35 hours/week, 7 hours/day and you may be required to work overtime during emergencies.

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