Climate Change Adaptation Lead (Program Admin Officer 4)

About Us

Nova Scotia Environment and Climate Change’s role is to protect the environment and human health through regulatory excellence, conservation, partnership, and promotion. The department works to support a clean and healthy environment in Nova Scotia, advance a clean economy, addressing the climate crisis and guide the province towards a sustainable and clean future where all Nova Scotians can thrive. 

This position is based in our Climate Change Division. We help multiple stakeholders to understand and strategically apply climate change adaptation in their activities and services, so they can succeed in a changing climate.

About Our Opportunity

We are looking for a seasoned expert in climate change adaptation who remains at the forefront of this fast-evolving field. Success in this role require a dynamic, future-oriented professional who thrives in fast-paced settings and is committed to meaningful climate action in support of evolving government priorities.

The scope of work includes:

• Assess current and future adaptation needs in the context of emerging government priorities, such as responsible development of natural resources, resilient infrastructure, costal protection and affordability. 
• Identify and establish adaptation projects with other government departments and outside partners that are effective and aligned with government priorities.
• Develop innovative services and solutions to emerging needs, including informing Climate Change Plan renewal and participation in special projects.
• Offer expert advice on adaptation options to government and partners that strengthens provincial resilience and supports sustainable economic growth. 
• Facilitate meetings and collaborative sessions. 
• Lead procurement, contract development and related  processes.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to colleagues on climate adaptation. 
  
  

Primary Accountabilities

• Provide strategic guidance in the development and implementation of adaptation programs and review and refine adaptation projects to ensure they are informed by climate science, emerging adaptation practices, and designed to effectively reduce climate risks to public well-being, while strengthening resilience. 
• Offer expert advice on adaptation options to municipalities, business sectors, and communities’ organizations so they are empowered to act on climate change to reduce economic losses while implementing adaptation actions and projects. 
• Build and maintain strong, accountable partnerships with internal and external stakeholders—including all levels of government and external organizations—to develop adaptation initiatives, share tools and information, and foster broad support for climate action.
• Play a lead role in the  development of performance targets for adaptation projects, as well as the monitoring, evaluation, and continuous improvement of these initiatives based on assessment of data and stakeholder feedback.
• Develop and revise informational materials, including Memorandums, Briefing Notes and Presentations, to support senior-leadership decision-making, with the responsibility to promptly incorporate feedback. 
• Mentor other team members on climate adaptation to strengthen their capacity and ensure alignment with organizational goals and science-informed climate practices. 
• Collaborate proactively and accountably with colleagues across divisions and teams within the department to ensure alignment and shared responsibility in advancing adaptation goals.
  
  

Qualifications and Experience

As the successful candidate, you will hold a bachelor’s degree in environmental sciences, economics, sustainability studies, planning or a related field, along with a minimum of six years of progressive work experience specifically focused on climate change adaptation.

Other required qualifications include:

• Deep knowledge of climate change projections and impacts for Atlantic Canada, and adaptation theory and practice locally, nationally, and internationally.
• Proven ability to apply climate literacy to design and implement effective, on-the-ground climate adaptation initiatives, demonstrating measurable success in enhancing community resilience and sustainability.
• Demonstrated strength in synthesizing complex, multi-source data and information into actionable insights, paired with exceptional written and verbal communication that engages and informs varied audiences with clarity and influence.
• Experience in providing strategic guidance and mentorship to multistakeholder teams. 
• Skilled at managing conflict and supporting healthy communications on complex multistakeholder environments, with a diplomatic approach that builds trust and facilitates collaboration across diverse perspectives.
• Detail oriented, meticulous and highly organized, with a proactive mindset and a demonstrated ability to prioritize and manage tight deadlines, ensuring delivery of high-quality products.
• Extensive experience in strategic planning, applying data-driven approaches, theoretical frameworks, and best practices to design and execute innovative, evidence-based solutions to multifaceted challenges.
• Experienced in assessing the effectiveness and impact of ongoing initiatives using data and stakeholder input to refine and develop new programs aligned with government goals and climate adaptation efforts.
• Flexibility and ability to adapt to changing context or circumstances.

Assets include: 

• Certification in Public Sector or Government Administration (e.g., Certified Government Administrator, Public Administration Certificate, or equivalent).
• Certification in Project Management.
  
  

Equivalency

Equivalency includes, but not limited to:

• Master’s degree in environmental sciences, economics, sustainability studies, planning or a related field, along with a minimum of 4 years of progressive work experience specifically focused on climate change adaptation.
• PhD in environmental sciences, economics, sustainability studies, planning or a related field, along with a minimum of 2 years of progressive work experience specifically focused on climate change adaptation.

An equivalent combination of training, education and experience will be considered. 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

• Normal work week is 35 hours/week, 7 hours/day (may be required to work overtime on occasion). 
• Staff are required to work from the Halifax Downtown office at least a few days per week. Hybrid work arrangements are permitted in accordance with department-specific flexible working schedules.
• Travel across the province may be required.
  
  

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. 
  
• Department specific flexible working schedules.