Community Housing Advisor (Program Admin Officer 3)

About Us

The Department of Growth and Development promotes safe and secure communities by working with partners across the province to build safe, affordable, and suitable homes for Nova Scotians with low and moderate incomes.  The Department also manages federal infrastructure programs to facilitate the delivery of eligible cost shared projects throughout Nova Scotia. 

About Our Opportunity

As the Community Housing Advisor you will be responsible for delivering one or more community housing programs on a strategic level throughout the province.  You will provide expert advice to community housing proponents on programs and funding partners to promote sector sustainability with a focus on equity-deserving and vulnerable groups.  As the Community Housing Advisor, you will have an understanding of the challenges faced by the sector and will support proponents in addressing these challenges through progressive program/initiative implementation.  You will also be responsible for providing specialized and/or administrative and supportive work in delivering government housing programs and initiatives to our valued community housing partners.

This role will coordinate and advance capacity-enhancing strategies and transformative solutions to support sector renewal and modernization, with a focus on achieving long term sustainability and help meet provincial targets under the National Housing Strategy. 

Primary Accountabilities

• Provide specialized expertise and advice to community housing partners throughout the program/initiative delivery process.
• Work with program proponents, and assist in identifying partners, to support capacity building, transformation, growth, and other plans to further sector financial sustainability.
• Build expertise in and an inventory of funding partners and complementary programs to support external and internal stakeholders and maximize internal program budgets through collaboration with other funding programs.
• Identify the unique challenges faced by equity-deserving and vulnerable groups and work closely with communities to implement solutions over the long-term. 
• Support and partner with program users to facilitate provincial objectives.
• Manage day-to-day relationships with external and internal clients, contract service providers, and the community housing team, while working within established program parameters.
• Support strategic community land trust development.
• Respond to program inquiries and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Analyze and provide program recommendations through reports and advice to management as well as provide statistical program evaluation.
• Work with legal advisors to provide contract management and draft contribution agreements.
• Evaluate, promote, and monitor new initiatives.  Promote initiatives and programs using current and emerging technology.
• Provide advise and mediate complaints. Identify needs and respond to questions and concerns from key stakeholders and program users.
• Support senior colleagues in the development of internal and external communications.

Qualifications and Experience

You have completed a bachelor’s degree in a related discipline, plus a minimum of five (5) years of related experience in business development, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 

You are connected to the community and not-for-profit housing sector and understand the challenges associated with providing affordable Housing.  You have committed to finding housing solutions for equity-deserving groups. It is considered an asset if you have worked in or with the Non-profit Housing sector for a minimum of one year.

Proficiency and demonstrated capabilities in business and strategic planning, project management, and report writing are required. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and computer literacy is also required. Knowledge of the challenges faced by the sector and experience in business analysis to identify organizational gaps that put organizational sustainability at risk would be considered an asset.

You must have strong critical thinking and analytical skills along with problem solving, risk assessment and consultation skills. You must have experience integrating an anti-racist and equity-deserving lens to policy development. Excellent interpersonal skills, time management skills, and a high level of competence in written and verbal communication are essential.

Knowledge of government processes and government structure is ideal. In addition, knowledge of evaluation and research methodologies, data analysis methods, and data interpretation would be considered assets.

A proven ability to work effectively independently and as part of a team is essential. You must have strong planning, organizational and administrative skills and have demonstrated initiative in the exercise of these skills in setting priorities, meeting deadlines, and managing multiple projects.

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:

• A related Master’s degree and three (3) years of related experience
• A related 2-year diploma and seven (7) 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

Most of your work is in a comfortable office environment.  There is a need for you to balance competing priorities, attend multiple meetings, and meet strict deadlines. Provincial travel 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