Community Housing Specialist (Program Administration Officer 4)

About Us

The Department of Growth and Development actively works towards advancing Nova Scotia’s economic growth and innovation. Through strategic collaboration, we develop and implement policies, programs, and initiatives designed to foster entrepreneurship, attract venture capital, and strengthen key economic sectors.

The Department of Growth and Development is also responsible for ensuring the availability of safe, suitable, and affordable housing for all Nova Scotians. Our work involves making strategic investments, leveraging new funding, and building on critical partnerships to help further position ourselves to meet current and future housing challenges.

About Our Opportunity

As the Program Admin Officer, you will assist in the delivery, monitoring and evaluation of programs aimed at stabilizing, transforming, and growing the community housing sector. You will foster productive relationships and partnerships with housing co-operatives, non-profit societies, and other community housing partners to help preserve and increase the supply of safe, sustainable, and affordable housing. 

You will coordinate and advance capacity-enhancing strategies and solutions to support sector renewal and modernization, with a focus on achieving provincial targets under the National Housing Strategy. 

Primary Accountabilities

Your expertise will be invaluable in assisting with the implementation of progressive housing programs and initiatives. Key accountabilities include:

• Responsibility for the effective, economic, and efficient management of financial assistance programs available to housing co-operatives, non-profit housing societies, and other community housing partners.
• Delivering services within a prescribed budget for your business area. You will make recommendations to resolve issues and improve services.
• Implement strategies, processes, procedures, systems and standards to ensure the delivery of high-quality solutions that meet the needs of our community partners. 
• Advancing the strategic long-term operational transformation and modernization of Nova Scotia’s community housing sector. 
• Evaluating, implementing, monitoring, measuring, and reporting on strategic program improvements. 
• Preparing and presenting reports and documentation needed to seek approval from senior management.
• Collaborating across the Department, government, and with partnering organizations to identify development, renewal, and transformation opportunities.
• Representing the Department on select multi-stakeholder working groups and participate in regular community housing sector initiatives.

Qualifications and Experience

You have completed a bachelor’s degree in a related discipline plus a minimum of six (6) years of related experience in policy/program planning and development.

To excel in this role, you will need to have a deep understanding of the multifaceted challenges faced by the community housing sector. In addition, you have proficiency and demonstrated capabilities in:

• Policy formulation and analysis; 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 construction industry and experience in retail/small business/commercial lending would be considered an asset.
• 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 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 effectively work 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.

It will be considered an asset if you have:

• Experience creating and assessing construction agreements/contracts.
• Understanding of the challenges faced by the Community Housing Sector.
• Experience in retail/small business/commercial lending.
• Familiarity with government policies, processes and structure.
• Knowledge of evaluation and research methodologies, data analysis methods, and data interpretation.

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 four (4) years related experience
• A related 2-year diploma and eight (8) years 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.

Additional Information

This is a TERM employment opportunity with anticipated end date of May 5, 2026.  The appointment status (‘term’, ‘temporary’ or ‘casual’) is dependent on the start date of the successful candidate.

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.