Director, Legislation, Policy & Federal/Provincial/Territorial (FPT) Relations (TERM)

Designation Status

This opportunity is designated to applicants that are/identify as an Indigenous Person, African/Black Nova Scotian and other Racialized Persons.

See the Nova Scotia Government’s Employment Equity Policy for more information, including additional details on the designated groups.

About Us

The Department of Justice’s Policy and Corporate Services division brings together an inter-related group of department functions dedicated to the creation, coordination, analysis, sharing, accuracy, storage, and business use of information. The division’s support to the department includes providing department-wide policy analysis and advice; research and analytics; business planning services; Federal/Provincial/Territorial relations; legislative support; managing the department’s records management program (central registry); and supporting the department’s facility and accommodation requirements.

About Our Opportunity

Reporting to the Executive Director, Policy and Corporate Services, the Director, Legislation, Policy, and FPT Relations is responsible for providing direction and leadership in the preparation, passage and implementation of legislation in accordance with Government and department objectives and direction. The Director is also responsible for the provision of strategic policy advice to the Minister of Justice, Deputy Minister, and senior management of the department, both in the provincial and national context.  

Primary Accountabilities

• Oversees the development of effective legislation and regulations by leading or participating on teams with legal counsel and program staff to undertake research, consult with stakeholders and prepare proposals for Government’s consideration. 
• Contributes to the effective planning and management of the Department's legislative agenda by working with the Executive Director and through discussions with department senior management and stakeholders. 
• Manages the provision of sound policy advice in the development and implementation of policy initiatives on a broad range of justice issues based on personal subject matter expertise, research, stakeholder consultation and in-depth analysis of the subject matter.
• Responsible for FPT relations, including leading and representing Nova Scotia’s interest on various federal/provincial/territorial committees and leading the preparation of the Minister and Deputy Minister for national and regional forum.
  
  

Qualifications and Experience

As the successful candidate you will possess a university degree in law plus significant experience in policy development.

Your extensive working knowledge of the legislative process is essential, as is your significant experience in project management, leading multi-disciplinary teams and conducting in depth research and analysis.

You will posses exceptional verbal and written communication skills and the ability to establish productive relationships with senior representatives of non-governmental and governmental organizations (both interdepartmentally and inter-jurisdictionally).  The Director requires a high degree of creatively, as well as negotiation and consensus-building skills.

Knowledge of current government and Department of Justice priorities are considered assets, as is supervisory experience.  

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.

Please follow LEADS (novascotia.ca) for more information.

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

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

Benefits

Based on the employment status, 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

• Work in a comfortable office setting.
• Periodic travel to other locations within the province may be required.
• Your normal work week is 35 hours/week, 7 hours/day.
  
  

Additional Information

This is a term employment opportunity with an anticipated end date of May 18, 2028 and based in Halifax, NS. 

A valid drivers license is 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
• A dynamic, client-focused office environment where service excellence and teamwork are our focus