Director, Policy and Accountability (Designated)

Designation Status

This opportunity is designated to applicants who identify as Indigenous Persons, African/Black Nova Scotian and other Racialized Persons, and Persons with a Disability.
 
See the Nova Scotia Government’s Employment Equity Policy for more information, including additional details on the designated groups. If you are a member of one of these equity groups, you must self-identify during the application process to be considered.

About Us

The Status of Women Office works collaboratively with government departments, agencies, academia, community groups, and women-serving organizations. It is responsible for operational and administrative support to transition houses, women’s centers, the Nova Scotia Native Women’s Association, and Alice House.

The Status of Women office leads Standing Together, Nova Scotia’s coordinated approach to prevent domestic violence. Our vision is gender equality, and our current priorities include ensuring safety from gender-based violence, enhancing women’s economic security, and promoting women’s leadership.

About Our Opportunity

As the Director of Policy and Accountability at the Status of Women Office, you will lead strategic research and policy efforts to advance gender equity in Nova Scotia. You will oversee the creation, implementation, and evaluation of strategies and policies that align with the Office's priorities and address the needs of women and girls, focusing on those from historically underserved communities, particularly Mi’kmaq and African Nova Scotians.

Your expert advisory services will influence key decision-making processes, ensuring that policies are not only evidence-based and effective but also inclusive to those who have been historically marginalized. Your leadership will be crucial in holding the Office to its commitments and driving meaningful progress throughout the province.

This role is ideal for a leader with a deep commitment to advancing gender equity and supporting the diverse needs of women and girls in Nova Scotia. If you are passionate about fostering an environment where all voices are heard and valued, we encourage you to apply for this impactful role.

Primary Accountabilities

As the Director of Policy and Accountability, you will leverage your expertise to:

• Lead the office’s strategic policy research and development, ensuring all policies are evidence-based, align with the Status of Women’s strategic goals, and incorporate an intersectional approach to advance social equity.
• Direct the research, analysis, and evaluation of complex policy issues, providing expert advice and actionable recommendations to senior leaders and government decision-makers.
• Cultivate and sustain community partnerships and linkages to strengthen policy frameworks and deepen the understanding of issues impacting women.
• Engage with a network of internal and external collaborators, representing the Office's priorities at national forums and advocating for the advancement of women and girls, with a focus on equity-deserving communities.
• Advocate and champion the Office’s priorities in community sectors and across government departments to determine progress and influence policy and action.
• Co-lead the evaluation of strategic plans, tracking progress towards key milestones and making necessary adjustments.
• Oversee the creation and accuracy of the Office's public-facing resources and contribute to the effective management of the Office’s human and financial resources.

Qualifications and Experience

You have completed your Bachelor's or Master's degree in social or gender studies, law, public administration, or a related field, combined with several years of leadership experience in senior roles where you have led policy and program design, development, research, and analysis.

In addition to these qualifications, you must also demonstrate:

• Strong policy expertise, with experience collaborating with government and community, analyzing complex issues, identifying opportunities, and providing sound, evidence-based recommendations.
• Exceptional communication and advocacy skills, with a proven ability to engage and influence senior leaders, government decision-makers, and community partners through written, oral, and presentation abilities.
• A creative and strategic problem-solving approach to address sensitive issues and recommend impactful actions.
• The ability to purposefully build partnerships and networks, creating trust and shared meaning with diverse individuals and groups.
• Proven leadership skills, including the ability to lead and motivate teams, and coordinate efforts with a broad network of government and community-based individuals and organizations.
• A deep understanding of gender equity and intersectionality, including the ability to integrate these principles into policy research and development.
• Experience successfully advancing policies, programs, and initiatives that advance the interests of equity-deserving communities, in particular Mi’kmaq and African Nova Scotian people.
• In-depth knowledge of the unique experiences of Mi’kmaq and African Nova Scotian people.

Assets for this role include:

• Experience in the gender-based violence sector, as this role involves informing recommendations and advice on the intersection between safety and economic security.
• An understanding of the Office’s current legislation, programs, and policies.

Equivalency

Please ensure your application clearly demonstrates how you meet the required qualifications and experiences outlined for this position.

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.

We recognize and value the perspectives and experiences that individuals from unique backgrounds and equity-deserving communities bring to our team. We will consider an equivalent combination of training, education, and experience when reviewing your application, including community and volunteer experiences, as well as lived experiences that have shaped your professional journey and worldview.

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

LEADS

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 behaviors and capabilities required to effectively lead in a caring and inclusive environment. LEADS Domains include Leads Self, Engage Others, Achieve Results, Develop Coalitions, and Systems Transformation.

Please follow LEADS for more information.

Working Conditions

Most of your time is spent in a comfortable office setting with some site visits as required. Your normal work week is 35 hours/week, 7 hours/day. This role does entail a high volume of work which may require longer than normal working hours and significant overtime. Due to the multiple spheres of action and scope of responsibilities that this position requires, there is significant mental pressure.

What We Offer

By joining us, you will contribute to meaningful change and help advance the rights and well-being of women and girls in Nova Scotia. In addition to this, we offer:

• Career Development where you have access to career guidance, tools, resources, and ongoing training for every stage of your career.
• An engaging workplace where you will feel valued, respected, connected, and tuned in. We have forward-thinking policies and strategies.
• Countless Career Paths.
• Option for Earned Day Off (EDO)

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.