Director Intergovernmental Policy

About Us

The Department of Intergovernmental Affairs is the central agency responsible for coordinating and advancing the province's interests with the Government of Canada, other provinces, and foreign governments at the national and sub-national levels. It is also focused on serving as a central point of contact for the coordination of the province's intergovernmental priorities, support to the Ministers responsible for Military Relations, Trade, Protocol and the operation of Government House.

The Canadian Intergovernmental Relations and Corporate Services division is responsible for organizing, coordinating and hosting high level engagements with other Canadian governments (Prime Minister and Premiers). It influences intergovernmental policy decisions for the economic and social benefit of Nova Scotians and advances Nova Scotia's interests by creating and pursuing intergovernmental opportunities, providing strategic policy and planning advice on intergovernmental priorities and building and fostering strategic relationships with other departments and with federal, provincial and territorial (FPT) governments.

About Our Opportunity

Under the direction of the Executive Director, Canadian Intergovernmental Relations and Corporate Services, the Director of Intergovernmental Policy is accountable for fostering a corporate approach in the development of priorities and strategies, working with colleagues in IGA and across government to formulate strategy, negotiating positions and recommendations. In addition, the director is responsible for coordinating IGA’s corporate reporting requirements and government policies.  

Primary Accountabilities

Some of the primary accountabilities in this role include:

• Providing strategic analysis, development and promotion of Nova Scotia's intergovernmental strategies and NS government strategies  
• Defining, evaluating, and assisting in the coordination of intergovernmental priorities, providing analytical and research support as required
• Developing, on very short notice, strategic and tactical policy responses and position statements to address the changing intergovernmental priorities presented by actions of the federal government or other provinces and territories, as well as by the quickly changing circumstances in the economy and in public expectations.
• Ensuring the province's intergovernmental priorities and position are well-known and reflected when formulating agreements and arrangements through participating on interdepartmental committees, intergovernmental negotiating teams, and through close liaison and negotiation with key influencers.
• Fostering a corporate intergovernmental community/culture among line department intergovernmental staff
• Develop and maintain an intergovernmental communications strategy to ensure consistent messaging, and work with departments to ensure that their positions are presented in the most effective manner.
• Managing corporate reporting and updates include the business plan, accountability reports and budget process.  Also represents IGA at interdepartmental corporate policy tables

Qualifications and Experience

This position is responsible for ensuring a coordinated approach to intergovernmental affairs therefore the successful candidates is expected to have several years experience in governmental relations as well as providing policy advice on FPT relations is essential.  

Candidates should  have a Bachelor's degree in Political Science, History, Public  Policy or a related discipline.

A Masters’ level degree in Political Science, Public Administration or a related relevant discipline is considered a asset.  An acceptable combination of education and experience may be considered. 

As the ideal candidate you have a demonstrated history of using innovation, creativity and experience to meet the challenges and opportunities an in environment of frequent change. You have previous experience preparing and presenting briefing materials, documents, and presentations to senior leaders.  You also have previous experience providing direction to others.

You are able to use your relationship building skills to develop trust-based relationships with representatives from other governments (federal, provincial/territorial). Your research and analytical skills are applied to help manage provincial projects as well as provide input and direction to bilateral and multilateral projects.  

You possess a high degree of discretion and tact along with excellent interpersonal and diplomacy skills.  You have experience in negotiation and facilitation, as well as an ability to handle and organize large workloads.

You possess exceptional time management skills with a strong attention to detail to produce accurate work under the pressure of competing priorities and inflexible deadlines.

We will assess the above qualifications 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 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

Work within an office environment.

Irregular work hours as required.

Frequent travel within Canada.

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