Equity and Engagement Coordinator (Program Admin Officer 4) (Designated)

Designation Status

Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the citizens we serve.  Under the Government of Nova Scotia’s Employment Equity Policy, this position is designated and therefore only applicants from one of the following groups will be considered: Indigenous, African Nova Scotian, or other racially visible groups.

If you are a member of one of these equity groups, you must clearly identify in your cover letter and self-identify during the application process to be considered.

About Us

Nova Scotia Environment and Climate Change’s role is to protect the environment, and human health through regulatory excellence, conservation, partnership, and promotion. To achieve this, we strive to develop legislation, regulations and policies, process notifications, applications, and approvals for regulated activities based on sound scientific knowledge and expertise. 

 
Our goal is to educate, inspect and enforce to ensure compliance with legislation and regulations. We proactively respond to environmental, conservation, farm animal welfare, and human health risks and work to develop programs and deliver services to enhance protection in these areas.

 
Nova Scotia Environment - Department
 

About Our Opportunity

The Equity and Engagement Coordinator works with a team of professionals to implement the climate change plan and coordinate future strategic climate action.  Reporting to the Manager of the Climate Plan and Strategic Action team, the Equity and Engagement Coordinator is responsible for supporting external partners and other provincial government departments in developing and implementing programs, policies and regulations that have been outlined in the climate change plan. You will take meaningful action on climate change which will involve collaborating and building partnerships, to coordinate and advance initiatives across diverse stakeholders and provincial government departments.  You will develop and grow relationships with many diverse communities and stakeholders while also collaborating at the provincial, national, and international level and focusing on shared objectives while representing the province.

Primary Accountabilities

This position will support the implementation of the province’s new climate change plan.  You will be responsible for working with marginalized and racialized communities across Nova Scotia to help them respond to their climate-related priorities. This includes the development of programs, initiatives, and policies to support communities in acting on their climate priorities. This position will help advise the department on policies that relate to socioeconomic issues such as environmental racism, systemic barriers to climate action, inequitable access to resources such as funding and government programming, and inclusive education and engagement under the climate change plan.  This position will also support annual evaluation and reporting on key progress indicators and outcomes related to the climate change plan.  This position will support public engagement and specific engagement with youth and marginalized and racialized communities to better understand priorities and to support current and future climate action.    

Within this ever-evolving field, you will lead through change and be willing to adjust quickly, as needed. This work requires innovative approaches to capacity building, community engagement, education and information sharing to ensure that engagement is inclusive, and that the information is trusted.

In this position, you will work creatively with community-based partners to effectively monitor and respond to climate change mitigation and adaptation trends and work to ensure that the climate plan continues to meet the needs of Nova Scotians. You will create an environment that promotes continuous learning and improvement by seeking feedback from your colleagues and being open to critiques that improve outcomes. You will coordinate climate action across external stakeholders and government departments and implement and report on the climate change goals that are outlined in the Environmental Goals and Climate Change Reduction Act and mandate letter commitments.     
 

Qualifications and Experience

You have a bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, Business, Public Policy or another relevant post-secondary concentration plus 6 years of experience in environmental/climate policy, and experience working on complex, crosscutting issues or an equivalent combination of training and experience.  A master’s degree in a relevant post-secondary concentration would be considered an asset.

Experience engaging with marginalized or racialized communities in Nova Scotia is required. This includes having a pre-existing network within marginalized or racialized communities. Knowledge and experience in research, planning, project management, critical thinking, and analysis is required. Experience monitoring and evaluating program or policy impacts on social inequities will be considered an asset.

As the successful candidate, you have demonstrable experience understanding, interpreting, and/or responding to how federal, provincial, and international policies impact the people, communities, and businesses in racialized or marginalized communities in the province. Experience advising on equity-related policies and/or regulations for government or non-government organizations would be an asset. Experience engaging with communities on capacity-building projects would be considered an asset, as would a demonstrated understanding of the socioeconomic factors that influence climate change mitigation and adaptation programs.

The ability to apply theory and best practice to identify creative, practical, and defensible approaches to overcoming challenges is an asset as is the ability to recognize and articulate appropriate approaches to policy issues. A demonstrated understanding of provincial climate change mitigation and adaptation priorities is an asset.

The willingness and ability to share data, ideas and experiences with colleagues that may assist with policy planning or partnership building is a strong asset.

You are also able to show how you have forged strong relationships of trust and collaboration across diverse groups and communities.  You are committed to diversity and anti-racism in the workplace.

Excellent verbal and written communication and persuasion skills are required.

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

An equivalent combination of training, education and experience will be considered. 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 Health, Dental, Life Insurance, Pension, General Illness (Short and Long Term), Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs. Click here to learn more about our various benefits offerings and eligibility criteria.

Working Conditions

Some travel may be required but most of the work can be completed remotely.   

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.