Manager, Policy Development & Evaluation

About Us

The Department of Health and Wellness offers opportunities to grow and advance in a dynamic sector that touches the lives of all Nova Scotians. Along with our partners, including the Nova Scotia Health Authority and the IWK Health Centre, we’re committed to continually improving our health care system. With a focus on continual improvements within the Health System, the department is thinking differently about how to plan, fund, legislate and monitor to improve access and service delivery. To do this, we need leaders at all levels of the organization who embrace a challenge and believe in their ability to make a difference.

The Benefits Programs and Eligibility Division of the Department of Health and Wellness provides evidence-based research, policy analysis, strategic planning, program design, monitoring, and evaluation to support the provision of health cards, publicly funded drug programs, various dental programs, out of province and out of country services, and other insured government programs and services. We negotiate, monitor, and evaluate agreements with several health system stakeholders. We work closely with our federal, provincial and territorial partners on ongoing and time-limited initiatives. We develop legislation, regulation, provincial policy, standards, and guidelines that are responsive to the changing health needs of Nova Scotians and aligned with the overall strategic vision and mission of the Department. 
 

About Our Opportunity

The Manager, Policy Development and Evaluation is responsible to lead, promote and support effective policy analysis, evaluation, and implementation.  Providing leadership in the development of policy capacity within the division and ensuring effective planning and accountability frameworks.
 

Primary Accountabilities

Key responsibilities will include:

• Providing sound policy advice in the development and implementation of policy initiatives on a broad range of departmental priorities such as program objectives and design, criteria and processes for benefit eligibility, and monitoring and evaluation tools. 
• Leading a team of analysts in sourcing and presenting data, analysis and evidence-based strategic advice to senior leadership with the branch and throughout the Department to promote the effective planning, implementation and evaluation of programs and policies.
• Promoting accountability by overseeing outcome reporting, evaluating and monitoring performance on the business plan priorities and reporting on performance measures.
• Providing project leadership and/or support to designated policy/research projects and initiatives. 
   

Qualifications and Experience

To be successful in this role, you will have a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent plus eight (8) years of related experience; or a relevant Master’s degree plus six (6) years of related experience. 

As the successful candidate you are required to have: 

• Demonstrable experience leading people and teams. This may be formal management of staff and/or tangible examples of leading people on specific projects.
• Experience with provincial government processes and procedures related to Cabinet Submissions and other functions of central government that are prominent in a Legislative, Regulatory, and public policy environment. 
• Organizational and project management skills with the ability to build collaborative working relationships
• Proven ability to lead and manage policy research, analysis, and implementation
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work under time pressures in a team environment, exercising sound independent judgment while managing competing priorities
• Demonstrated ability to develop creative strategies and innovative approaches to problem solving, decision-making and policy development. 

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.

Equivalent experience and training includes, but is not limited to:

• Minimum 4 years of related experience with policy, health or business administration discipline.
• Related experience should be progressive and demonstrate management of teams and multiple projects.

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 time is spent in a comfortable office setting sitting for long periods of time.
 

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.