Manager of Policy and Planning

About Us

The Department of Environment and Climate Change supports a clean and healthy environment for the wellbeing and benefit of Nova Scotians. We lead government’s response to climate change and achieving net-zero by 2050. As a regulator, we help make sure the province has clear, modern laws in place to protect the environment, while supporting safe and responsible economic development.

We also lead work to transition Nova Scotia to a clean economy and we help make sure Nova Scotians have clean, safe drinking water and air, and protected natural areas to enjoy.

Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the citizens we serve.  The Government of Nova Scotia has an Employment Equity Policy and we welcome applications from Aboriginal People, African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Persons with Disabilities and Women in occupations or positions where they are under-represented.  If you are a member of one of the equity groups, you are encouraged to self-identify, on your application form, cover letter, or on your resume.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Manager, Policy and Planning, perfect for a person who has experience developing public policy, has supervised staff and can effectively manage and coordinate within a dynamic environment.

About Our Opportunity

Are you a strong people leader who is passionate about shaping meaningful policy in a dynamic environment. As the Manager, Policy and Planning, you will play a key role in advancing the Department’s policy agenda by leading a team of policy professionals and supporting strategic initiatives that address climate change, environmental protection, and regulatory excellence.

Reporting to the Director, Policy and Regulatory Excellence, you will provide leadership, coordination, and oversight for policy development, policy analysis, planning, and implementation activities across the department. You will work closely with colleagues across branches to help develop, refine, and implement policies, procedures, and related tools that support government priorities and departmental objectives.

In this role, you will contribute to strategic and business planning processes, support high-quality policy advice for senior leadership, and help ensure the department’s work is aligned, well-coordinated, and delivered to a high standard. You will also support collaboration across the department and with partner organizations to advance shared priorities and strengthen policy and planning practices.

We’re looking for a thoughtful, collaborative, and solution-oriented leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment, can manage competing priorities, and is committed to developing people and delivering strong results.

Join us to make a meaningful impact on Nova Scotia’s environmental future.

Primary Accountabilities

• Lead and support a team responsible for policy development, analysis, planning, and coordination, while managing human and financial resources to deliver on priorities.
• Guide the development, implementation, and improvement of policies, regulatory frameworks, planning tools, and related processes.
• Provide strategic advice, analysis, and briefing materials to senior leaders on complex and high-profile issues.
• Coordinate policy, planning, legislative, and Cabinet work to support government priorities and departmental goals.
• Support business planning, reporting, risk management, accountability processes, and continuous improvement, while responding to emerging issues and opportunities.
• Build strong working relationships with internal and external partners to support coordinated policy development and implementation.
• Oversee access to information, appointments, secretariat functions, and coordination of support for House, Estimates, and Standing Committee appearances, as well as other executive processes that support departmental and ministerial decision-making.
  
  

Qualifications and Experience

To be considered, you hold a bachelor’s degree in a related field and several years of progressive management experience. An equivalent combination of training and experience may be considered.

You have experience leading strategic and operational planning, evaluation, and implementation in a complex policy or regulatory environment.

You bring strong knowledge of legislation, regulations, policy development, and government decision-making processes.

You have a proven ability to work across government and with external partners to build relationships and move work forward.

You have experience leading strategic planning, corporate reporting, and executive processes, including access to information and records management.

You are a strategic leader who can identify practical solutions, support innovation, and advance modernization objectives.

You communicate clearly, provide sound advice on complex issues, and lead teams through competing priorities.

Qualifications and competencies will be assessed 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

• Normal work week is 35 hours/week, 7 hours/day.
• May be required to work overtime on occasion.
• Majority of time is spent in a comfortable office setting with frequent opportunity to move about.
  
  

Additional Information

This is a permanent, full-time position based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. 

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.