Policy Analyst

About Us

The Office of L’nu Affairs is responsible for coordinating Nova Scotia's approach to Indigenous
 

issues. The Office leads negotiations related to Aboriginal and Treaty rights with the Mi'kmaq of Nova Scotia, coordinates and facilitates consultation between the Provincial Government and the Mi'kmaq of Nova Scotia, provides strategic policy advice to government on provincial interests relating to Indigenous affairs, and works with partners inside and outside government to increase public education, awareness, and understanding of Indigenous issues in the Province.

With the Mi'kmaq-Nova Scotia-Canada Tripartite Forum, the Made-in-Nova Scotia Process Negotiations, Treaty Education and our coordinating role in consultation efforts with the Mi'kmaq of Nova Scotia, we are on the road to developing a new relationship, one based on partnership, respect and mutual understanding.

About Our Opportunity

Reporting to the Director of Policy, the policy analyst will contribute to informed policy analysis and strategic decision making within government, ensure the interests of the Office of L’nu Affairs and Nova Scotia are represented within the Mi’kmaq - Nova Scotia -Canada Tripartite Forum, and will support national scope federal / provincial / territorial and indigenous discussions at senior levels.

In this role, you will act as a liaison with other government departments and Mi’kmaw and other indigenous agencies to ensure a consistent and coordinated approach to indigenous initiatives within government. You will conduct research and provide analysis on a variety of indigenous women’s and social issues; work with Mi’kmaw communities, prepare background reports, conduct jurisdictional surveys and assist in the preparation of briefing and background materials in support of policy development and corporate government processes and reporting in and between governments.

Primary Accountabilities

You will oversee grant and funding programs and coordinate partnerships to support capacity building and economic development projects.

As the policy analyst, you will also monitor the general policy environment to be aware of emerging indigenous issues provincially and beyond. The ability to maintain and enhance the relationship with Nova Scotia’s indigenous communities as it relates to the above duties is critical.

And finally, you will coordinate and provide advice on engagement with the Mi’kmaw on-reserve and urban Indigenous communities on a wide range of issues involving provincial departments, municipal governments, universities and the private sector.

If you are a creative, innovative, solution-focused thinker and collaborator with knowledge and understanding of current Indigenous issues and reconciliation, you possess excellent communication skills, policy / program skills, with connections to the indigenous community, and you are searching for a dynamic opportunity to address issues that involve the provincial government and indigenous communities, we have an exciting opening for you.

Qualifications and Experience

As the successful candidate, you will have an undergraduate degree plus five years related experience, or a graduate degree plus 3 years experience.  Equivalencies such as a combination of course work and/or volunteer experience related to education, community engagement and/or policy and program development will also be considered.
 

You will also have experience and knowledge of indigenous issues history and culture. You understand provincial government decision making and have a working knowledge of decision-making processes and administration to contribute to and lead the development of strategies, policies, and programs.  You can cultivate strong relationships across provincial and federal government departments and with the Indigenous community including Mi’kmaw organizations, funding agencies, educators, Elders, Knowledge Holders, community leaders, etc.

For this role you also have:

Experience in managing projects, policy and evaluation techniques using an equity and diversity lens.

You have superior language skills (written and verbal) with proven experience in report writing and preparation of briefing materials and computer skills, including thorough knowledge of the Microsoft Office, Excel, PowerPoint and other common software and presentation skills.

Leadership competencies required at this level of work are: Conceptual Thinking, Strategic Orientation, Outcome Focus, Initiative, Effective Interactive Communication, Partnering and Relationship Building, and Intercultural and Diversity Proficiency

We will assess the above qualifications and competencies using one or more of the following tools: written submission, standardized tests, oral presentations, interview(s), and reference checks.

Assets

• Lived experience or connection with Mi’kmaw or other Indigenous communities.

We will assess the above qualifications and competencies using one or more of the following tools: written examination, standardized tests, interview(s), and reference checks. 

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

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.

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.

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.