Program Administration Officer 4

About Us

The Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration works to provide fairness, safety and prosperity for all Nova Scotians by helping them live, learn and work to their highest potential.  We have a staff of more than 500 employees working from offices throughout Nova Scotia.  Together we are responsible for workplace safety, fire safety, pensions, apprenticeship, adult education, and many other facets of everyday life.

The Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency (NSAA) is responsible for stewarding and operating a relevant, accessible and responsive industry-led trades training and certification system and improving access to and participation in the system for Indigenous Peoples, African Nova Scotians, Person with Disabilities, Newcomers, Women and members of other equity-seeking groups.

About Our Opportunity

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a high profile, pan Canadian initiative that supports workforce growth in the skilled trades. In this role, you will play a key part in advancing fair, efficient, and consistent recognition of international trade credentials across Canada.

Working under high level strategic direction from the Canadian Council of Directors of Apprenticeship (CCDA) Secretariat and in collaboration with the International Credential Recognition Working Group (ICRWG)—comprised of representatives from every province and territory—you will support project activities that have a direct impact on labour mobility, economic development, and workforce inclusion.

Your work will help reduce barriers for internationally trained skilled trades workers and accelerate their entry into Canada’s workforce, particularly in critical residential construction trades such as welders, electricians, plumbers, and carpenters, etc. This role is ideal for a professional who thrives in a collaborative, research driven environment and is motivated by public interest outcomes that make a tangible difference across jurisdictions.

Primary Accountabilities

As a Program Admin Officer 4, you will contribute specialized knowledge, analysis, and coordination to support complex, multi jurisdictional project objectives. Key responsibilities include:

• Conducting research and analysis of foreign apprenticeship systems and trade credentials to assess comparability with Red Seal trades
• Supporting the development of a harmonized approach to foreign credential recognition across provinces and territories, while respecting jurisdictional legislation, policy, and operational requirements
• Preparing briefing materials, research summaries, discussion papers, and reports for interprovincial and territorial working groups
• Collaborating with stakeholders across jurisdictions to support alignment, knowledge sharing, and decision making
• Contributing to initiatives that expedite workforce entry for internationally trained skilled trades professionals
• Applying research methodologies, data analysis, and—where appropriate—AI supported tools to improve efficiency and evidence based outcomes
• Supporting efforts to reduce employment and labour mobility barriers for internationally trained tradespeople whose credentials are comparable to Canadian standards
• Ensuring project activities are delivered accurately, on time, and in alignment with established objectives and governance structures
  
  

Qualifications and Experience

The ideal candidate will bring a combination of education, analytical expertise, and experience working in complex or multi stakeholder environments. You may be a strong fit if you have:

• A post secondary degree in public administration, policy studies, social sciences, education, economics, or a related field, plus six years related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Demonstrated experience supporting program, policy, or project initiatives, preferably in a public sector, interjurisdictional, or regulatory environment
• Knowledge of or experience with skilled trades training, apprenticeship systems, or certification frameworks, including an understanding of Red Seal trades
• Experience conducting research and analysis, including jurisdictional scans, comparative studies, and synthesis of complex information into clear, actionable products
• Understanding of credential recognition processes, labour mobility, workforce development, or international qualifications (assets)
• Familiarity with trades training curriculum standards and an understanding of how they are developed, applied, and maintained (asset)
• Experience working with multiple stakeholders across organizations or jurisdictions, contributing to consensus based or collaborative outcomes
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare briefing notes, reports, and documentation for diverse audiences
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work effectively with minimal supervision while following high level strategic direction
• Proficiency with standard office software and digital collaboration tools; experience using data analysis or AI enabled tools to support research or program work is considered an asset
• Awareness of international markets or foreign education and training systems related to skilled trades (asset)
  
  

We will assess the above qualifications and experience using tools such as assessments, presentations, interviews, reference checks, etc.

Equivalency

When assessing qualifications, consideration may be given to equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience, such as:

• A combination of relevant education and progressive work experience may be considered in place of a completed post secondary degree
• Significant experience in program administration, policy support, or project coordination may be considered equivalent to formal education in public administration or policy fields
• Experience working in skilled trades environments, apprenticeship systems, regulatory bodies, or industry organizations may be considered equivalent to direct academic training in trades systems
• Journeyperson certification or extensive trades related professional experience, combined with administrative, research, or coordination responsibilities, may be considered an asset or partial equivalency
• Demonstrated experience conducting research, analysis, or jurisdictional scanning in applied settings may be considered equivalent to formal research training
• Experience developing or analyzing training standards, competency frameworks, or curriculum content may be considered equivalent to direct experience with formal curriculum standards development
• Practical experience using AI enabled tools, data analysis platforms, or digital research tools in a professional context may be considered equivalent to formal AI training
• Experience working with international credentials, foreign education or training systems, or global labour markets may be considered equivalent to formal coursework or international studies
• Experience collaborating with multi stakeholder or interjurisdictional working groups may be considered equivalent to direct experience in a formal intergovernmental setting
  
  

Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.

We recognize that candidates may meet the requirements of this role through different pathways. If your experience is not an exact match to every qualification listed but you believe your background is equivalent, we encourage you to apply.

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

• Normal work week is 35 hours/week, 7 hours/day
• May be required to work overtime on occasion 

Additional Information

There are 3 TERM employment opportunities with anticipated end date of March 31, 2029.  The appointment status (‘term’, ‘temporary’ or ‘casual’) is dependent on the start date of the successful candidate.

The preferred working location for this position is Halifax; however, flexibility may be considered for other locations based on operational requirements, space availability, and other factors, while remaining connected to our broader team.

A Criminal Record Check may be required for this position.

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.