Program Specialist (Program Admin Officer 3)

About Us

The Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration (LSI) works as a trusted partner to grow the population, develop our current and future workforce, and foster inclusive, safe and fair workplaces. This includes welcoming people from across Canada and the world, helping people prepare for job opportunities and build the skills they need, promoting safe work environments and helping employers and employees understand their rights and responsibilities. We work together to create a future where everyone has an opportunity to thrive.

The Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency (NSAA) is responsible for stewarding a responsive and accessible apprenticeship and trades certification system that supports apprentices, employers, training providers and industry partners across the province. We are committed to creating equitable pathways into the skilled trades and fostering a system where everyone feels welcome, respected and supported throughout their apprenticeship journey.

About Our Opportunity

Reporting to the Manager, Special Initiatives, the Program Specialist is responsible for the administration, delivery, evaluation, and continuous improvement of programs and initiatives that support apprenticeship and workforce development priorities. Working collaboratively with government, community organizations, educational institutions, employers, industry partners, and other key partners, the Program Specialist supports effective program delivery, agreement management, accountability, and continuous improvement.

The Program Specialist leads program planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and improvement to ensure programs are responsive, effective, and aligned with organizational priorities. Responsibilities include program administration, agreement management, research and analysis, partner engagement, reporting, and the development of recommendations to support operational decision-making.

Two Opportunities Available
We are currently recruiting for two Program Specialist opportunities within the Special Initiatives Team:

Program Specialist, Women in Trades
Term Employment Opportunity until March 31, 2027
This position is responsible for programs and initiatives that support the recruitment, retention, progression, and success of women in apprenticeship and the skilled trades. Working collaboratively with apprentices, employers, industry representatives, training providers, community organizations, and government partners, the Program Specialist supports initiatives that reduce barriers and increase participation and success in the skilled trades.

Program Specialist, Youth Programs
Term Employment Opportunity until September 30, 2028
This position is responsible for youth-focused programs and initiatives that support participation and pathways into apprenticeship and the skilled trades. Working collaboratively with educational institutions, community organizations, employers, industry partners, and government stakeholders, the Program Specialist supports youth-focused initiatives that increase awareness of and participation in apprenticeship and skilled trades pathways. 

Primary Accountabilities

As the Program Specialist, you will:

• Administer, coordinate, and oversee programs, initiatives, grants, and funding agreements that support apprenticeship and workforce development priorities. 
• Plan, develop, implement, monitor, and evaluate program policies, procedures, guidelines, operational processes, and initiatives to support effective service delivery.
• Conduct research, needs assessments, program reviews, and analysis of program performance and partner feedback to support planning, reporting, evaluation, evidence-based recommendations, and continuous improvement.
• Administer and manage funding agreements, including agreement development, monitoring, compliance, reporting requirements, payment processes, and evaluation of results.
• Prepare briefing notes, reports, correspondence, presentations, program evaluations, and recommendations for management.
• Build and maintain productive relationships with partners, funding recipients and community organizations to support effective program delivery and outcomes.
• Provide guidance and information regarding programs, services, policies, procedures, agreements, and funding opportunities to partners and program participants.
• Develop and deliver presentations, workshops, webinars, information sessions, and other engagement activities related to Agency programs and initiatives.
• Participate on committees, working groups, and project teams and contribute to strategic initiatives and continuous improvement activities.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Qualifications and Experience

To be successful in this role, you possess a bachelor's degree plus five (5) years of related experience; an equivalent combination of training and experience will be considered.

As the ideal candidate, you have experience in:

• Program administration, program development, delivery, and evaluation.
• Funding, grants, contracts, and agreement management.
• Policy and procedure development and implementation.
• Stakeholder engagement, relationship management, and collaboration with diverse partners.
• Research, analysis, report writing, and preparing recommendations for decision-makers.
• Program reviews, evaluation activities, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Project management and coordinating multiple priorities within a dynamic environment.
• Delivering presentations, facilitating discussions, and communicating with diverse audiences.
• Working collaboratively with cross-functional teams and external partners.
• Using Microsoft 365 applications, including Excel, Word, Outlook, Teams, PowerPoint, SharePoint, and other information management tools to support program administration, collaboration, reporting, and document management.
• Maintaining records, tracking information, analyzing data, and preparing reports using information management systems and spreadsheets.
• Using funding, grants, contract, or agreement management systems to support program delivery, monitoring, reporting, and accountability.
• Interpreting legislation, regulations, policies, and operational requirements.

Experience working with women in trades and youth-focused programs, equity initiatives, workforce development programs, apprenticeship systems, or community-based programming would be considered an asset. Experience using the Labour Market Programs Support System (LaMPSS) to administer and manage funding agreements would be considered a strong asset. 

Qualifications Continued

You Demonstrate:

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong relationship-building and collaboration skills.
• Sound judgment, initiative, and a high degree of professionalism.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• A commitment to client service, diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.
• The ability to work independently while contributing as part of a collaborative team.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, and PowerPoint.

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

A valid Nova Scotia driver's licence and access to reliable transportation may be required.

Equivalency

Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must clearly 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 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

Majority of work is performed in a standard office environment with frequent computer use and regular opportunities to move about. 

Occasional travel throughout the province may be required. 

Work involves managing multiple priorities, competing deadlines, and responding to partner inquiries while maintaining attention to detail. 

Occasional overtime may be required to support operational requirements, events, or project deadlines. 

Additional Information

This competition will be used to fill two employment opportunities: one Temporary position with an anticipated end date of March 31, 2027, and one Term position with an anticipated end date of September 30, 2028. 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.

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.