Research & Stat Officer 3 - Policy Analyst (Designated)

Designation Status

This opportunity is designated to applicants that identify as Indigenous Person, African/Black Nova Scotian and other Racialized Persons.

See the Nova Scotia Government’s Employment Equity Policy  for more information, including additional details on the designated groups.

About Us

The Office of Equity and Anti-Racism (OEA) works across government with partners and communities and public service employees, to help lead and support government’s equity and anti-racism work. OEA’s mandate both an internal and external focus. 

• For public service employees—we work to promote and advance equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility and to create a culturally responsive workplace; and 
• For all Nova Scotians—we work to identify and address systemic racism, barriers, and inequities in government policy, legislation, programs and services.

We are an energetic team with a positive attitude and determination to make a difference by applying an all of government approach. Our team strives to be representative of the communities we serve and we strongly value diversity.

If you are interested in making a difference in the areas of equity and anti-racism and wish to join a strong team who strive to achieve success, we are interested in hearing from you!

About Our Opportunity

The Policy Analyst (Research and Statistical officer 3 (RSO3) will work on a variety of specialized and complex policy projects to advance equity and anti-racism initiatives in Nova Scotia including those related to the requirements of the Dismantling Racism and Hate Act, Nova Scotia’s Equity and Anti-Racism Strategy and the 2SLGBTQIA+ Action Plan. 

As the successful candidate, you will work on policy development, implementation, and evaluation/monitoring within the department.  You will use formal processes and tools to develop policy documents, reports and recommendations, as well as regulations/legislation.  You will complete policy research and may provide project support/leadership to departmental projects and initiatives.

This position reports to the Director, Policy and Planning.  

Primary Accountabilities

As the Policy Analyst, you will be responsible for researching, developing and analyzing policy options and making recommendations on a broad range of departmental issues/programs related to equity and anti-racism.  This work will inform the decision-making process by senior management. Some duties include:

• In depth knowledge of research methods, assist in the identification and analysis of policy options, drafting of policy papers and recommendations, development of policy instruments/standards, and consultation with internal and external stakeholders.

• You may provide project management and/or support to designated projects and initiatives, with a high level of importance placed on developing effective working relationships across a variety of levels/work units.

• You will provide policy advice and prepare, coordinate and assure quality control for departmental briefing materials and briefing binders for the minister, Deputy and Premier.

Qualifications and Experience

As our Policy Analyst, you will have a Bachelors’ Degree in a related discipline, plus five (5) years related experience involving project management, policy, research methods etc. An equivalent combination of training and experience may be considered.   

In addition, you will have:

• Demonstrated understanding of equity and anti-racism related concepts
• Thorough knowledge of the public policy development process and experience in policy analysis.
• Experience in designing and leading policy analysis projects.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal).
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Demonstrated experience in report writing and preparation of briefing materials.
• Demonstrated ability to build collaborative working relationships.
• Computer skills, including thorough knowledge of software packages such as Microsoft Office;
• Knowledge of structure, processes, and key players in Government, as well as knowledge and/or experience within the Nova Scotia legislative environment would be an asset.
  
  

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.

Asset

Experience working with the following communities will be considered an asset:

• Mi’kmaw and Persons of Indigenous descent;
• African Nova Scotians and Persons of African descent;
• Persons of Colour;
• Newcomers (immigrants and refugees);
• 2SLGBTQIA+--2 Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual/Biromantic, Transgender, Queer and/or Questioning, Intersex, Asexual/Aromantic and others whose identities are not reflected;
• Persons with disabilities (physical and mental; and
• Persons who are neurodivergent.

Equivalency

Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must 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.

Additional Information

This is a TERM employment opportunity with anticipated end date of November 09, 2027.  The appointment status (‘term’, ‘temporary’ or ‘casual’) is dependent on the start date of the successful candidate.

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
• Department specific flexible working schedules