Senior Business Analyst (Program Admin Officer 4)

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT OF CYBER SECURITY AND DIGITAL SOLUTIONS (CSDS)

At CSDS, we prioritize people—both within our team and in the communities we serve. Our mission is to redefine how Nova Scotians engage with government by creating accessible, reliable digital solutions centered around user needs.

In today’s tech-driven world, CSDS empowers government departments with essential digital solutions to meet Nova Scotians’ expectations. As a trusted partner across government, we enable departments to fulfill their mandates with secure, user-friendly services. From healthcare and education to public safety, we collaborate to transform how services are designed and delivered.

We don’t just implement technology; we modernize outdated systems and reimagine processes. Our agile, data-driven approach ensures that digital services are both efficient and adaptable to Nova Scotia’s evolving needs.

Joining CSDS means contributing to work that makes a real difference. From providing vital tech support to healthcare professionals to strengthening cybersecurity and developing scalable digital platforms, you’ll play a key role in building a more inclusive, responsive government for Nova Scotians.

Together, we’re setting new standards for digital public service, delivering resilient solutions that meet today’s needs—and anticipate tomorrow’s challenges.

Who Are You

You are passionate about people’s experiences and want to make people’s lives better. You’re curious, and your humbleness helps you learn and grow. You love to collaborate across roles and organizations, and you can create a path forward from uncertainty. You are comfortable inspiring others with your communication skills whether they be senior leaders or technical teams.

You share our values of Respect, Integrity, Diversity, Accountability & The Public Good, have a passion for service excellence and actively promote and encourage the importance of people, teams, diversity, and culture.

About the Opportunity

The Digital Practices and Technology division is seeking an experienced Senior Business Analyst to join the Delivery Management team.

As the Senior Business Analyst, you will be:

• A subject matter expert in business requirements analysis, business process re-engineering and continuous improvement.

• A champion for user needs working with program owners, provincial departments, and other levels of government and jurisdictions in the research, analysis, development and implementation of human centered services.

• Part of a multi-disciplinary team working alongside project managers, product managers, service designers, and software developers.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and conduct business analysis activities for the delivery of digital products and services in consultation with business partners to identify and document opportunities for transformation, realize program and operational savings, improve client service and attainment of strategic goals.

• Develop a deep understanding of business requirements and user needs, and champion these in the delivery of digital product features.

• Work with service designers to take a user-centered approach to integrate business requirements with user needs.

• Work with product managers to define, explain and iterate a product vision that is compelling to business partners, users, team members and stakeholders.

• Define user stories based on evidence.

• Advise on the approach to requirements management within a project or program.

• Work with product managers and business partners to create, maintain and prioritize the product backlog.

• Assess the feasibility of changes and recommend new approaches.

• Develop or apply communication strategies to build relationships, using informal and formal channels to engage with stakeholders at all levels, resolving conflict where required.

• Work with other digital professionals to design and develop system and user interfaces, identify gaps in functionality and assess the effect of proposed software changes on users or the organization.

• Communicate with our business partners clearly and regularly, clarifying mutual needs and commitments through consultation and consideration of impacts while focusing on user and business needs.

• Lead change through influence and collaboration across a matrix organization in a highly fluid environment.

Qualifications and Experience

The successful candidate will possess a bachelor’s degree plus six (6) years related experience; or an equivalent combination of training and experience may be acceptable.

The ideal candidate will have proven experience in the following:

• Leading business requirements analysis and business process transformation for large, complex projects.

• Expert ability to document existing and future-state business processes; define and document functional requirements; conduct information flow analysis and process modelling; develop the plan to rationalize, align and transform business processes.

• Knowledge and experience in standard business analysis processes and methodologies, as well as digital service delivery and agile methodologies.

• Superior interpersonal, consensus building and team building skills, with the ability to interact effectively and develop strong relationships with staff at all levels.

• Facilitation, negotiation, and acting as a liaison with large client and stakeholder teams, including executive and senior management teams within and across partner organizations.

• Problem solving, analytical thinking and decision making, and managing complex and competing needs.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Experience helping teams to manage and visualize outcomes, prioritize work and adhere to agreed minimum viable (MVP) scope.

• Demonstrated experience creating, maintaining, and prioritizing product backlogs using tools such as Jira, GitLab and Miro.

• Experience in supporting and/or performing functional testing, QA testing, coordinating user acceptance testing, and analyzing formal test results.

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.

Equivalency / Assets

• An equivalent combination of related training and experience may be accepted in place of education requirement.  Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.
• Business Analysis and Agile certifications (i.e., IIBA, Disciplined Agile, Scrum, SAFe) would be considered assets.

We recognize that everyone brings different skills and experiences to the table. If you don’t “check all the boxes”, we encourage you to apply anyway and tell us why you’re the right fit for the job.

We value diversity of thought and believe that the best teams are those that bring together people with a range of experiences and perspectives.

Additional Information

This is a term, full-time vacancy with an anticipated end date of March 9, 2028. The appointment status (‘term’ or ‘casual’ is dependent on the start date of the successful candidate).

Benefits & Perks

At the CSDS with the Government of Nova Scotia, we are committed to providing a fulfilling work environment with numerous benefits and opportunities:

• Work-Life Balance: Maintain a healthy work-life balance with a 35-hour work week. 

• Secure Your Future: Access a defined benefits pension plan for a stable retirement. 

• Annual Leave & Holidays: Start with 3 weeks (15 days) of annual vacation. 

• Supportive Leadership: Our leadership prioritizes flexibility, communication, and enabling your success.

• Support in Times of Need: Rely on short- and long-term support options tailored to help you and your family when it matters most.

• Employee and Family Support: Access our Employee and Family Assistance Programs for comprehensive resources and guidance.

• Cross-Sector Collaboration: Engage with various stakeholders and government departments, building expertise and connections that enrich Nova Scotia’s future, and your own professional development. 

• Growth & Development: Explore career paths in specialized areas like digital service design, cybersecurity, enterprise risk, digital platforms, mission IT, and more.

• Lifelong Learning: Expand your skills with ongoing training and development opportunities.

• Professional Advancement: Dive into public service with endless opportunities for growth, learning, and meaningful contributions.

Join the Department of Cyber Security & Digital Solutions and experience the benefits of a fulfilling career, supported by comprehensive perks, career development opportunities, and a diverse range of paths to explore within our department and across the government.