Senior Housing Policy Analyst (Research & Stats Officer 4)

About Us

The Department of Municipal Affairs and Housing is dedicated to working with municipalities to build healthy, vibrant, and safe communities throughout Nova Scotia. Municipal Affairs provides programs, grants, and funding opportunities for municipalities and community groups. The Department also provides services and guidance to municipalities in many areas including land use planning, budget planning and finance, infrastructure development, policy and program development.

The Department of Municipal Affairs and Housing is also responsible for ensuring the availability of safe, suitable, and affordable housing for all Nova Scotians. Our work involves making strategic investments, leveraging new funding, and building on critical partnerships to help further position ourselves to meet current and future housing challenges.

About Our Opportunity

Are you a thought leader with a passion for innovation in housing policy?

Our Housing team is boldly addressing the housing crisis with forward-focused strategies and solutions. As a Senior Housing Policy Analyst, you’ll help in shaping the future of housing in our province. You will provide essential policy support, develop and evaluate comprehensive housing policies, and contribute to strategic initiatives aimed at increasing affordable housing options. Your expertise will be instrumental in creating impactful policy documents, reports, and recommendations that will set the standard for housing policy across Canada.

Primary Accountabilities

As the Senior Housing Policy Analyst, your expertise will be key in advancing innovative housing policies and Nova Scotia's reputation as a leader in innovative housing solutions. You will achieve this by:

• Conducting comprehensive research, analyzing policy options, and providing informed recommendations on a range of departmental issues and programs.
• Collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams and consulting with key stakeholders, to ensure policy alignment with government objectives.
• Preparing submissions to Executive Council and Finance and Treasury Board, managing diverse policy initiatives, and supporting strategic decision-making
• Fostering effective working relationships, promoting best practices, and ensuring departmental accountability.

Qualifications and Experience

You have a genuine interest in tackling challenges within the housing sector and contributing to transformative solutions. Our world is rapidly changing so you must be adaptable and comfortable managing shifting priorities. Furthermore, you are detail-oriented with a commitment to excellence and a passion for innovation.

You have a Bachelor’s degree in a related field with a minimum of seven (7) years of relevant experience, or a Master’s degree in a related field with at least five (5) years of experience. A Master of Public Administration (MPA) is highly desirable.

You demonstrate:

• Proven track record of managing priorities and thriving in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
• Strong initiative and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills, fostering strong collaborative partnerships.
• Superior writing abilities, essential for drafting clear and impactful policy documents and reports.
• Advanced research and analytical skills, with a keen eye for detail.
• Innovative mindset with the capacity to think creatively and develop forward-focused solutions.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365

Highly desirable assets include:

• In-depth understanding of the housing sector, including best practices and trends from other jurisdictions.
• Experience in government and the housing sector

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

Please follow LEADS for more information.

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

We recognize equivalent combinations of training, education, and experience, providing opportunities for individuals with diverse backgrounds to contribute their skills and expertise. Equivalencies include, but are not limited to:

• A completed related diploma and nine (9) years of experience
• Eleven (11) years total related experience

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.

Working Conditions

Most of your work is spent in a comfortable office environment. Your normal work week is 35 hours/week, 7 hours/day. You may need to work flexible and adjusted work hours, as required. Occasional travel may be required.

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