Senior Policy Analyst (Program Admin Officer 4)

About Us

The Department of Health and Wellness offers opportunities to grow and advance in a dynamic sector that touches the lives of all Nova Scotians.  Along with our partners, including the Nova Scotia Health Authority and the IWK Health Centre, we are committed to continually improving our health care system. With a focus on collaborative primary health care, continuing care, improved supports for mental health and addictions, digital health, capital infrastructure, and more, the department is thinking differently about how to plan, fund, legislate and monitor to improve access and service delivery. To do this, we are recruiting leaders at all levels of the organization who embrace a challenge and believe in their ability to make a difference.

About Our Opportunity

The Senior Policy Analyst with the Office of Mental Health and Addictions (OMHA) works closely with intersectoral partners including, but not limited to, intradepartmental, provincial, federal and territorial colleagues, the Nova Scotia Health Authority and IWK, and the private and non-profit sector. In this role, you provide expertise and advisory services to staff and partners with respect to research and policy development as well as work with senior staff on major policy, research, and procedural matters.

In this role, you play a critical role in facilitating OMHA evidence-informed decision-making and will have the opportunity to work directly with provincial, inter-governmental and community stakeholders; and may represent the Office on inter-departmental initiatives. You will directly impact change across the health system, inclusive of health promotion, primary health care, acute care, continuing care, and mental health and addictions.

Primary Accountabilities

As the Senior Policy Analyst you will be responsible for developing, implementing, and managing large projects usually involving all phases of work from strategic planning and policy development through to successful implementation. Within a typical day you will also be responsible for:

• Leading identified Office functions (e.g., research and policy);
• Developing and evaluating policy options and related background material;
• Leading aspects of the legislative process, including preparation of submissions to Executive Council;
• Preparing reports, briefing books and responses relating to health system issues in Nova Scotia;
• Leading and/or participating in working groups on specific policy issues;
• Working within a team to coordinate stakeholder consultations and other public meetings;
• Preparing briefing notes and correspondence for senior staff on a wide range of matters related to OMHA’s mandate.

Qualifications and Experience

As our next Senior Policy Analyst, you will hold a bachelor's degree in a health-related field plus six (6) years of progressive experience in the design and development of policies and programs.

You will demonstrate experience with the following:

• Progressively responsible research and analysis positions;
• Superior writing skills with proven experience in report writing and preparation of briefing materials;
• Strong leadership skills with proven ability to build collaborative working relationships;
• Knowledge of and/or experience within the provincial legislative environment;
• Computer skills and proficiency using Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint); and
• Familiarity with legislation which falls under the OMHA mandate.

In addition to the above, you will have strong leadership skills, independent judgement, and initiative as well as the ability to manage and conduct complex and specialized research and policy analysis.  You will be well-organized, capable of managing change and competing priorities. You can undertake high-level work under tight deadlines, and exercise sound judgement under pressure.  Lastly, you will be able to work cohesively in a team environment and be able to take on complex assignments without supervision.

The following will be considered assets:

• Knowledge of structure, processes, and key players in Government;
• Knowledge/experience in the field of mental health and addictions; and
• Public policy development and analysis.

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

Equivalency

An equivalent combination of training, education and experience will be considered. Equivalencies may include, but are not limited to:

• A completed Masters degree and 4 years of 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 time is spent in a comfortable office setting. Your normal work week is 35 hours/week, 7 hours/day.

Additional Information

There are two opportunities available. There is a Permanent opportunity and a TERM employment opportunity with anticipated end date of August 19, 2026.  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.
• An engaged workplace where we foster respect and recognition.
• Forward-thinking policies and strategies.
• countless career paths.
• Department Specific Flexible working schedules.