Senior Policy Analyst (Program Admin Officer 4)

About Us

The Department of Natural Resources and Renewables is responsible for the development, management, conservation, and protection of energy, forests, geoscience, mines, minerals, provincial parks, wildlife resources, and the administration of the Province's crown lands. Together, we are working with Nova Scotians to build a better future through sustainable natural resource management so that we all benefit from the natural health and wealth of the Province. 

About Our Opportunity

We are seeking a Senior Policy Analyst to join our team. This is a key position within the Marine Renewables and Clean Innovation Division responsible for providing critical project leadership on a wide range of files that support the Department's efforts to develop clean energy resources, reduce Nova Scotia's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, create jobs, and transition to a low-carbon economy.

The Senior Policy Analyst develops and advises on complex strategies, regulatory development, policies, programs, and major initiatives related to marine renewable energy. This position plays a lead role in managing stakeholder relations and collaborating with government, First Nations, industry, and stakeholders to advance marine renewable energy initiatives and partnerships on a provincial, national, and international stage. The Senior Policy Analyst negotiates and manages the competing interests of various departmental, governmental, and non-governmental interests, consulting with industry, academia, first nations, and communities. This position also provides substantive support in broader areas of research and development.

Primary Accountabilities

As the Senior Policy Analyst, you will be responsible for leading policy development, coordinating research and analyses, and strategic planning on natural resources and clean innovation issues. You will use your ability to analyze, synthesize, and provide sound recommendations. You can expect to:

• Provide expertise and guidance on the development of natural resources, energy development, and the green economy.
• Manage and deliver required outcomes for one or more programs offered directly by the Department or indirectly through various organisations throughout the Province, while reporting to senior colleagues.
• Identify and design programs to assist with the evaluation and planning for the future direction of programs and policies.
• Identify shortcomings, suggest improvements to existing processes, systems, and procedures, and deliver plans for elements of a change management program in collaboration with senior colleagues and the project team.
• Deliver on the established project outcomes by managing day-to-day relationships with clients, contract service providers, and teams while working within an established contract management plan.
• Develop a strong network of contacts with key analysts, advisors, and decision-makers in the field of energy policy and program development within the government.
• Represent the Department on interdepartmental, intergovernmental, and/or tripartite committees.
• Provide leadership, project management, and liaison support to project teams and departmental committees.
• Coordinate and prepare clear, accurate, and timely briefing materials, presentations, and correspondence.
• Provide insightful policy advice on an ongoing basis.

Qualifications and Experience

This may be the right opportunity for you if you have a bachelor's degree along with six years of related experience or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

You will demonstrate knowledge of marine renewable energy and the Province's energy, efficiency, and climate change mitigation strategies and funding programs. You will have strong skills in program design and evaluation, stakeholder relations, public engagement, and consultation. Relevant work experience (e.g., in policy, finance, and economic analysis) related to the marine environment, offshore renewable energy, innovation, or natural resources areas (e.g., in policy, finance, and economic analysis) would be an asset.

As the ideal candidate, you have previous experience guiding and training others on managing projects and/or programs within desired cost, time, and quality parameters; focusing on assessing, measuring, and improving performance; analyzing data from multiple sources to draw appropriate conclusions and make suitable recommendations; and using your extensive contacts and working relationships within your organization to facilitate the integration of analysis into program, legislation, policy, and planning. You work with a high degree of independent judgement and initiative, with the ability to develop concepts and communicate effectively (written and verbally) with industry, government, and the community. You thrive on engaging with others, getting buy-in to deliver results, and skillfully influencing to build results.

Equivalency

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

• A completed master's 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

Some travel within Nova Scotia and occasionally to other provinces may be required.

Additional Information

This is a term opportunity with an anticipated end date of March 31, 2025, with a possibility of extension. However, the position 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.