Senior Policy Analyst (Program Admin Officer 4)

About Us

The Department of Seniors and Long Term Care is committed to ensuring the inclusion, well-being, and independence of seniors in Nova Scotia by facilitating the development of policies on aging and programs for seniors across government and through the provision and coordination of strategic planning, support, services, programs and information. This is achieved through leadership and collaboration with partners. With a focus on living well at home, home care, supporting primary health care, long term care, 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 need leaders at all levels of the organization who embrace a challenge and believe in their ability to make a difference.

About Our Opportunity

Reporting to a Manager in the Home and Community Branch, the Senior Policy Analyst will work within the Home and Community Branch of Continuing Care in the Department of Seniors and Long Term Care.  The Analyst is responsible for policy development, implementation, and evaluation/monitoring of the effectiveness of policy and programs within the Continuing Care branch. Focusing on Home and Community Care, the analyst will lead and participate in key initiatives that build a strong and sustainable home care system that supports Nova Scotians when they need it.  The Senior Policy Analyst will lead from start to finish a variety of home and community focused policy projects and will also develop legislative, regulatory, policy, and process initiatives that are strategically aligned with government priorities.

Primary Accountabilities

As the Senior Policy Analyst, you will:
 
•    Conduct comprehensive research, analysis, measurement, and evaluation of complex policy issues to provide strategic advice to senior leadership
•    Develop, formulate, and administer departmental policy related to home and community, conduct policy reviews on key departmental issues
•    Prepare the complex submissions to Executive Council and Finance and Treasury Board
•    Consult with key stakeholder groups to ensure sound policy development, implementation and alignment of departmental priorities with government objectives and commitments
•    Develop and participate in briefings and presentations to support senior leadership, as required
•    Initiate, plan, develop, and manage a wide range of policy projects/initiatives for Home and Community within the department's broader legislative, regulatory, and program frameworks
•    Provide leadership within the Home and Community Team in the development of long-term strategic plans to address critical issues
•    Lead accountability requirements to assure good governance of the department
•    Represent the department on provincial and national working groups and/or committees in support of the departmental goals and objectives

Qualifications and Experience

Bachelor’s degree plus 6 years of related experience; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Related experience includes social research, policy research and/or system planning such as survey design, statistical analysis, qualitative research, and policy development.
 
Thorough understanding of seniors' issues with progressively more responsible research and analysis positions. Strong leadership skills with proven ability to build collaborative working relationships and demonstrated ability to work effectively with committees and teams, both as a leader and a member.
 
Independent judgement and initiative as well as the ability to manage and conduct complex and specialized research and policy analysis. Capable of managing change and competing priorities, undertaking a high level work under tight deadlines, and exercising sound judgement under pressure. Demonstrated ability to undertake complex assignments without supervision is an asset.
 
Superior writing skills with proven experience in report and publication writing, including graphic representation of data, and preparation of briefing materials. Demonstrated research experience, policy and/or system planning analysis, excellent organizational skills, and ability to work independently. Knowledge of and/or experience within the provincial legislative environment is an asset.
 
High degree of computer literacy is required with demonstrated proficiency in Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook (email), and web browsers. Experience with MS Project is an asset.
 
Knowledge of the home and community landscape in Nova Scotia will be considered an asset.
 
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

Equivalencies include, but are not limited to:

• Master's degree with 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 Health, Dental, Life Insurance, Pension, General Illness (Short and Long Term), Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs. Click here to learn more about our various benefits offerings and eligibility criteria.

Working Conditions

• Normal work week is 35 hours/week, 7 hours/day
• May be required to work overtime on occasion
• High degree of initiative, creativity and intelligence is required to carry out high quality research, policy, and system planning
• Periodic stress of tight deadlines and heavy workload (evening and weekend work occasionally required)
• Periodically required to negotiate with individuals who may be angry and verbally aggressive
• Extensive reading of documents and publications is required
• Extensive use of computer is required
• Minimal travel is required
• Flexible work locations are offered

Additional Information

This competition will be used to fill one permanent vacancy and one temporary vacancy with an anticipated end date of September 1, 2023, 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.