Senior Policy Analyst (Program Admin Officer 4)

About Us

The Office of Addictions and Mental Health (OAMH) leads provincial efforts to promote mental wellness and provide accessible education, prevention, treatment, and recovery services for mental health and addictions. OAMH funds and supports the delivery of services across Nova Scotia through its partnership with mental health and addictions programs offered by the Nova Scotia Health Authority (NSHA), IWK Health (IWK), and numerous community-based organizations. In addition to traditional mental health and addiction support, our work also includes interventions and actions that will help address the social determinants of health, including collaboration with our partners within and across government departments.

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 NSH 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 leadership on key policy, research, and procedural matters.

You will play a pivotal role in supporting evidence-informed decision-making at OAMH. This includes interpreting and communicating data clearly and effectively, engaging directly with provincial, intergovernmental, and community partners, and representing OAMH on interdepartmental initiatives. You work will directly contribute to driving meaningful change across the mental health and addictions system.

Primary Accountabilities

As a Senior Policy Analyst, you will be responsible for and collaborate on 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 be responsible for:

• Leading identified OAMH research and policy functions
• 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 key participant consultations and other public meetings
• Preparing briefing notes and correspondence for senior leaders on a wide range of matters related to OMHA's mandate.
  
  

Qualifications and Experience

As our next Senior Policy Analyst, you hold a bachelor's degree in a health-related field plus six (6) years of related experience or a Masters degree with 4 years of progressive experience in the design and development of policies and programs.

You will demonstrate experience with the following:

• Conducting and clearly communicating complex problems informed by research and policy analysis in meaningful ways
• Preparing high-quality written materials, including reports and briefing documents
• Building collaborative relationships and working effectively with a range of collaborators
• Navigating and applying knowledge of the provincial legislative and policy environment
• Using Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint fluently, experience with data visualization programs an asset
• Understanding legislation relevant to the OMHA mandate.

In addition, you possess:

• Strong leadership skills and sound independent judgment
• Initiative and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to manage change and balance competing priorities
• The capacity to deliver high-level work under tight deadlines, while exercising discretion and critical thinking
• Personal interaction skills that facilitate working cohesively in a team environment
  
  

Assets

The following experience and knowledge would be considered strong assets in this role: 

• Familiarity with the structure, processes, and key collaborators within government
• Knowledge of, or experience in, the field of mental health and addictions; and
• Background in 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. 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

This is 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.