Senior Policy Analyst (Term)

About Us

The Department of Advanced Education (AE) has responsibility for universities, private career colleges and language schools, student assistance program, post-secondary accessibility services, as well as Research Nova Scotia and innovation sandboxes throughout the province.  

About Our Opportunity

Are you interested in working in an environment where you can learn, grow and lead? Do you enjoy making a difference and working with great people? We are looking for a critical thinker with the ability to synthesize complex and disparate issues into viable options for senior leadership for the short and long term. 

Reporting to the Manager of Policy, the Senior Policy Analyst will support Departmental policy and planning, through conducting research and analysis and developing robust policy options to address complex, challenging and dynamic policy implications with respect to the post-secondary sector.

You will supporting departmental operational planning and accountability reporting, measurement and tracking of department outcomes, coordinating briefings and preparation of briefing material for senior management, including the Deputy Minister and Minister, as well as monitoring of Hansard, private members bills and AE legislation when the legislature is sitting. You support a wide range of department projects including policy development and modernization activities, corporate reporting, research, strategic planning, and other initiatives, as well as collaboration with stakeholders. You support the integration of department programs and services, their alignment with legislation and corporate policies, as well as the strategic goals and priorities of the Department.

Primary Accountabilities

• Policy research and analysis, identification of policy options to inform decision making and to support the strategic direction of the Department.
• Preparation and coordination of submissions to Executive Council and well as Requests for Legislation and regulatory amendments for the Department.
• For legislative sittings prepare briefing material for the Minister, monitor question period and private members bills, identify emerging issues to support the Minister.
• Development and coordination of briefing material to support Department initiatives and corporate reporting.
  
  

Qualifications and Experience

This may be the right opportunity for you if you have a bachelor’s degree with several years of related experience, an equivalent combination of training and experience may be considered.
As the successful candidate you have demonstrated experience and thorough knowledge of the public policy development process and significant experience in policy analysis, research, planning and project tracking and coordination.

You possess strong organizational planning capability. You are a strong communicator both written and verbal and have strong analytical and research skills. You have a proven ability to collaborate. You have excellent relationship building skills, with experience building and maintaining relationships with both internal and external stakeholders and you value a diverse and inclusive workforce. You enjoy working in a fast-paced environment.

You are proficient using Microsoft Office programs, specifically with Power-Point and Excel.

Assets for this position:

•    Experience working with Agencies, Boards and Commissions. 
•    Experience in project management and/or agenda management
 
We will assess the above qualifications and competencies using one or more of the following tools: writing assessment, interview(s), and reference checks.

Equivalency

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.

Additional Information

This is a TERM employment opportunity with an anticipated end date of May 1st, 2028.  

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
• A dynamic, client-focused office environment where service excellence and teamwork are our focus