Senior Policy Analyst

About Us

The Department of Municipal Affairs and Housing is dedicated to working with municipalities to build healthy, vibrant, and safe communities throughout Nova Scotia. Municipal Affairs provides programs, grants, and funding opportunities for municipalities and community groups. The Department also provides services and guidance to municipalities in many areas including land use planning, budget planning and finance, infrastructure development, policy and program development.

The Department of Municipal Affairs and Housing is also responsible for ensuring the availability of safe, suitable, and affordable housing for all Nova Scotians. Our work involves making strategic investments, leveraging new funding, and building on critical partnerships to help further position ourselves to meet current and future housing challenges.

About Our Opportunity

As the Senior Policy Analyst, reporting to the Director of Policy and Corporate Services, you will play a key role in shaping the future of municipal governance and legislation. You will provide strategic advice and insight to senior leadership on complex, high-impact policy issues. Your expertise in policy development, combined with your ability to translate research into actionable recommendations, will drive meaningful outcomes that influence decision-making across the department. This is an opportunity to lead the creation and implementation of innovative policies that support sustainable communities and effective governance, making a tangible impact in shaping public policy.

Primary Accountabilities

You will work closely and collaboratively with senior colleagues across the provincial government to support of advancements in policy and programming related to key issues impacting municipalities. You will achieve this by:

• developing effective and efficient regulations, policies, programs, standards, procedures
• conducting comprehensive research, analysis, and evaluation of complex policy issues
• facilitating trend analysis and environmental scans to inform strategic decisions
• assisting in the achievement of the short- and long-term objectives of the Department
• providing expert advice to senior leaders and various working committees
• designing, implementing, and communicating related initiatives, programs and services
• representing the Department and the Division locally and provincially

Qualifications and Experience

You have an educational background in Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or Policy, or an equivalent combination of training and experience. 

Key competencies of yours include:

• The ability to break down complex problems and assess data to derive meaningful insights.
• Ensuring accuracy in data analysis, report writing, and policy development.
• The ability to convey information clearly and effectively to diverse audiences.
• A knack for navigating changing priorities and evolving policy landscapes with resilience.
• Fostering positive relationships and working effectively within cross-functional teams.
• Proactively identifying issues and proposing innovative solutions to enhance program effectiveness.

You are known as an innovator, creative in your thinking, and are up to date on industry trends and best practices. You are highly analytical and your ability to think strategically and coordinate projects is essential. You must have excellent communication and presentation skills, along with project management skills. You promote a positive teamwork and collaborative atmosphere and ensure an inclusion and diversity lens is applied to the development of policies, standards, and initiatives.

The Government of Nova Scotia has adopted the LEADS Leadership Framework. During the interview, candidates will be expected to express how they have demonstrated the key behaviors and capabilities required to effectively lead in a caring and inclusive environment. LEADS Domains include Leads Self, Engage Others, Achieve Results, Develop Coalitions, and Systems Transformation.

Please follow LEADS for more information.

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

Equivalency

We recognize equivalent combinations of training, education, and experience, providing opportunities for individuals with diverse backgrounds to contribute their skills and expertise. Equivalencies include, but are not limited to: 

• Several years of policy analysis experience

Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.

Benefits

Based on the employment status, 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

You’ll be located in Halifax, Head Office in a comfortable, office environment. Your normal work week is 35 hours/week, 7 hours/day

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