Senior Policy Analyst

About Us

The Accessibility Directorate is a dynamic and committed team that is leading and coordinating Nova Scotia’s work toward our goal of an accessible province by 2030. We work together with Nova Scotians with disabilities, community and disability organizations, government departments, municipalities and villages, other public sector bodies, businesses, and other partners to support the cultural shift needed to implement the Accessibility Act and address disability-related issues across government.

Since the team was established in 2017, we have built relationships within government and with public sector and community partners to support efforts to improve accessibility, including Government’s first two accessibility plans; beginning development of accessibility standards in all six areas: Built Environment, Education, Employment, Goods and Services, Public Transportation, and Information and Communication; collaborating with public sector bodies to support the development and implementation of accessibility plans and initiatives across the province; and developing accessibility awareness resources and initiatives, including the public awareness campaign “Access Includes Everyone” with the related website https://accessible.novascotia.ca/

Learn more about our work to ensure Nova Scotians with disabilities can enjoy all this province has to offer, at home, school, work and in community, on the Accessibility Directorate website: https://novascotia.ca/accessibility/
 

About Our Opportunity

As a Senior Policy Analyst, you provide policy advice and analysis, and strategic advice to the Minister of Justice, Deputy Minister and senior management of the Department on a range of accessibility and disability issues in Nova Scotia to advance government’s goal of an accessible Nova Scotia by 2030. This will include leading the implementation of the accessibility standard in the built environment and other initiatives related to this priority area.  

You will be responsible for leadership, project management, implementation and evaluation of significant initiatives to advance the goals of the Accessibility Act. You will review and identify or develop and recommend government policies, procedures, legislation, and regulations which may have a direct impact on persons with disabilities in Nova Scotia. You will collaborate with other provincial government departments, other levels of government, agencies and community groups to advance accessibility in Nova Scotia. 

Primary Accountabilities

• Conduct comprehensive research, analysis, development, measurement and evaluation of complex policy issues to provide strategic advice to senior leadership.
• Develop, formulate and administer policy related to the Accessibility Act and regulations, accessibility standards and other accessibility and disability related policy.
• Provide policy advice, prepare briefing materials, options paper, and provide timely response to requests for information.
• Prepare complex submissions to Executive Council and Finance and Treasury Board on accessibility policy initiatives
• Engage with community members and partners
• Develop and participate in briefings and presentations to senior leadership as required.
• Initiate, plan, develop and manage a wide range of policy-related projects and initiatives.
• Develop and implement capacity building and awareness activities and resources related to accessibility standards and other accessibility and disability related policies.
• Provide leadership in the development of long-term strategic plans to address critical accessibility and disability issues
• Liaise with partners across the department, government, other public sector bodies, provincial and community organizations and others to collaborate on accessibility and disability priorities.
   

Qualifications and Experience

As the successful candidate you will have a university degree in a related field, plus several years progressive experience in a policy development role.

You have:
 

• Sound knowledge of all aspects of the policy development process and significant experience in development of policy frameworks, policies, standards and guidelines.
• Significant experience in project management, leading multi-disciplinary project teams, and conducting in-depth policy research and analysis.
• The ability to establish and maintain relationships with a range of partners, including other government departments, public and private sector organizations, and community organizations.
• The ability to assess evidence, information, and input, conceptualize and articulate alternative solutions to problems, analyse policy alternatives, and arrive at one or more recommended solutions with clear explanation of the implications from a policy perspective.  
• The ability to work independently with minimal direct supervision, carry out work within tight timelines, manage competing priorities.
• Knowledge of accessibility and disability issues, including relevant legislation, policy and programs.
• Expertise in accessibility of buildings and outdoor spaces, including technical knowledge of building codes and accessible design.
• Exceptional communication skills.
• Fluency in French (oral and/or written) would be considered an asset.
   

Equivalency

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

- Normal work week is 35 hours/week  
- Some overtime work required
- Dynamic continuously evolving work environment

Additional Information

The position is based in Halifax. Persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
 

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