Senior Policy Analyst

                                                                                                           

 

Competition # : 47083 

Department: Health and Wellness

Location: HALIFAX

Type of Employment: Permanent

Union Status: Exclusion - Non Union - NSPG 

Closing Date: 21-Oct-25  (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)

About Us


The Department of Health and Wellness offers opportunities to grow and advance in a dynamic sector that touches the lives of all Nova Scotians. Along with our partners, including the Nova Scotia Health Authority and the IWK Health Centre, we are committed to continually improving our health care system. 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


As a Senior Policy Analyst with Physician Services, you will work with a dynamic team on policy development, implementation, and evaluation/monitoring. You will provide research, analysis, and project management support to designated projects and initiatives including working in a confidential capacity as it relates to preparation for, and support of, Physician Agreement and Academic Funding Plan negotiations with Doctors Nova Scotia.

You will develop and use formal processes and tools to develop policy documents, reports and recommendations and provide input into strategic decision-making. 

Primary Accountabilities


Reporting to the Manager, Fee For Service, the Senior Policy Analyst provides leadership, project management, negotiation support, and subject matter expertise to guide the strategic and operational direction of the Physician Services Branch and the Department of Health and Wellness (DHW). This role focuses on the FFS physician remuneration model, including oversight of the Physician’s Billing Manual and support to the multiparty Fee Committee.

The Analyst leads complex policy initiatives from start to finish, including working groups and committees that support the implementation and management of the Physician Agreement, particularly in areas related to funding allocations and physician service fees. The role involves advising leadership on sensitive and complex issues related to physician compensation and negotiations.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Develop and maintain expertise in FFS physician remuneration, fee schedules, and audit processes to support program development and decision-making.
  • Provide strategic and operational support to the Fee Committee, collaborating with DHW branches, physicians, Medavie/MSI, Doctors Nova Scotia, and other jurisdictions to improve accountability and cost-effectiveness.
  • Analyze billing trends, patterns, and code-specific costing; liaise with Medavie MSI on payment, audit, and appeal processes.
  • Support corporate reporting, including the annual accountability report, business plan tracking, and outcome measurement.
  • Prepare and coordinate briefing materials for senior leadership, including the Minister, Deputy, and Premier.
  • Draft policy briefs, memoranda, and presentations on complex issues; ensure alignment with departmental priorities and commitments.
  • Lead or contribute to submissions to Executive Council and Finance and Treasury Board, including legislative requests and issue briefings.
  • Conduct legislative reviews, jurisdictional scans, and economic research to inform policy decisions and compensation agreements.
    Lead jurisdictional reviews to support negotiations and policy development, including recommendations for legislative and regulatory changes.
  • Promote stakeholder dialogue, identify emerging trends, research best practices, and contribute to divisional strategies.
    Engage regularly with physicians, Nova Scotia Health Authority/IWK, Doctors Nova Scotia, Medavie Blue Cross, and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia, as well as provincial/territorial counterparts, to support strategic objectives.

Qualifications and Experience


To be successful in this position, you hold a bachelor’s degree in a related field (such as social science, public administration) as well as several years of progressive experience in policy development, reporting and program monitoring/ evaluation.

Experience in project management, research methods, statistics, and public policy is necessary as is demonstrated experience in evidence-based decision making. A sound knowledge and understanding of government processes will also be key in this position.

You are able to interpret, communicate and report information both verbally and in writing which is essential to this role. You excel at synthesizing information from a variety of sources including statistical reports and taking into consideration competing interests when providing analysis and recommendations. You are adept at managing multiple projects and possess excellent organizational skills as well as have experience working independently and in a busy team environment. You excel at balancing competing priorities and deadlines as well as possess excellent skills in establishing productive positive relationships with representatives of non-governmental and governmental organizations (both interdepartmentally and inter-jurisdictionally).

Proficiency with a variety of computer software programs – including Microsoft Word, Excel, database programs, and PowerPoint is also required.

Leadership competencies required at this level of work are: Conceptual Thinking, Strategic Orientation, Outcome Focus, Initiative, Effective Interactive Communication, Partnering and Relationship Building, and Intercultural and Diversity Proficiency.

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


An equivalent combination of training and experience to the education requirement will be considered. Applicants relying on 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. You will have daily contact with various internal and external client partners. The scope of this role requires strong abilities in multi-tasking, balancing multiple priorities, meeting frequent deadlines, and making time sensitive recommendations.

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.

     

Pay Grade:  EC 11 

Salary Range:  $3,418.96 - $4,273.75 Bi-Weekly   

 

Employment Equity Statement:

Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the citizens we serve.  The Government of Nova Scotia has an Employment Equity Policy, and we welcome applications from Indigenous People, African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Persons with Disabilities and Women in occupations or positions where they are under-represented.  If you are a member of one of these equity groups, you are encouraged to self-identify on your electronic application. 

 

Accommodation Statement:

We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. Candidates may request accommodations based on any grounds protected by the Human Rights Act. If you require an accommodation throughout the recruitment process, please contact us at competitions@novascotia.ca.

 

Current government employees may access this posting through the link below:

 

 

PLEASE NOTE: Candidates will not be considered for an interview if applications are incomplete or are missing information. 

 

Offer of employment is conditional upon the completion of all applicable background checks and confirmation of credentials, the results of which must be satisfactory to the employer. We thank all applicants for the interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. All questions and concerns may be directed to Competitions@novascotia.ca.