Senior Policy Analyst

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’re committed to continually improving our health care system. With a focus on collaborative primary health care, acute care, improved supports for mental health and addictions, digital health, capital infrastructure, and more, the department is thinking differently about how to plan, fund, legislate and monitor to improve access and service delivery. To do this, we’re recruiting leaders at all levels of the organization who embrace a challenge and believe in their ability to make a difference.
 

About Our Opportunity

The Senior Policy Analyst with Department of Health and Wellness provides policy leadership and expertise to multiple branches on major policy, regulatory, and legislative initiatives. This position is consistently called upon to lead from start to finish a variety of complex policy projects and develops legislative, regulatory, policy, and process initiatives that that are strategically aligned with government priorities. 

The Senior Policy Analyst provides mentorship to analysts and leaders within assigned branches on effective policy development and has overall responsibility for policy requirements for a division or branch. This position also makes effective recommendations with a focus on strategic decision-making and impact of recommendations.
 

Primary Accountabilities

As the Senior Policy Analyst, you will be responsible for leading a variety of complex policy projects from start to finish, including developing legislative, regulatory, policy, and process initiatives that that are strategically aligned with government priorities. This work requires conducting comprehensive research, analysis, measurement, and evaluation of complex policy issues to provide strategic advice to senior leadership. This involves expert knowledge of research methods, coordination of multi-disciplinary teams to develop and/or review a wide range of deliverables, including reports, presentations, briefing notes, submissions, and other materials.  Within a typical day you will also be responsible for: 

• Developing and evaluating policy options and related background material.
• Independently leading aspects of the policy and legislative process, including preparation of submissions to Executive Council.
• Preparing reports and responses relating to health system issues including the impact of interventions in Nova Scotia.
• Leading and/or participating in working groups on specific policy issues and playing a leadership role to ensure project deadlines are met and senior staff are aware of progress.
• Preparing briefing notes and correspondence for senior staff on a wide range of matters related to DHW’s mandate.
   

Qualifications and Experience

As our next Senior Policy Analyst, you will hold a bachelor's degree in a policy-related field plus five (5) years of progressive experience in policy analysis and research. You will demonstrate experience with the following:

• Progressive position responsibility.
• Superior writing skills with proven experience in report writing and preparation of briefing materials.
• Strong leadership skills with proven ability to build collaborative working relationships.
• Knowledge of and/or experience within the provincial legislative environment.
• Computer skills and proficiency using Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).

In addition to the above, you will have strong leadership skills, independent judgement, and initiative as well as the ability to manage and conduct complex and specialized research and policy analysis.  You will be well-organized, capable of managing change and competing priorities. You can undertake a high-level of work under tight deadlines, and exercise sound judgement under pressure.  Lastly, you will be able to work cohesively in a team environment and be able to take on complex assignments with minimal supervision.

The following will be considered assets:

• Knowledge of structure, processes, and key players in Government.
• Knowledge/experience in the field of health policy
• Public policy development and analysis.
• Experience with legislative projects.

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 behaviours and capabilities required to effectively lead in a caring and inclusive environment. LEADS Domains includes Leads Self, Engage Others, Achieve Results, Develop Coalitions and Systems Transformation.

Please follow LEADS (novascotia.ca) 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

An equivalent combination of training, education and experience will be considered. Equivalencies may include, but are not limited to: 

• A completed Masters degree and 3 years of related experience

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

Benefits

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. 
 

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.