Senior Policy Analyst

About Us

The Accessibility Directorate is a dynamic and committed team that is leading and coordinating Nova Scotia’s work to become 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 six years ago, we have built relationships within government and with public sector and community partners to support their efforts to improve accessibility, including Government’s first two accessibility plans; beginning development of accessibility standards in the areas of Built Environment, Education, Employment, and Goods and Services; collaborating with public sector bodies to support the development 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. A key focus of this position is providing leadership to the Government of Nova Scotia’s commitment to lead by example. This includes supporting implementation of the GNS Accessibility Plan 2022-2025 such as leading capacity building initiatives, development of the next Accessibility Plan, coordination of the Accessibility Interdepartmental Committee and supporting government to address broader disability issues.

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 papers, and provide timely responses to requests for information.
• Prepare complex submissions to Executive Council and Finance and Treasury Board on accessibility policy initiatives, consult with stakeholders, develop and participate in briefings and presentations to senior leadership as required.
• Initiate, plan, develop and manage a wide range of policy projects and initiatives.
• Provide leadership in the development of long term strategic plans to address critical accessibility and disability issues, including conducting environmental scanning, researching best practices, promoting dialogue amongst stakeholders, and promoting involvement by staff.
• Liaise with partners across the department, government, other public sector bodies, community organizations and others to collaborate on accessibility and disability priorities.
• Initiate, plan and develop awareness, education, capacity building and collaborative initiatives to build awareness and competency around accessibility.

Qualifications and Experience

As the successful candidate you will have a university degree in a related field, plus several years of 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 teams and conducting in-depth policy research and analysis.
• The ability to establish and maintain relationships with a range of stakeholders, including other government departments, government networks, other public sector organizations, and community organizations.
• The ability to conceptualize and articulate alternative solutions to problems, analyze policy alternatives and stakeholder input, and be able to arrive at one or more recommended solutions with clear explanation of the implications of proposed recommendations from a fiscal and policy perspective. You are also able to assess all available evidence, information, and input to develop and advance policy recommendations and options.
• 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.
• Exceptional communication skills and experience in developing written materials and providing presentations.
• Fluency in French (oral and/or written) would be considered an asset.

Benefits

The Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as Health, Dental, Life Insurance, Pension, General Illness (Short and Long Term), Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs. Click here to learn more about our various benefits offerings and eligibility criteria.

Additional Information

This is a Permanent position based in Halifax. Persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. We also welcome applications from outside of the Halifax Regional Municipality as partial remote work may be considered.

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.
• Department Specific Flexible working schedules.