Senior Policy Analyst

About Us

At the Department of Finance and Treasury Board we strive to provide financial leadership, analysis and policies that strengthen Nova Scotia. As stewards of the province’s financial affairs, we deliver a wide range of corporate fiscal and management services – including the preparation of the provincial budget – as well as ensure government plans are coordinated and fiscally responsible.

We are constantly looking for new and better ways to plan, manage, budget and invest. If you are detail oriented, with a strong analytical skill, we have an exciting opportunity for you to explore as a Senior Policy Analyst.

About Our Opportunity

As the Senior Policy Analyst, you will be part of a team of senior policy analysts, providing policy research and analysis to support government and department priorities. You will assist in identifying policy issues that span the department and the associated agencies, boards, and commissions. You will work with senior department staff to encourage horizontal policy development, integrating policy with financial decisions. You will also analyse and provide advice on fiscal planning and government revenues, as well as multidisciplinary, interdepartmental, and intergovernmental policy issues that link to the fiscal sustainability of the province.

You will provide support to the Minister’s office and senior management associated with the governance of the agencies, boards, and commissions. You will also provide coordination for the department’s cabinet and legislative agendas, house support and coordination of the department’s business planning processes and accountability reporting.

As the Senior Policy Analyst, you will report to the Director.

Primary Accountabilities

The Senior Policy Analyst responsibilities also include:

• Undertaking policy research, analysing policy options, including financial implications, and providing advice.
• Conducting environmental scans and making recommendations on a broad range of policy initiatives including budget and fiscal policy.
• Preparing submissions to Executive Council as well as the Treasury and Policy Board.
• Consulting with the Executive Council Office, other departments, and other jurisdictions to ensure sound policy development.

Qualifications and Experience

This may be the right opportunity for you if you have an undergraduate degree from a related field (Business Administration, Commerce, Public Administration, Political Science, Finance, Economics) with a minimum of 5 years of related experience; or an equivalent such as a master’s degree from a related field with 2 years of related experience. You have previous experience in policy analysis, development and coordination including strategic planning, business planning, and accountability reporting.

You have a strong understanding of government structure, legislation, regulation and policy in a government environment. You possess strong strategic thinking and analytical skills, demonstrated leadership capability and exceptional communication (written and verbal) and facilitation skills. You have solid technical knowledge with proficiency in the Microsoft Suite of software including Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

While not required, it is considered an asset if you have a background in finance, economics, accounting or taxation, as well as familiarity with policy or regulatory experience with issues related to fiscal planning, economic policy, financial sector policy – including pensions or insurance, debt and/or debt management, and budget issues in Nova Scotia.

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

Applicants relying on education and 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.

LEADS

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 check out the following link for more information: LEADS (novascotia.ca)

Additional Information

This is a TERM employment opportunity with an anticipated end date of September 30, 2025. The appointment status (‘term’, ‘temporary’ or ‘casual’) is dependent on the start date of the successful candidate.

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