Senior Policy Analyst

About Us

The Executive Council Office (ECO) acts as a secretariat to the Executive Council (Cabinet) and its Committees. ECO administers government’s decision-making process, develops and advances corporate priorities and plans, and provides advice and support on the governance of appointments, to agencies, boards and commissions.

About Our Opportunity

Reporting directly to the Director of Governance and Accountability (GAU), with ECO, the Senior Policy Analyst provides policy development, implementation, and evaluation/monitoring of the effectiveness of policies within the GAU branch of ECO. The Senior Policy Analyst will lead from start to finish a variety of complex policy projects including developing new polices to support the centralization of the GAU and process initiatives that are strategically aligned with the government priorities. This also includes leading the policy excellence work which would provide cross government support related to governance best practice and common accountability frameworks that the GAU is responsible for overseeing. They will do this while making effective recommendations with a focus on strategic decision-making and the impact of the recommendation.

Primary Accountabilities

The Senior Policy Analyst will conduct comprehensive research, analysis, measurement, and evaluation of complex policy issues to provide strategic advice to the senior leadership team. They will lead the development, formulation, and administration of departmental policies as well as initiate, plan, develop and manage a wide range of policy projects/initiatives for the departments broader legislative, regulatory and program framework. They will also manage all updates to these policies in order to support the centralization of the GAU.
 

They will make recommendations for policies, legislative and regulatory change, consultations, and compliance as well as consult with key stakeholder groups to ensure sound policy development and alignment of departmental priorities with government objectives and commitments. They will conduct policy reviews on key departmental issues and involve multiple stakeholders from professional, multi-disciplinary, consumer and/or business environments. They will provide leadership in the development of long-term strategic plans to address critical issues and contribute to the planning of the department’s legislative agenda. When more complex submissions arise, they will prepare and oversee the submissions to the Executive Council and Finance and Treasury Board which may include subject matters related to governance policies supporting Agencies, Boards and Commissions (ABCs).

The Analyst will provide recruitment support to enhance recruitment to ABCs with a focus on diversity, accessibility, and inclusion. This maybe include attending community, trade, or special interest meetings to recruit and encourage diverse board appointments thought targets recruitment strategies. They will track progress and provide annual reporting around equity reporting. Also lead annual advertising campaign, with a focus on enhanced recrement strategies

They will lead training and orientation to board appointees ensuring governance best practices are understood and followed.

The successful candidate will also support the Director in overseeing the enforcement of policies which are the responsibility of the GAU such as self-regulating professions and compensation frameworks and provide support to the Board appointment process, lead by the governance consultants.

The positions will provide back-up support to the Director of the GAU as well as other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience

This may be the right opportunity for you if you have a bachelor’s degree in a related area or discipline plus five years' related experience, or a master’s degree plus three years’ experience.  An acceptable level of equivalent or relevant experience may be considered. An acceptable level of equivalent or relevant experience may be considered.
 

As the successful candidate, you will have experience in policy development & analysis, impact analysis so as to advice senior leadership on strategic plans and implementation. Have relevant experience of working policies, legislations and regulatory implications, and strategic planning with focus on impact analysis and direction.
 

You have strong interpersonal & communication skills, partnering & relationship building skills, organization skills with excellent attention to detail.  The nature of the position requires the ability to exercise sound judgement, make reasoned decisions within strict deadlines, and prioritize competing tasks and thrive in an environment which requires taking initiative and being outcome focused.

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 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 offering and eligibility criteria. 

Working Conditions

This role is primarily based in a comfortable office environment and you may be working at your computer for extended periods of time. You may be required to travel within the province to visit sites or regional offices.

Additional Information

This position requires the successful candidate to work on-site.

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.