Sustainable Procurement Integration Officer (Program Admin Officer 3)
Competition # : 47131
Department: Service Nova Scotia
Location: HALIFAX
Type of Employment: Permanent
Union Status: NSGEU - NSPG
Closing Date: 17-Oct-25 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)
About Us
Procurement is a division of the Department of Service Nova Scotia (SNS) responsible for managing major purchases across departments, agencies, boards, and commissions, addressing their complex business needs. We ensure a transparent, competitive purchasing process that maximizes value while supporting environmental, economic, and societal goals. Our team provides the expertise needed to guide the government in finding creative, sustainable procurement solutions.
Procurement is evolving as both a function and a profession. Our vision is to lead government procurement service delivery through innovative approaches that achieve:
-Responsible management of public resources
-A clear focus on client needs
-Optimized sourcing solutions
-Transparency, compliance, and sustainability in all actions
Through proactive outreach, we empower our supplier community, inviting them to become integral players in the public procurement landscape. We promote sustainable and socially responsible practices by delivering targeted education not only to our internal departments but also to stakeholders throughout the greater public sector, nurturing a culture of sustainability that inspires continuous growth and innovation.
What is Public Procurement
Public Procurement refers to the process of identifying needs, sourcing products or services, conducting market research, and negotiating contracts, all while adhering to trade agreement obligations and internal procedures.
The goal of public procurement is to explore market opportunities and implement sourcing strategies that provide the best possible outcomes for the organization, its stakeholders, and Nova Scotia as a whole. SNS Procurement Engagement supports the work of the Procurement operational teams by developing tools and training to help clients and suppliers understand the procurement process and their role in achieving best value through sustainable purchasing activities.
About Our Opportunity
Under the direction of the Manager of Procurement Engagement, the Sustainable Procurement Integration Officer is accountable for developing and operationalizing actionable plans, policies, systems, and business processes within a public procurement framework to implement and measure outcomes for the Sustainable Procurement Strategy and Action Plan. Additionally, the Officer will serve in an advisory capacity, providing guidance and recommendations to stakeholders on sustainable procurement practices and strategies.
Primary Accountabilities
-Lead project implementation of the Sustainable Procurement Strategy and Action Plan, including new sustainability policies aligned with government priorities.
-Conduct needs analysis and respond to complex concerns from stakeholders.
-Use expertise in procurement and project management to implement policies, standards, systems, and organizational structures, measuring their contributions to sustainable procurement.
-Conduct research using jurisdictional reviews and surveys to identify trends, risks, opportunities, and challenges.
-Draft policy and program recommendations informed by research and analysis.
-Consult with stakeholders and industry to align implementation initiatives with government priorities and commitments.
-Build relationships with departments and organizations, liaise with supplier communities, and participate in working groups or committees.
-Collaborate with SNS Procurement Operations Management to integrate goals related to Social, Indigenous, Local, SME, and Environmental Procurement into an effective operations framework.
-Create and analyze data sets on key indicators to support evidence-based decisions, ensuring purchases align with sustainability objectives.
Additional Responsibilities
-Maintain current knowledge of strategies, standards, codes, and certifications.
-Support senior colleagues in the development of internal and external communications.
-Prepare comprehensive reports, presentations, and briefing materials for leadership, ensuring alignment with trade agreements.
-Stay informed on national, provincial and local sustainability best practices and funding programs, monitor regulatory and policy impacts.
-Monitor strategic government directions that may affect sustainable procurement.
-Perform other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications and Experience
To succeed in this role, you will need a bachelor’s degree and 5 years of related experience or an equivalent combination of training and related experience.
Project Management and Leadership:
· Proven experience in leading complex project implementations, particularly those related to procurement or sustainability. This includes developing, executing, and overseeing strategic plans that align with government priorities.
Procurement Expertise:
· Deep understanding and practical experience in procurement processes, standards, and systems. This encompasses both traditional procurement and sustainable procurement practices, with an emphasis on integrating new sustainability policies.
Stakeholder Engagement and Communication:
· Experience in conducting needs analysis and engaging with multiple stakeholders to respond to and manage complex concerns. Proficiency in building and maintaining relationships across departments and with external communities such as suppliers.
· Effective partnering and relationship building skills and display intercultural and diversity proficiency.
Policy Development and Analysis:
· Strong background in drafting and analyzing policies and programs, particularly in translating research findings into actionable policy recommendations.
Data Analysis and Decision-Making:
· Expertise in creating and analyzing data sets to support evidence-based decisions in procurement. This also involves aligning analysis with sustainability objectives and government priorities.
Legislative & Technical:
· Knowledge of and experience with various acts, policies and strategies specifically the: Public Procurement Act 2024, NS Public Procurement Policy, Accessibility Act 2017, Environmental Goals and Climate Change Reduction Act 2021, Equity and Anti-racism Strategy 2023 and Diversity and Inclusion Innovation Framework as well as relevant standards, codes, and certifications relevant to sustainable procurement.
Resource Development:
· Experience in providing guidance on the development and standardization of training materials and coordinate policy and/or process updates to these materials, internal communication sites and external websites
You should also possess the following skills or relevant work experience:
· Strong interpersonal and creative problem-solving skills, with the ability to provide diplomatic advice and guidance to senior management. Able to effectively handle and resolve stakeholder and client complaints or inquiries.
· Proven ability to identify, manage, and reduce risks or disputes, including those that could lead to legal issues or damage trust in the procurement process.
· Flexibility and adaptability to quickly adjust to changing situations and environments.
· Excellent time management and organizational abilities.
· Proficiency in Microsoft Office particularly Excel, Word, Teams and SharePoint.
· Effective partnering and relationship building skills and display intercultural and diversity proficiency.
· Experience in organizing and facilitating meetings with stakeholders and vendors, both in-person and virtually.
Assets
The following will be considered assets:
· Completion or partial completion of certifications/training such as PSPP
· Experience in a public sector environment
· Experience in public procurement
· Experience with employing sustainable and social value principles
· Experience in data analytics
Equivalency
An equivalent combination of training, education and experience will be considered. Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.
Equivalencies would include:
-9 years of work experience
-2 years of college and 7 years of work experience
-1-year diploma and 8 years of work experience
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
-Work hours: 35 hours per week, 7 hours per day.
-Role expectations: The job requires strong mental focus, detailed analysis, and collaboration with key partners.
-Work environment: You will often manage multiple priorities with varying deadlines.
-Office setting: Most of your time will be spent in a comfortable office environment.
-Attention to detail: Accuracy and attention to detail are crucial in this high-volume, complex service area.
-Reading: Extensive reading and drafting of documents are necessary.
-Computer use: Prolonged use of computers is required.
-Meetings: Some off-site meetings may be required.
-Flexible hours: Occasional adjustment of working hours may be needed.
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 arrangements.
Pay Grade: PR 13
Salary Range: $2,556.10 - $3,107.16 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.
This is a bargaining unit position initially restricted to current civil service employees represented by the Nova Scotia Government Employees Union (NSGEU). If applying from outside a government office, employees must apply correctly via this link:
Failure to apply correctly means that your application will not be given first consideration as a bargaining unit applicant, and will only be included if external applications are pursued.
External applicants and current casual employees will only be considered if there are no qualified civil service bargaining unit candidates. 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.
