Senior Policy and Planning Advisor

Competition # : 49321 Department: Advanced Education
Location: HALIFAX
The Department of Advanced Education (AE) has responsibility for universities, private career colleges and language schools, student assistance program, post-secondary accessibility services, as well as Research Nova Scotia and innovation sandboxes throughout the province.
We are looking for a critical thinker with the ability to synthesize complex and disparate issues into viable options for senior leadership for the short and long term.
Reporting to the Manager of Policy, the Senior Policy Analyst will support Departmental policy and planning, through conducting research and analysis and developing robust policy options to address complex, challenging and dynamic policy implications with respect to the post-secondary sector.
You will supporting departmental operational planning and accountability reporting, measurement and tracking of department outcomes, coordinating briefings and preparation of briefing material for senior management, including the Deputy Minister and Minister, as well as monitoring of Hansard, private members bills and AE legislation when the legislature is sitting. You support a wide range of department projects including policy development and modernization activities, corporate reporting, research, strategic planning, and other initiatives, as well as collaboration with stakeholders. You support the integration of department programs and services, their alignment with legislation and corporate policies, as well as the strategic goals and priorities of the Department.
Policy research and analysis, identification of policy options to inform decision making and to support the strategic direction of the Department.
Preparation and coordination of submissions to Executive Council and well as Requests for Legislation and regulatory amendments for the Department.
For legislative sittings prepare briefing material for the Minister, monitor question period and private members bills, identify emerging issues to support the Minister.
Development and coordination of briefing material to support Department initiatives and corporate reporting.
This may be the right opportunity for you if you have a bachelor’s degree with several years of related experience, an equivalent combination of training and experience may be considered.
As the successful candidate you have demonstrated experience and thorough knowledge of the public policy development process and significant experience in policy analysis, research, planning and project tracking and coordination.
You possess strong organizational planning capability. You have excellent relationship building skills, with experience building and maintaining relationships with both internal and external stakeholders and you value a diverse and inclusive workforce. You are proficient using Microsoft Office programs, specifically with Power-Point and Excel.
Assets For This Position
Experience in project management and/or agenda management
We will assess the above qualifications and competencies using one or more of the following tools: writing assessment, interview(s), and reference checks.
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. 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
A dynamic, client-focused office environment where service excellence and teamwork are our focus
Salary Range: $3,571.99 - $4,465.03 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.
Candidates may request accommodations based on any grounds protected by the Human Rights Act. If you are receiving a pension from the Nova Scotia Public Service Superannuation Plan (PSSP) or any related plans, you cannot receive pension payments while contributing to the same plan. If you accept a position that requires PSSP contributions, your pension payments must be stopped. Please contact the Nova Scotia Pension Services Corporation for more information.