Senior Policy Analyst

About Us

The Department of Health and Wellness offers opportunities to grow and advance in a dynamic sector that touches the lives of all Nova Scotians. Along with our partners, including the Nova Scotia Health Authority and the IWK Health Centre, we're committed to continually improving our healthcare system. With a focus on collaborative primary health care, acute care, improved supports for mental health and addictions, digital health, capital infrastructure, and more, the department is thinking differently about how to plan, fund, legislate and monitor to improve access and service delivery. To do this, we're recruiting leaders at all levels of the organization who embrace a challenge and believe in their ability to make a difference.

About Our Opportunity

The Senior Policy Analyst is a key part of the Department of Health and Wellness' Infrastructure team and provides policy leadership and expertise on major policy initiatives. With a specific focus on health infrastructure, this position is consistently called upon to lead from start to finish a variety of complex projects. They develop legislative, policy, and process initiatives that are strategically aligned with government priorities and health system needs.

The Senior Policy Analyst works closely with, among others, colleagues on DHW's Clinical team and with leadership at the Nova Scotia Health Authority and IWK Health Centre to maintain and improve health services and infrastructure for Nova Scotians. The Senior Policy Analyst regularly makes effective recommendations to maintain and improve Nova Scotia's health services and infrastructure with a focus on strategic decision-making, risk analysis, and return on investment.

The Senior Policy Analyst will, together with the Director of Policy and Contract Management, be responsible for the team's contract management work, including, but not limited to, Public-Private partnership (P3) contracts.

Primary Accountabilities

As the Senior Policy Analyst, you will be responsible for leading a variety of complex policy projects from start to finish, including developing legislative, policy, and process initiatives that are strategically aligned with government priorities. Working closely with colleagues both in the department and partner organizations, the work requires conducting comprehensive research, analysis, measurement, and evaluation of complex policy issues to provide strategic advice to senior leadership. This involves developing knowledge of funding models, infrastructure project delivery methods, project delivery coordination of multi-disciplinary teams to develop and/or review a wide range of deliverables, including reports, presentations, briefing notes, submissions to Treasury and Policy Board and Executive Council, and other materials.

Within a typical day you will also be responsible for:

• Developing and evaluating policy options and related background material.
• Independently leading aspects of the policy and legislative process, including preparation submissions to Treasury and Policy Board and Executive Council setting out recommendations for significant policy decisions and for the allocation of funding.
• Preparing reports and responses relating to health infrastructure issues, including the impact of various initiatives in Nova Scotia.
• Leading and/or participating in working groups to represent the Infrastructure team's perspectives on specific policy issues and playing a leadership role to ensure deadlines are met and senior leadership is aware of progress.
• Preparing briefing notes and correspondence for senior leadership on a range of matters related to the Department of Health and Wellness' mandate.
• Taking part in contract management of existing P3 contracts, notably review of monthly performance monitoring reports, ensuring contractual obligations are met by both parties. Support dispute resolution as required. Contribute to creation and improvement of contract management processes.

Qualifications and Experience

As our next Senior Policy Analyst, you will hold a bachelor's degree in a policy, law, Public Health, Health Administration, business or engineering related field plus several years of progressive experience in policy analysis and research. You will demonstrate experience with the following:

• Strong analytical and research skills to evaluate complex policy issues.
• Superior writing skills with proven experience in report writing and preparation of briefing materials.
• Strong communication skills with proven ability to build collaborative working relationships.
• Ability to develop strategic recommendations and make effective decisions.
• Computer skills and proficiency using Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).

In addition to the above, you will have strong independent judgement and initiative, as well as the ability to manage and conduct complex and specialized research and policy analysis. You will be well-organized, capable of managing change and competing priorities. You can manage a heavy workload under tight deadlines, and exercise sound judgement under pressure. Lastly, you will be able to work cohesively in a team environment and be able to take on complex assignments with minimal supervision.

The following will be considered assets:

• Experience with policy development
• Knowledge of infrastructure delivery and/or funding models
• Knowledge of structure, processes, and key players in government
• P3 (Public-Private Partnership) experience

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.

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

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.

Benefits

Based on the employment status, 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

Most of your time is spent in a comfortable office setting. Your normal work week is 35 hours/week, 7 hours/day. You will be expected to work from our Downtown Halifax office 5 days a week.

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
• A dynamic, client-focused office environment where service excellence and teamwork are our focus
• Opportunities may exist for Department specific working schedules