Manager, Policy

About Us

The Department of Emergency Management is responsible for leading disaster and emergency planning, preparedness, response and recovery activities on behalf of the Province of Nova Scotia. The objective of the Department is to ensure that Nova Scotians are safe, prepared and resilient in the face of disasters and emergencies. The Department leads the coordination and co-operation of partners and resources during provincial level critical incidents, supports municipal and other partners in regional level and local events, administers the province’s 911 service, maintains critical communications infrastructure and supports operations of our regional emergency management centres. The Department also works to ensure critical government services continue to function during and after critical events.

The Planning and Preparedness Branch enhances preparedness, reduces vulnerabilities, and ensures a coordinated response to critical incidents and emergencies by:

• Leading strategic policy, including the management of federal and regional agreements and management of legislation, regulations, policies, establishing standards and preparedness initiatives
• Standing up and deploying the Nova Scotia Guard
• Reviewing comprehensive emergency management programs by the province and municipalities and ensuring they are robust
• Conducting thorough risk assessments and advising on mitigation strategies
• Administering the Disaster Financial Assistance program to ensure recovery takes place as quickly as possible
• Supporting effective risk management and business continuity for the Province, municipalities, and critical infrastructure partners
• Managing the resiliency office

About Our Opportunity

Reporting to the Managing Director, the Manager, Policy will lead the Department’s corporate policy file providing sound, evidence-based strategic advice to Senior Management. Working with a small team of analysts, they will also provide direction and support to other divisions in the Department, including policy analysis and advice, the development of legislation and regulations, research, and intergovernmental relations.

Primary Accountabilities

• Leading in the provision of sound advice to Senior Management on complex issues, using a deep knowledge of policies, programs and legislation;
• Leading a team of analysts in sourcing and presenting data and evidence-based strategic advice to promote effective planning and evaluation for corporate policy development, submissions to Executive Council, legislative agenda management, intergovernmental relations, and research;
• Providing project leadership to meet routine requirements (e.g., House Prep) and support the Department’s role in special policy/research projects
• Working in collaboration with colleagues and partners to identify options to address complex issues or support the modernization of programs and services;
• Representing the Department at FPT meetings and leading the preparation of materials to support the Deputy and Minister’s participation;
• Working with all levels of government as required to pursue items of mutual interest;
• Ensuring the effective management of human and financial resources.

Qualifications and Experience

You possess a university degree in a related area (e.g., Public Administration, Political Science, Social Science or Law) with several of policy, legislation, and leadership experience.

As the successful candidate, you have:

• significant experience in a corporate policy environment (e.g., government processes related to Cabinet Submissions and other functions that are prominent in a Legislative, Regulatory, and public policy context)
• organizational and project management skills, with the ability to build collaborative working relationships
• exceptional verbal and written communication skills
• an ability to work under time pressures in a team environment, exercising sound independent judgement while managing competing priorities
• an ability to develop innovative approaches to problem solving, decision-making, and policy development.

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

We recognize equivalent combinations of training, education, and experience, providing opportunities for individuals with diverse backgrounds to contribute their skills and expertise. 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.

Working Conditions

• Most of your time will be spent in a comfortable office setting, sitting for long periods of time.
• Normal work week is 35 hours/week, 7 hours/day
• The successful candidate will be required to work in the office five days a week
• May be required to work overtime on occasion
• Travel may be required within the province to facilitate meetings or consultations

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