Director, Policy and Accountability (Designated)

at  Province of Nova Scotia

Department: Community Services
Location: HALIFAX
Type of Employment: Permanent
Union Status: Exclusion - Non Union - NSPG
Closing Date: 25-Sep-24 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)

ABOUT US

The Status of Women Office works collaboratively with government departments, agencies, academia, community groups, and women-serving organizations. It is responsible for operational and administrative support to transition houses, women’s centers, the Nova Scotia Native Women’s Association, and Alice House.
The Status of Women office leads Standing Together, Nova Scotia’s coordinated approach to prevent domestic violence. Our vision is gender equality, and our current priorities include ensuring safety from gender-based violence, enhancing women’s economic security, and promoting women’s leadership.

PRIMARY ACCOUNTABILITIES

As the Director of Policy and Accountability, you will leverage your expertise to:

• Lead the office’s strategic policy research and development, ensuring all policies are evidence-based, align with the Status of Women’s strategic goals, and incorporate an intersectional approach to advance social equity.
• Direct the research, analysis, and evaluation of complex policy issues, providing expert advice and actionable recommendations to senior leaders and government decision-makers.
• Cultivate and sustain community partnerships and linkages to strengthen policy frameworks and deepen the understanding of issues impacting women.
• Engage with a network of internal and external collaborators, representing the Office’s priorities at national forums and advocating for the advancement of women and girls, with a focus on equity-deserving communities.
• Advocate and champion the Office’s priorities in community sectors and across government departments to determine progress and influence policy and action.
• Co-lead the evaluation of strategic plans, tracking progress towards key milestones and making necessary adjustments.
• Oversee the creation and accuracy of the Office’s public-facing resources and contribute to the effective management of the Office’s human and financial resources.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

You have completed your Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in social or gender studies, law, public administration, or a related field, combined with several years of leadership experience in senior roles where you have led policy and program design, development, research, and analysis.

In addition to these qualifications, you must also demonstrate:

• Strong policy expertise, with experience collaborating with government and community, analyzing complex issues, identifying opportunities, and providing sound, evidence-based recommendations.
• Exceptional communication and advocacy skills, with a proven ability to engage and influence senior leaders, government decision-makers, and community partners through written, oral, and presentation abilities.
• A creative and strategic problem-solving approach to address sensitive issues and recommend impactful actions.
• The ability to purposefully build partnerships and networks, creating trust and shared meaning with diverse individuals and groups.
• Proven leadership skills, including the ability to lead and motivate teams, and coordinate efforts with a broad network of government and community-based individuals and organizations.
• A deep understanding of gender equity and intersectionality, including the ability to integrate these principles into policy research and development.
• Experience successfully advancing policies, programs, and initiatives that advance the interests of equity-deserving communities, in particular Mi’kmaq and African Nova Scotian people.
• In-depth knowledge of the unique experiences of Mi’kmaq and African Nova Scotian people.

Assets for this role include:

• Experience in the gender-based violence sector, as this role involves informing recommendations and advice on the intersection between safety and economic security.
• An understanding of the Office’s current legislation, programs, and policies.

As the Director of Policy and Accountability, you will leverage your expertise to:

• Lead the office’s strategic policy research and development, ensuring all policies are evidence-based, align with the Status of Women’s strategic goals, and incorporate an intersectional approach to advance social equity.
• Direct the research, analysis, and evaluation of complex policy issues, providing expert advice and actionable recommendations to senior leaders and government decision-makers.
• Cultivate and sustain community partnerships and linkages to strengthen policy frameworks and deepen the understanding of issues impacting women.
• Engage with a network of internal and external collaborators, representing the Office’s priorities at national forums and advocating for the advancement of women and girls, with a focus on equity-deserving communities.
• Advocate and champion the Office’s priorities in community sectors and across government departments to determine progress and influence policy and action.
• Co-lead the evaluation of strategic plans, tracking progress towards key milestones and making necessary adjustments.
• Oversee the creation and accuracy of the Office’s public-facing resources and contribute to the effective management of the Office’s human and financial resources

Assets for this role include:

• Experience in the gender-based violence sector, as this role involves informing recommendations and advice on the intersection between safety and economic security.
• An understanding of the Office’s current legislation, programs, and policies