Senior Policy Analyst

at  Province of Nova Scotia

Department: Justice
Location: HALIFAX
Type of Employment: Permanent
Union Status: Exclusion - Non Union - NSPG
Closing Date: 27-Jan-25 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)

ABOUT US

The Accessibility Directorate is a dynamic and committed team that is leading and coordinating Nova Scotia’s work toward our goal of an accessible province by 2030. We work together with Nova Scotians with disabilities, community and disability organizations, government departments, municipalities and villages, other public sector bodies, businesses, and other partners to support the cultural shift needed to implement the Accessibility Act and address disability-related issues across government.
Since the team was established in 2017, we have built relationships within government and with public sector and community partners to support efforts to improve accessibility, including Government’s first two accessibility plans; beginning development of accessibility standards in all six areas: Built Environment, Education, Employment, Goods and Services, Public Transportation, and Information and Communication; collaborating with public sector bodies to support the development and implementation of accessibility plans and initiatives across the province; and developing accessibility awareness resources and initiatives, including the public awareness campaign “Access Includes Everyone” with the related website https://accessible.novascotia.ca/
Learn more about our work to ensure Nova Scotians with disabilities can enjoy all this province has to offer, at home, school, work and in community, on the Accessibility Directorate website: https://novascotia.ca/accessibility/

PRIMARY ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Conduct comprehensive research, analysis, development, measurement and evaluation of complex policy issues to provide strategic advice to senior leadership.
• Develop, formulate and administer policy related to the Accessibility Act and regulations, accessibility standards and other accessibility and disability related policy.
• Provide policy advice, prepare briefing materials, options paper, and provide timely response to requests for information.
• Prepare complex submissions to Executive Council and Finance and Treasury Board on accessibility policy initiatives
• Engage with community members and partners
• Develop and participate in briefings and presentations to senior leadership as required.
• Initiate, plan, develop and manage a wide range of policy-related projects and initiatives.
• Develop and implement capacity building and awareness activities and resources related to accessibility standards and other accessibility and disability related policies.
• Provide leadership in the development of long-term strategic plans to address critical accessibility and disability issues
• Liaise with partners across the department, government, other public sector bodies, provincial and community organizations and others to collaborate on accessibility and disability priorities.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

As the successful candidate you will have a university degree in a related field, plus several years progressive experience in a policy development role.

You have:

• Sound knowledge of all aspects of the policy development process and significant experience in development of policy frameworks, policies, standards and guidelines.
• Significant experience in project management, leading multi-disciplinary project teams, and conducting in-depth policy research and analysis.
• The ability to establish and maintain relationships with a range of partners, including other government departments, public and private sector organizations, and community organizations.
• The ability to assess evidence, information, and input, conceptualize and articulate alternative solutions to problems, analyse policy alternatives, and arrive at one or more recommended solutions with clear explanation of the implications from a policy perspective.
• The ability to work independently with minimal direct supervision, carry out work within tight timelines, manage competing priorities.
• Knowledge of accessibility and disability issues, including relevant legislation, policy and programs.
• Expertise in accessibility of buildings and outdoor spaces, including technical knowledge of building codes and accessible design.
• Exceptional communication skills.
• Fluency in French (oral and/or written) would be considered an asset.

Please refer the Job description for details