Policy & Planning Analyst (Program Administration Officer 3)

About Us

The Department of Growth & Development drives economic growth and productivity by creating the conditions for communities, businesses and households to thrive. The Department works with key partners to foster a dynamic environment that supports housing innovation and sector development, providing the necessary solutions to grow our population and economy.

The Department is also responsible for ensuring the availability of safe, suitable, and affordable housing for all Nova Scotians. Our work involves making strategic investments, leveraging new funding, and building on critical partnerships to help further position ourselves to meet current and future housing challenges.

About Our Opportunity

As the Policy & Planning Analyst, you will join a team of professionals focused on providing housing solutions through the delivery of programs that support new development and partnerships. You might be the right candidate if your background, experience and interests align with any of the following areas of work: municipal government, housing policy & planning, land development and new construction, the community housing sector. This role is ideally suited to an individual who is passionate about making a difference in the housing sector.

We are looking for a detail-oriented and analytical professional who has a strong understanding of various aspects of municipal government, stakeholder relations, land development, housing policy, real estate industry and can quickly adapt to evolving work demands. Join our team and use your experience to impact affordable housing options!

Primary Accountabilities

• Your experience will be instrumental in driving the success of our affordable housing programs and initiatives. In this role you can expect to:
• Provide independent, specialized advice for the administration and management of government housing programs delivered by the Department.
• Conduct research, collect data, analyze information and produce reports related to supporting housing partnerships, developments, and impactful policy.
• Identify needs and respond to questions and concerns from key stakeholders and program users.
• Plan, develop, evaluate, promote, and monitor new initiatives.
• Promote and develop initiatives and programs using current and emerging technology.
• Analyse and provide program recommendations through reports and advice to management and develop program plans, update program(s) and provide program evaluation.
• Support senior colleagues in the development of internal and external communications.
• Coordinate and prepare clear, accurate and timely briefing materials, presentations and correspondence that will include written and graphic material.
• Maintain relationships with stakeholders and team.
• Engage in regular communication with departmental staff to gather and coordinate information.
• Review and comment on planning policy, development schemes, and land development options to support the department's objectives.
• Review legislation, regulations, consultant reports, public interest reports, academic research and various other documents.

Qualifications and Experience

You will have a bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Planning, Community Development, Geography, or Public Administration) and at least five (5) years of related experience; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

You must be able to demonstrate you have the following knowledge and experience:

• Demonstrate a high attention to detail; ensuring accuracy in research, analysis, and reporting;
• Have organizational and project management skills, with the ability to balance priorities;
• Possess analytical capabilities to interpret data, trends, and patterns effectively for informed decision-making ;
• Understanding of land use planning legislation and regulation in Nova Scotia.
• Familiarity with property law.
• Understanding of municipal operations and the organization of municipal government.
• Demonstrate the ability to leverage data to create persuasive proposals for senior management.
• Have well-developed written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present information clearly and concisely;
• Be familiar with various software applications, particularly Microsoft Office products;
• Be comfortable with firm time constraints, handling pressure effectively when meeting deadlines and managing multiple projects concurrently;
• Demonstrate the ability to work independently using sound judgement and considerable initiative;
• Balance priorities effectively and foster positive collaboration within the team and across departments.
• Have a valid Nova Scotia Driver's license.

Though not required, some desirable assets include:

• General knowledge of mortgage lending, the ability to read construction documents, and familiarity with real estate development processes and/ or property management.
• Experience working with provincial land registration systems.
• Membership in a related professional association, either designated or working towards a recognized designation.
• Competency in the use of ArcGISPro.

We will assess the above qualifications and competencies using one or more of the following tools written submissions, 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. Equivalencies include, but are not limited to:

• A related master's degree and three (3) years of related experience
• A related 2-year diploma and seven (7) years of related experience
• Nine (9) years of total related experience

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 work is in a comfortable office environment. There is a need for you to balance competing priorities, attend multiple meetings, and meet strict deadlines. Provincial travel may be required.

Additional Information

A valid Nova Scotia driver's license and access to a reliable vehicle for travel to various project sites are required.

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.
• Department Specific Flexible working schedules.