Program Specialist

**Competition #**: 43204

**Department**: Labour, Skills and Immigration

**Location**: HALIFAX

**Type of Employment**: Term

**Union Status**: NSGEU - NSPG

**Closing Date**: 26-Jun-24 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)

About Us

The Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration (LSI) works as a trusted partner to grow the population, develop our current and future workforce, and foster inclusive, safe and fair workplaces. This includes welcoming people from across Canada and the world, helping people prepare for job opportunities and build the skills they need, promoting safe work environments and helping employers and employees know their rights and responsibilities. We work together to create a future where everyone has an opportunity to thrive.

The Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency was created in 2014 to operate and steward a responsive and accessible trades training system for the province of Nova Scotia. We are committed to creating a system where all are welcome, supported in their learning, experience respect and inclusion throughout their journeys and achieve certification in their trade.

About Our Opportunity

As the Program Specialist you will be responsible for administering the programs and services for the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency.

As the Program Specialist, you will carry out activities necessary to effectively fulfill the legislative obligations of the Apprenticeship and Trades Qualifications Act and mandate of the Apprenticeship and Trades Qualifications System as articulated in the Agency's operating charter. You will help build knowledge and awareness of the services provided by the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency. You will work collaboratively as a member of an integrated, multi-disciplinary team involving other divisions of the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency, and a broad range of stakeholders - other branches within the Department of Labour, Skills, and Immigration, other government departments, jurisdictions, training providers, and external stakeholders including industry and equity-deserving organizations and/or communities.

This position reports to the Manager, Special Initiatives.

Primary Accountabilities

**As Program Specialist you will**:
Plan, design, maintain and evaluate funding program policies and procedures for financial incentive programs. This includes writing program policies, guidelines and operational processes and tools.
Perform analysis of policy, programs, and delivery processes and develop recommendations for policy improvements and implement changes. This includes writing reports.
Provide program administration services for a portfolio of financial incentive programs.
Be knowledgeable in agreement management practices for individual and organizational funding agreements.
Execute various financial transactions to initiate grant and/or funding payments.
Engage with employers, apprentices, internal and external partners and deliver presentations and/or webinars on programs and services offered at NSAA.
Provide various project management functions.
Work closely with a team of professionals to ensure the successful administration and delivery of programs and services to our clients.
Conduct other operational duties, as required, within the Special Initiatives Team and Program & Operations division.

Qualifications and Experience

This may be the right opportunity for you if you have a bachelor's degree with 5 years of related experience or an equivalent combination of training or experience will be considered.

You have a high level of independent judgement, initiative, strong time management and decision-making skills, an ability to multi-task and handle and organize large workloads and the ability to prepare and execute plans and adapt as needed.

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. A vehicle and a valid drivers' license are required to fulfill the roles of this position.

Equivalency

**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

Access to reliable transportation.
May be required to work overtime on occasion.
Some travel throughout the province will be required.

Additional Information

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