Opportunities: Public Safety and Policing Advisor

Competition # : 47477 

Department: Justice

Location: HALIFAX

Type of Employment: Permanent

Union Status: Exclusion - Non Union - NSPG 

Closing Date: 01-Dec-25  (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)

Public Safety and Security Division (PSSD) is committed to supporting the safety and security of Nova Scotians by collaborating with various stakeholders and communities across the country. We provide a range of programs, supports, and services, which are in accordance with provincial and federal legislation. We are committed to ensuring services are accessible and representative of the communities we serve.

The Public Safety and Security Division is comprised of the following Units:
 

• Policing Strategies and Governance
• Crime Prevention
• Public Safety Investigations
• Corporate Security
• Provincial Firearms Program
• Security Programs Office
• Service Dog Program
• Public Safety Audit Function

For more information on the Department of Justice Public Safety and Security Division please visit the following link:
 

The Public Safety Advisor is responsible to provide consultative, research and advisory services on all matters relating to public safety. This may include:
 

• Monitoring and amending public safety programs to ensure they comply departmental priorities and public safety needs;
• Representing the Province on issues relating to public safety on federal/provincial/territorial committees;
• Representing the Department of Justice at law enforcement and public safety functions;
• Serving as liaison on interdepartmental committees; and
• Working with policing, government and community partners to make Nova Scotia a safer place to live and work.
• Conducting research, assessing and making recommendations on current programs managed or administered by the Department of Justice.

The Public Safety and Policing Advisor will be responsible for several projects and initiatives that support the delivery of public safety programs. Under the direction of the Manager of Policing Strategies and Governance, this position helps to define and manage the overall project(s) that impact internal and external interested parties and assist the Department in delivering its vision, mission, and mandate. 

Specifically, this position will be responsible for reviewing, analyzing, and developing new program areas to drive innovation and meet the evolving needs of Nova Scotians.

This position will play a role in advancing police modernization initiatives. The position may manage projects within defined scope, timelines, and budgets, while fostering collaboration with internal and external partners. It will support strategic change management and communications to ensure stakeholder engagement and readiness, and contribute to continuous improvement through monitoring, reporting, and identifying opportunities for innovation.
 

• Assess programs and policies and subsequently makes recommendations or develops alternatives related to specific programming to enhance public safety,
• Prepare written material, including briefing notes, submissions to Executive Council, correspondence, discussion papers and proposals,
• Identify, analyze, and respond to emergent issues on behalf of the Division in a manner that is consistent with Divisional and Departmental practices, and
• Responsible for managing the completion of work products, allocating and utilizing resources in an efficient manner and maintaining a collaborative, motivated and successful approach. Provide direction and/or development of the project(s) and associated plan(s).
  
   

The ideal candidate will have a bachelors' degree and five years of related experience in project management or program review. A combination of education and experience will also be considered.

To be successful in this role, the candidate will have knowledge of factors that influence public safety issues. An ability to assess and provide objective finding and recommendations of new or existing programs will be essential.

The ideal candidate will possess motivation and an ability to problem-solve while making decisions in consultation with Divisional senior leadership. Sound judgement and application of common sense, with the proven ability to offer creative and innovative solutions to sensitive problems, is required. Strong analytical, interpersonal and communication skills are essential. An understanding of budgeting is required to the successful deliver of this work.

The ideal candidate will have previous experience in managing multiple projects and deadlines; administration experience with legislation and policies; and excellent verbal and written skills, along with attention to detail in terms of reading and disseminating information.

Assets for this role include:

 

• Project Manager Certification
• Proficiency in French 

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.

 

Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.

 

Based on the employment status, 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.
 

Most of your time is spent in a comfortable office setting and may involve sitting for long periods of time. Travel throughout the province may be required. Your normal work week is 35 hours/week. You may be required to work overtime on occasion.

 

This is a Permanent employment opportunity.

Proficiency in French would be considered an asset. 
 

• 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. 
  
   

Pay Grade:  EC 11 

Salary Range:  $3, $4,273.75 Bi-Weekly   

Employment Equity Statement:

Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the citizens we serve.  The Government of Nova Scotia has an Employment Equity Policy, and we welcome applications from Indigenous People, African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Persons with Disabilities and Women in occupations or positions where they are under-represented.  If you are a member of one of these equity groups, you are encouraged to self-identify on your electronic application. 

Accommodation Statement:

We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. Candidates may request accommodations based on any grounds protected by the Human Rights Act. If you require an accommodation throughout the recruitment process, please contact us at

Current government employees may access this posting through the link below:

PLEASE NOTE: Candidates will not be considered for an interview if applications are incomplete or are missing information. 

Offer of employment is conditional upon the completion of all applicable background checks and confirmation of credentials, the results of which must be satisfactory to the employer. We thank all applicants for the interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. All questions and concerns may be directed to