Strategic Governance Lead

To provide policy analysis and strategic advice to senior leadership of Build NS (BNS) to promote effective planning, policy development, implementation and evaluation of programs and policies related to land use and transportation infrastructure to ensure evidence-based decision making. Lead projects and participate in multi-disciplinary, interdepartmental and intergovernmental teams of senior staff in the identification and analysis of options and recommendations to respond to abroad range of policy issues. Play a major role in supporting informed, effective decision-making within the BNS. Coordinate and participate extensively in areas of policy development and legislative change. Lead the agency's business planning process and accountability requirements to assure good governance.

Informed and evidenced based decision making:

Undertakes research, develops and analyzes policy options and makes recommendations on a broad range of complex and sometimes conflicting issues in order to inform the decision-making process by senior management. This involves knowledge of research methods, coordination of multi-disciplinary teams to assist in the identification and analysis of policy options, drafting of policy papers and recommendations, development of policy instruments, and consultation with internal and external stakeholder

Reviews submissions to Executive Council and Treasury and Policy Board (e.g., Memorandums to Executive Council, Reports & Recommendations to Executive Council, Requests for Legislation, presentations to Issues Committee). Consults with Treasury and Policy Board, Finance CSU, and Justice to ensure sound policy development. Participates in briefings and presentations to support the CEO/President, VP's and Senior Directors in appearances at Executive Council,Public Accounts, etc.

Alignment of agency priorities with government objectives and commitments: The Senior Policy Advisor is required to manage a broad range of agency-wide policy initiatives that are at a high level of complexity and requires significant leadership and understanding of corporate and government issues and priorities. The Senior Policy Advisor has a solid understanding of and plays a key role in addressing major policy issues. The Senior Policy Advisor builds and maintains a strong network of colleagues throughout the Agency and across Government.

Represents the Division/Agency on task forces, work groups, project teams and advisory bodies to ensure that departmental priorities are considered in government policies and decision-making. A broad corporate understanding and extensive participation in senior cross-sector/department activity is essential.

Agency goals are realized:

Provides leadership within the Agency in the development of long-term strategic plans to address critical issues. Ensures that strategies are consistent with and support Government's vision and priorities. This responsibility is addressed by promoting broad dialogue among stakeholders to address key issues; undertaking environmental scanning to identify emerging trends; researching best practices; and, promoting involvement by staff at all levels of the Department in identification of strategies to ensure Departmental goals are realized.

Good governance and accountability:

Supports the Agency's accountability requirements to assure good governance. This includes preparing the annual Accountability Report, monitoring and documenting achievements, measuring outcomes, and responding to central agency requests. Promotes leadership by all components of the Department, including contracted agencies, by instituting processes such as outcome reporting and performance tracking. Ensures that Agency and Government priorities are addressed.

Productive working relationships with corporate supports:

Leads the Department's long term strategic and annual Statement of Mandate planning processes. Ensures program planning is integrated with the budget process so that Departmental policy direction and program priorities are linked to expenditure allocations. Strong linkages are also required with Finance, Human Resources, PMO, Corporate Strategy and Communications Divisions of BNS

Brief and provide advice to senior management and the Office of the CEO/President, regarding policy issues of significance to the Agency

Minimum of a bachelor's degree (business, public administration) with 5 years of experience in policy analysis, strategic and business planning, project management, legislative planning/analysis, and management of submissions to Executive Council Office.

Proven management and leadership skills; are able to demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills; and have extensive experience with presentations/facilitation.

Highly motivated, flexible and demonstrate expertise when dealing with complex situations requiring innovative and proactive solutions. Experience working with internal and external stakeholders is required. As a dynamic leader, you possess the ability to lead change, move forward new initiatives and overcome ongoing challenges. An excellent understanding of current departmental legislation, programs, and policies is a definite asset. A proven ability to make decisions and provide advice/recommendations in ambiguous situations using sound judgment and monitoring risk is required.

Build Nova Scotia is the Province's Crown Corporation responsible for leading sustainable development of high-potential property and infrastructure across our province to drive economic and population growth. In short, we build things-and how we build them matters as much as what we build. We engage Nova Scotia's diverse communities to lead and support projects that create inclusive, sustainable places that people love. We leverage our projects and programs as tools to bring people together in pursuit of keeping Nova Scotians healthy, connected, and thriving no matter where they live. A thriving community is a powerful thing, and we're doing our part to help communities reach their full potential by stewarding projects that enhance quality of life and community well-being, build local pride and momentum, and grow our economy.

Our goal is a diverse workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the clients we serve. Build 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 application.