About this role
Competition # : 50161 Department: Natural ResourcesLocation: HALIFAXType of Employment: PermanentUnion Status: Exclusion - Non Union - NSPG Closing Date: 24-Nov-26 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)About UsNova Scotia is rich in natural resources - including biodiversity, forests, geological resources, provincial parks and the land we manage. The Department of Natural Resources is responsible for the development, management, conversation and protection of forest, mineral, parks and wildlife resources and the administration of the province's crown land. Together, we are working with Nova Scotians to build a better future through sustainable natural resource management as we all benefit from the natural health and wealth of the province.
About Our OpportunityAs Director, Strategic Policy and Planning, you provide leadership in facilitating appropriate linkages between policy, program and delivery structures, and developing new inclusive approaches which will generate greater collective knowledge and enhance capacity for integrated, collaborative policy planning, legislative and regulatory development. In addition, you provide strategic direction and oversight for the research, design, planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of department strategies and initiatives. Further, you are responsible for directing a team of policy professionals, including maintaining appropriate relationships with central agencies (ECO, OSE, FTB), and directing and ensuring the quality of DNR and DOE submissions to Executive Council.
- Primary AccountabilitiesLead and develop an effective, coordinated strategic planning infrastructure with associated policy, planning and regulatory management processes, change management, standards and guidelines for DNR/DOE.
- Lead policy/planning initiatives, with an emphasis on those related to key natural resource and energy strategies.
- Provide broad oversight for environmental scanning and analyses to monitor trends, identify gaps and risks in internal planning activities and to inform and stimulate discussion about future strategic directions and opportunities that might affect policy and planning decisions.
- Provide oversight for the development and coordination of legislative planning and response during the Legislative Sessions of the House.
- Oversee and directs the development of departmental Memos to Executive Council, R&Rs, legislative requests, Briefing Books, and all Committee appearances for DNR and DOE.
- Provide a planned approach to increase internal capacity and build and sustain required skill sets of the team to meet current and future needs, ensuring the policy and planning team are properly resourced, motivated, empowered and have access to opportunities for growth and development.
- Qualifications and Experience You are an innovative policy leader with an educational background in policy development and administration (e.g. Public Administration) and have progressive senior leadership experience in a related field.
- You demonstrate experience in evidence-based decision making and have a sound understanding of government processes.
- You also have the ability to adapt strategy as conditions change and develop or lead innovative ideas based on reasoning and creativity.
- You have a strategic orientation and demonstrate experience in taking a systems approach in the development of frameworks, strategies, policies, and programs.
- In doing so, you have experience undertaking innovative strategies and approaches to identify sustainable and effective policy and program options that align with broader government strategy and objectives.
- We also want to hear about your experience and achievements in maintaining professional and effective relationships, in leading and aligning teams, and in promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
- Progressive experience within government, across a variety of Departments, is considered an asset.
Required competencies for this position in