Competition # : 46052
Department: Labour, Skills and Immigration
Location: HALIFAX
Type of Employment: Term
Union Status: NSGEU - NSPG
Closing Date: 04-Jun-25 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)
The Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration works to provide fairness, safety and prosperity for all Nova Scotians by helping them live, learn and work to their highest potential. We have a staff of more than 500 employees working from offices throughout Nova Scotia. Together we are responsible for workplace safety, fire safety, pen-sions, apprenticeship, adult education, and many other facets of everyday life.
Be part of a dynamic team delivering impactful government-funded programs. The Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency (NSAA) is seeking a Program Administration Officer to join the team. In this role, you will be responsible for the administration and delivery of funding programs including agreement management. You will also provide client service, process financial transactions and contribute to policy development and project/program management. Additionally, you will build partnerships, promote services, and play a key role in communications and reporting. This opportunity is ideal for someone who enjoys problem-solving, values collaboration, champions equity and inclusion, and is passionate about enhancing public services through data and project support.
This position reports to the Manager, Special Initiatives.
In the realm of Program Delivery & Administration, the role involves administering, implementing, and interpreting government-funded programs and services. This includes conducting research and participating in the development and evaluation of program objectives, policies, and processes. Additionally, the role requires coordinating and monitoring the delivery of funding programs and services, as well as managing various financial transactions and program processes such as Winshuttle uploads, cheque requisitions, vendor requests, stop payments, and cheque cancellations.
Client Service & Support is another critical aspect of the role, where providing advice and support to clients about program eligibility and application processes is essential. This includes assessing client eligibility, guiding applicants, and supporting the resolution of service issues. Responding to complaints or inquiries and resolving issues in accordance with policy is also a key responsibility.
Partnership Development & External Relations involves building and maintaining relationships with internal and external partners and clients. Promoting programs through presentations and outreach materials is an important part of this role. Communication & Reporting duties include preparing reports, briefing notes, and presentations, as well as developing program materials, forms, and resources for internal and public use. Contributing to marketing, social media, and internal communications is also expected.
Finally, Project Support & Evaluation encompasses assisting with and supporting the implementation of new initiatives and pilot programs. This includes collecting data, monitoring performance, and assisting with program reviews and evaluations. Other operational duties as deemed necessary and required are also part of the role.
This may be the right opportunity for you if you possess a bachelor’s degree or post-secondary education in public administration, social sciences, or a related field, with at least three (3) years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365, particularly Excel, as well as familiarity with financial, client or agreement management systems such as LaMPSS, SAP, or ACIS is necessary.
You will work directly with clients to assess eligibility for funding programs, guide them through application processes, and resolve service-related issues. This requires strong communication and interpersonal skills, a client-focused mindset, and the ability to interpret and apply government policies, procedures, and legislation. Experience working with underrepresented or equity-seeking groups is highly valued, along with a demonstrated commitment to equity and inclusion.
A key part of the role involves promoting programs and services to a variety of audiences. You will be responsible for developing and delivering presentations, creating outreach materials, and representing the Agency in meetings and events, therefore confidence in public speaking and presentation delivery is important.
Collaboration is central to this position. You will work as part of an integrated, multi-disciplinary team that includes other divisions of the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency, other branches within LSI, and other government departments, training providers, community organizations, and industry partners. Success in this role requires strong relationship-building skills, the ability to work independently or as part of a team, and adaptability in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities.
You will also contribute to communications and reporting by preparing briefing notes, reports, and public-facing materials. Strong writing skills and attention to detail are essential. Additionally, you will support new initiatives and pilot projects by supporting project management functions including planning, data analysis, and performance monitoring—so analytical thinking and a proactive approach to problem-solving are key.
We will assess the above qualifications and competencies using one or more of the following tools: Interviews, reference checks, oral presentations, and written exercises.
While not required the following will be considered assets:
Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.
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.
This is a TERM employment opportunity with anticipated end date of June 12, 2026. The appointment status (‘term’, ‘temporary’ or ‘casual’) is dependent on the start date of the successful candidate.
Pay Grade: PR 06 - PR 10
Salary Range: $1,924.95 - $2,760.42 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 competitions@novascotia.ca.
This is a bargaining unit position initially restricted to current civil service employees represented by the Nova Scotia Government Employees Union (NSGEU). If applying from outside a government office, employees must apply correctly via this link:
Failure to apply correctly means that your application will not be given first consideration as a bargaining unit applicant, and will only be included if external applications are pursued.
External applicants and current casual employees will only be considered if there are no qualified civil service bargaining unit candidates. 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 Competitions@novascotia.ca.
We are committed to hiring military and Veteran spouses and encourage you to identify your connection with the MSEN when reaching out to us or applying to any of our open roles.
Have questions or want to learn more about us? We would love to hear from you!
Email: competitions@novascotia.ca