Competition # : 46237
Department: Labour, Skills and Immigration
Location: HALIFAX
Type of Employment: Permanent
Union Status: Exclusion - Non Union - NSPG
Closing Date: 19-Jun-25 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)
This opportunity is designated to applicants that identify as Indigenous Person, African/Black Nova Scotian and other Racialized Persons.
See the Nova Scotia Government’s Employment Equity Policy for more information, including additional details on the designated groups.
The Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency (NSAA) is responsible for stewarding and operating a relevant, accessible and responsive industry-led trades training and certification system and improving access to and participation in the system for Indigenous Peoples, African Nova Scotians, Person with Disabilities, Newcomers, Women and members of other equity-seeking groups.
Reporting to the Director of Strategic Skilled Trades Growth, as the Corporate Strategist, you will lead the development of NSAA's corporate and system improvement strategies, including the management of NSAA's legislative and regulatory agenda; Agency's strategic and business planning and reporting; and ensuring the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the Agency's Diversity and Inclusion Framework, in order to achieve the Agency's mandate as stated in the Operating Charter. You may also be responsible for managing a small team of staff providing corporate functions.
In this role, you will provide expert strategic policy analysis aligned with NSAA’s mandate . You will champion inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA) by reviewing and updating policies, procedures, and practices across the Agency from an IDEA lens. You may advise the CEO, Apprenticeship Board, Deputy Minister, and Minister on equity-focused systems change, leveraging research, data analysis and best practices to inform recommendations.
You will lead NSAA’s legislative and regulatory agenda by engaging partners, drafting submissions for Executive Council, and developing Requests for Legislation. You will research emerging trends and innovative approaches to ensure NSAA’s policies reflect leading practices in equity and accessibility.
You will oversee the creation, implementation, and reporting of NSAA’s Strategic Plan and annual business plan, embedding IDEA principles into all planning processes. You will establish metrics and evaluation frameworks to measure progress toward equity goals.
You will drive system and process improvements by designing cross-divisional initiatives that leverage data and partner insights. You may represent NSAA in federal/provincial/territorial meetings, advocating for inclusive trades policies and collaborating with equity-deserving communities.
You will respond to issues raised by senior leadership, including the Minister, Deputy Minister, and CEO, and prepare timely briefings on critical policy matters.
This may be the right opportunity for you if you have a Bachelors' degree plus several years of progressive experience in a strategy and policy development with an inclusive and equity lens, or an acceptable equivalent combination of training and experience.
As the ideal candidate you have experience leading teams, engaging in high level collaborations and building strong relationships among Senior Management and other partners. You have a demonstrated history in effectively influencing organizational change using change management and engagement strategies, in particular, highly skilled communication, taking initiative and strategic orientation.
You have the ability to problem solve and focus on efficiency and quality improvement.
You will bring demonstrated experience preparing Executive Council submissions and interpreting/applying legislation and regulations. Lived experience or established relationships within historic African Nova Scotian communities or Mi'kmaq/First Nations communities in Nova Scotia are valued assets.
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.
An equivalent combination of training, education and experience will be considered. Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.
Equivalent experience and training includes, but is not limited to:
Related experience should be progressive and demonstrate management of teams and multiple projects.
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 work is in a comfortable office environment. You may be required to travel to sites on occasion. There is a need for you to balance competing priorities and meet strict deadlines.
Pay Grade: EC 12
Salary Range: $3,760.89 - $4,701.11 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.
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 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