Back to job search
Build Nova Scotia logo

Senior Policy Analyst

  • Halifax, NS
  • On-site
  • Posted Oct 14, 2026
  • 1 position

$3,135–$4,311 / week

Opens LinkedIn

Sign in to save this job
Employment type
Full-time
Experience level
Senior · 5+ years
Minimum education
Bachelor’s degree
Posting language
English
Working hours
40 hours per week
Seniority
Mid-Senior level

Job summary

Lead research and analysis of complex policy issues, develop options and recommendations, and advise senior leadership to support evidence-based decisions and alignment with government priorities. Coordinate policy and legislative initiatives, strategic and business planning, stakeholder engagement, accountability reporting, and corporate governance processes.

Job details

Discover The Opportunity Halifax, NS In-person Other Experienced Full-time $1,567.68 - $2,155.56 / week Benefits: Health Insurance Dental Insurance Paid Time Off Pension plan Life Insurance Disability Insurance Employee Assistance Program The Senior Policy Analyst will provide policy analysis and strategic advice to senior leadership of Build NS to promote effective planning, policy development, implementation and evaluation of programs and policies related to projects, programs and priorities to ensure evidence-based decision making. Reporting to the Director, Policy and Research, the Senior Policy Analyst will 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 and corporate issues. This position will play a major role in supporting informed, effective decision-making within the organization and coordinate and participate extensively in areas of policy development and legislative change. In addition, this role will support in the business planning process and accountability requirements to assure satisfactory governance. Share What you'll do Responsibilities 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 stakeholders. Works collaboratively on submissions to Executive Council and Treasury and Policy Board (e.g., Memorandums to Executive Council, Reports & Recommendations to Executive Council, Requests for Legislation). Consults with Treasury and Policy Board, Finance CSU, and Justice to ensure sound policy development. Participates in briefings and presentations to support the President/CEO, VP's and Senior Directors in appearances at Executive Council, Public Accounts, etc. Alignment Of Corporation's Priorities With Government Objectives And Commitments: The Senior Policy Analyst is required to manage a broad range of corporation-wide policy initiatives that are at a high level of complexity and require significant leadership and understanding of corporate and government issues and priorities. The Senior Policy Analyst has a solid understanding of and plays a key role in addressing major policy issues and will build and maintain a strong network of colleagues throughout the corporation and across Government. Represents the Division/Corporation 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. Corporation Goals Are Realized: Provides leadership within the corporation in the development of long-term strategic plans to address critical issues. Ensure 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 corporation in identification of strategies to ensure the corporation's goals are realized. Good Governance And Accountability: Supports the Corporation's accountability requirements to assure good governance. This includes participating in the process of preparing the annual Business Plan and 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. Ensure that Corporation and Government priorities are addressed. Leads the internal policy development process by collaborating with subject matter experts to develop corporate policies, processes and procedures; researching best practices; coordinating review processes and presentations to the Executive Leadership Team; engaging with divisions on an annual basis, to identify and address policy needs; and conducting annual policy reviews. Brief and provide advice to senior management and the Office of the CEO/President, regarding policy issues of significance to the Corporation. What you'll need Qualifications 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. This competition will remain open until filled. We're looking for Core Skills Governance Government Policy Public Policy A Little Bit About Us Build Nova Scotia 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. Are you interested? Work With Us Pay Grade: NSL-13 Salary Range: $3135.37 - $4311.13 Bi-Weekly Salary Placement: The placement of a new hire into the salary range is based on an objective salary rating process. This process will assess the knowledge, skills, experiences and overall qualifications of a candidate to determine appropriate placement. Each pay grade has established steps, and new hires cannot exceed certain maximums which are outlined in the Compensation Framework. Benefits: Build Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits including: Defined Benefit Pension Plan Health, Dental and Life Insurance Paid Vacation and General Illness Leave Short- and Long-Term Disability Employee and Family Assistance Programs Professional Development Opportunities

What you’ll do

Lead research and analysis of complex policy issues, develop options and recommendations, and advise senior leadership to support evidence-based decisions and alignment with government priorities. Coordinate policy and legislative initiatives, strategic and business planning, stakeholder engagement, accountability reporting, and corporate governance processes.

Requirements

A bachelor's degree in business or public administration and at least five years of experience in policy analysis, strategic and business planning, project management, legislative planning or analysis, and Executive Council submissions are required. Candidates should demonstrate leadership, strong communication and presentation skills, stakeholder experience, sound judgment, and the ability to manage complex situations and lead change.

Benefits

  • Defined Benefit Pension Plan
  • Health Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • Paid Vacation
  • General Illness Leave
  • Short-Term Disability Insurance
  • Long-Term Disability Insurance
  • Employee and Family Assistance Program
  • Professional Development Opportunities

Listed skills

  • written communication · Preferred
  • Policy development · Preferred
  • Leadership · Preferred
  • Project management · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

  • Policy Analysis
  • Strategic Planning
  • Business Planning
  • Project Management
  • Legislative Analysis
  • Governance
  • Public Policy
  • Government Relations
  • Research Methods
  • Policy Development
  • Stakeholder Consultation
  • Leadership
  • Written Communication
  • Verbal Communication
  • Presentation and Facilitation
  • Risk Assessment

Job areas

  • Government & Public Sector
  • Management & Leadership
  • Legal
  • Consulting

More jobs from Build Nova Scotia

See all jobs from Build Nova Scotia