Competition # : 43476
Department: Public Service Commission
Location: HALIFAX
Type of Employment: Permanent
Union Status: Exclusion - Non Union - NSPG
Closing Date: 12-Jul-24 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)

Designation Status

This opportunity is designated to applicants that identify as: Indigenous Person, African/Black Nova Scotian and other Racialized Persons, and Person with a Disability.

See the Nova Scotia Government's Employment Equity Policy for more information, including additional details on the designated groups.

About Us

The Public Service Commission (PSC) ensures government has the people and tools to help deliver programs and services to Nova Scotians. It aims to be an inclusive and engaged, client-centric human resources organization within the Nova Scotia Public Service. Our work culture is one of collaboration, flexibility, partnership and continuous improvement.

The PSC is responsible for determining the human-resource management policies, programs, standards and procedures necessary for the public service; and provides direction, advice and assistance regarding implementation.

The pillars of our work include:

• Building a diverse workforce with the necessary talents, experience, and skills;
• Developing client-focused, person-centred approaches to HR service delivery;
• Supporting employee well-being, resilience, and engagement; and
• Supporting welcoming and inclusive workplace cultures.

For more information on the Public Service Commission, please visit the following link: https://beta.novascotia.ca/government/public-service-commission

About Our Opportunity

If you are looking to flex and develop your leadership skills to ensure the systems, policies, programs and services across government are inclusive and accessible, this senior leadership opportunity may be for you.

We are looking for an accomplished senior leader who:

• Embodies our mission of identifying equitable, inclusive, and innovative solutions to workforce challenges in Nova Scotia
• Cultivates new relationships while reinforcing existing ones, fostering a collaborative environment
• Is described by colleagues as a capable and solid leader who can tailor their approach for each situation
• Sees the big picture along with the shorter-term goals that can be achieved, celebrating successes and committing to learn from failures
• Is reliable as a "go to" expert but remains open to learning from colleagues and continuously expands their knowledge
• Balances transparency with the need to protect privacy

Primary Accountabilities

Reporting to the Executive Director, Corporate Services and working within a central agency environment, the Senior Advisor, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (EDIA) will work across the executive and senior leadership to provide strategic level leadership and guidance to embed equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility into our human resources policies, programs, operations, and practices. This role plays crucial part in ensuring the department meets its mandate and aligns with strategic direction.

You will be accountable for:

• Serving as expert advisor to executive and senior leadership on EDIA matters, collaborating with peers to modernize and transform service delivery;
• Developing and implementing measurable initiatives that promote inclusivity and diversity. This includes recommending options and decisions based on current and innovative best practices and trends to meet workforce needs, while working with colleagues to maximize collective impact;
• Guiding the organization to be equitable, inclusive, and welcoming;
• Collaborating with various networks, communities and with peers to measure and improve EDIA outcomes;
• Representing the Department on the Province of Nova Scotia's Diversity Round Table and other committees, including interjurisdictional committees; and
• Maintaining a strong balance between meeting client and colleague expectations, while meeting or exceeding public sector standards and privacy legislation, ensuring that recommended pathways support internal and external audit requirements.

Qualifications and Experience

This could be the right role for you if you have the following skills and work experience.

• Every candidate's journey is unique, and we are open to considering an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Proven experience in leading EDIA initiatives in the public sector, particularly in a unionized work environment. Your experience may encompass a variety of roles and with a variety of communities.
• Post-secondary education in a relevant area plus a minimum of 5 years of progressive experience.
• Strong analytical skills to research and analyze complex policy issues. Ability to collaboratively develop strategies and plans for policy initiatives and implementation.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills, and adept at crafting executive briefs and proposals, senior leadership presentations, showcasing your ability to distill complex information into clear and understandable documents.
• Innovative thinker with a forward-thinking approach to EDIA in a multi-generational, intersectional workforce in a changing labour market.
• Able to work in a fast paced, technologically advancing workplace.

Assets

The following are considered assets for this role:

• Change management certification.

Equivalency

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.
We will assess the above qualifications and competencies using one or more of the following tools: written and/or oral presentations, interview(s), and reference checks.

LEADS

The Government of Nova Scotia has adopted the LEADS Leadership Framework. During the interview, candidates will be expected to express how they have demonstrated the key behaviours and capabilities required to effectively lead in a caring and inclusive environment. LEADS Domains includes Leads Self, Engage Others, Achieve Results, Develop Coalitions and Systems Transformation.

Please follow LEADS (novascotia.ca) for more information.

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.

Benefits

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.

What We Offer

Cross-Sector Collaboration: Experience the power of collaboration as you engage with various government departments. Unlock a world of knowledge, expertise, and connections, contributing to the betterment of our province.

Lifelong Learning: Continuously expand your knowledge and skills through training and development programs.

Growth & Development: Open doors to professional growth. Explore diverse career paths in the public service.

Professional Advancement: Immerse yourself in the government landscape and discover endless opportunities for learning, advancement, and making a meaningful impact.

Flexible Work Arrangements: Accommodate your needs with various options for flexibility.

Work-Life Balance: Maintain a healthy work-life balance with a 35-hour workweek.

Generous Time Off: Enjoy all national/civic holidays, 18 sick days, and family leave provisions.

Employee and Family Support: Access our Employee and Family Assistance Programs for resources and guidance.

Support in Times of Need: Receive short- and long-term disability assistance when required.

Secure Your Future: Take advantage of our defined benefits pension plan for a stable retirement.

Working Conditions

Majority of time is spent in an office setting in Halifax, with a potential for some flexible work from home arrangements.

Pay Grade: EC 13
Salary Range: $4,055.86 - $5,069.81 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.

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 [email protected].