Department: Finance
Please Quote Competition #610987-CB

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 Aboriginal People, African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible People, Persons with Disabilities and Women in occupations or positions where they are under-represented.  If you are a member of one of the equity groups you are encouraged to self-identify, on either your application form, your covering letter or your resume.

Duties:
The Nova Scotia Department of Finance is seeking an experienced professional to fill a key position in its Taxation and Fiscal Policy Division.  The work of this Division is critical to the fiscal management of the province.  Policy Strategists advise the department and government on taxation, transfers and other revenues for fiscal planning, policy coherence and economic objectives.

Reporting to the Director, you will be part of a team of three Policy Strategists focussed on strategic analysis, policy formulation and advice and revenue forecasting.  The Policy Strategist will be accountable for leading and managing a team of highly-skilled staff.  The Policy Strategist’s team produces quantitative analysis, research studies, policy development, briefing materials, proposals and recommendations for several key clients, including Department senior management, Executive Council, other Provincial Departments and other governments.

The Policy Strategist is responsible for developing policy options to assist with Ministerial and Executive Council decision making, as well as working cooperatively with other departments to ensure that economic policies and tax/revenue instruments are aligned with government priorities and obligations.  In addition, the Policy Strategist assists in program design and implementation; prepares legislative and regulatory frameworks; assesses and reports on key revenue sources; and represents the department on inter-departmental and inter-provincial work teams.

Qualifications:
A university degree along with seven years of related experience or a Masters/post-graduate designation in a relevant discipline (economics) plus a minimum of three years of related experience or an acceptable combination of education and experience.

A sound background in policy analysis – ideally in a public sector environment, project management, strategic development, and managing stakeholder expectations at a senior level is required.  Well developed decision-making, organizational, analytical and problem solving skills are essential.  The successful candidate must demonstrate strong interpersonal, verbal and written communication, presentation and leadership abilities.  A working knowledge of accounting, finance, economics and taxation is required.  The successful candidate will demonstrate computer proficiency in data organization, assessment and analysis.  Familiarity with issues related to the economic environment, fiscal planning and management, and government budget processes as they relate to Nova Scotia is valuable.  The ideal candidate will be a proven manager, highly professional, a team player and will demonstrate an ability to work independently.  Your application must clearly demonstrate how you meet these qualifications.

Classification:   MCP 23
Salary Range:  $65,505 - $85,157
Closing Date:    November 23, 2009

Please send your cover letter and resume as one document when applying via email.  Also please quote the competition number in the email subject line and in your cover letter.  Applications and resumes must be received by midnight on the date of closing.  Submissions may be made by fax, email, Access Nova Scotia Centres or delivered to the department address.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Applications/Resumes can be sent to:
Human Resources Division 
Johnston Building
1672 Granville Street
PO Box 186
Halifax, NS  B3J 2N2
Fax: 902 424 7676
Email Contact: tpwfin-csu-job-apps@gov.ns.ca