Program Specialist, Policing Initiatives; Program Admin Officer Regional Municipality

Overview

The Public Safety and Security Division (PSSD) is committed to supporting the safety and security of Nova Scotians through collaboration with communities and partners across the province and country. We deliver a wide range of programs, supports, and services in accordance with provincial and federal legislation and are committed to ensuring services are accessible, equitable, and representative of the communities we serve.

• Policing Strategies and Governance
• Crime Prevention and Indigenous Policing
• Safety and Security Investigations Unit
• Provincial Firearms Program
• Security Programs Office
• Service Dog Program
• Public Safety Audit Function
• Police Modernization

“An exciting opportunity exists to join the Department of Justice within the Public Safety and Security Division, Policing Strategies and Governance Section.” The Policing Strategies and Governance Section focuses on creating policing standards, managing contracts and agreements, advancing crime prevention initiatives, coordinating training, and supporting policy and legislation development.

• Conduct research, analyse, and synthesize information from internal and external sources to support evidence‑based decision‑making.
• Prepare briefing materials and reports, including briefing notes, jurisdictional scans, presentations, and correspondence for senior management and executive leadership.
• Support planning and implementation of public safety programs and initiatives, including coordination of contracts and agreements, development of implementation plans, monitoring progress to ensure timely and effective delivery, and recommending improvements.
• Prepare and coordinate correspondence and communications materials, including responses to inquiries from stakeholders and the public, and support the development of internal and external communications.
• Collaborate with Finance staff to support budget monitoring and forecasting activities, tracking expenditures, identifying variances, and contributing to financial reporting.
• Manage relationships with justice partners and service providers and participate on working groups and committees.
• Leverage skills and knowledge to supervise and/or provide guidance to junior employees and/or support staff.

To be considered for this opportunity you have a bachelor’s degree in a related discipline plus five years of related experience in policy/program planning and development, and/or public safety. An equivalent combination of training and experience will be considered.

• Interpersonal skills & relationship building
  : you have experience working with a wide range of partners and can develop contacts and relationships within an organization to achieve organizational goals.
• Communication skills
  : you can communicate effectively with a range of audiences through written materials (such as briefing notes & reports) and presentations.
• Analytical thinking
  : you have robust research and analysis skills and can synthesize and present information to inform recommendations and decision‑making.
• Innovation & Problem‑solving
  : you can identify issues and develop creative and practical solutions to improve outcomes.
• Intercultural and Diversity Proficiency
  : you acknowledge and understand systemic barriers and seek out diverse perspectives.
• Manages themselves & others
  : you can work independently, set priorities and manage deadlines while balancing multiple tasks. Additionally, you can use your knowledge to provide guidance to others.
• Resilience and Adaptability
  : you can work in a fact‑paced environment and remain flexible in the face of change or shifting priorities.

• Experience with engagement processes
• Experience with program development/management
• Experience working with law enforcement
• Knowledge of public safety processes

We recognise equivalent contributions of training, education, and experience, providing opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds to contribute their skills and expertise.

Equivalencies include, but are not limited to:

• A related master’s degree and three (3) years of related experience in policy/program planning and development.
• A related…