Senior Advisor

About Us

Building and maintaining our provincial infrastructure is no small job.

The Department of Public Works supports Nova Scotia's 23,000 kilometers of roads and highways and 4,100 bridges. We are responsible for managing major capital construction projects, snow and ice control services, along with road maintenance and repair services.

We're recruiting for a Senior Advisor. If you're looking for an opportunity to get involved with the growth and development of Nova Scotia's public infrastructure, providing innovative solutions on project delivery while fostering partnership with stakeholders, then this is the opportunity for you.

About Our Opportunity

Reporting to the Director of Federal Infrastructure Programs and Stakeholder Engagement, the Senior Advisor works in the Strategic Planning, Funding and Engagement division of the Department of Public Works.

The Senior Advisor provides strategic advice on major capital initiatives that are primarily related to federal infrastructure funding programs with cross-departmental implications. In addition, with expertise in alternative delivery models, you will provide leadership on the identification, planning, design, implementation, integration, and evaluation for strategic projects with a focus on project finance and contract management matters. In both capacities, the Senior Advisor delivers expert advice to create "new and improved" solutions to changing needs.

This will also involve active collaboration and information sharing with the federal government, key stakeholders such as departments/ agencies, and the ultimate funding recipients on matters related to both federal infrastructure funding programs and strategic provincial projects, in support of provincial infrastructure priorities.

Primary Accountabilities

Key responsibilities for the position include:

• Provides strategic advice on major capital initiatives across government, by leading and guiding the development and implementation of major, multi-stakeholder projects and initiatives, while considering opportunities to maximizing federal contribution in support of provincial infrastructure priorities.
• Manages the delivery and takes direct ownership in the design and implementation of strategic projects that may benefit from alternative delivery models. This includes developing and maintaining the vision and goals for the projects matching project plan to departmental vision and goals and ensuring appropriate contractual requirements are prescribed and adhered to such that projects are successful and expected value to the province is realized.
• Develops and maintains formal partnerships and collaborative relationships with colleagues and key stakeholders internal to government and across the broader public (including the federal government), and private sectors, capturing broader business and program interests.
• Provides input into the development of compliance policies, develops underlying procedures and monitors their implementation for project and contract management of alternative delivery projects (such as P3s) within the department and across government. Develops and/or delivers elements of a strategic planning with guidance from senior management.
• Delivers expert research, analysis, consultation, and advice on project issues to client departments. Makes a significant improvement on short-term or long-term business performance by recommending authoritative technical and/or professional solutions.
• Manages a team of professionals (internal direct reports, internal resources, external resources and cross-departmental subject matter experts) to deliver on key initiatives.
• Contributes to Department special projects and initiatives as required.

Qualifications and Experience

Bachelor's degree and a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation, plus five (5) years related experience, or an equivalent combination of training and experience. A Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA), Project Management Professional (PMP) or Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) designation and licensed to practice with Engineers Nova Scotia required or working towards them is considered an asset.

Experience

• Demonstrated project management experience to develop and implement innovative solutions by integrating and analyzing complex, diverse information sources, overcoming ongoing challenges in complex, collaborative environments to achieve organizational objectives.
• Demonstrated financial expertise in a variety of project delivery methods including alterative delivery models such as Progressive Design-Build, P3, Integrated Project Delivery and Collaborative Construction Contracts, in particular pertaining to project financing.
• Experience preparing advice and recommendations for government, including Memoranda to Executive Council, Reports and Recommendations is considered an asset.
• Knowledge of federal infrastructure programs and contribution agreements is considered an asset.

Aptitude

• You are a self-starter and an innovative thinker who is solutions oriented. You analyze and present information in a clear and concise manner. You have well developed planning and organizational skills, coupled with the ability to multi-task and adapt with competing priorities and deadlines. You are attentive to details and possess the ability to accurately interpret program guidelines.
• You have proven experience maintaining effective working relationships with stakeholders and colleagues. You exercise sound judgement and a high degree of professionalism when providing technical advice. You are a self-motivated individual who works both independently with minimal supervision and participates fully as an effective team player.

Other

You must be proficient in the use of Microsoft Suites and demonstrate a good understanding of computer technologies. Experience with procurement and Ariba is considered an asset.

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: oral presentations, interview(s), and reference checks.

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.

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.

Working Conditions

Work is primarily based in an office environment. Normal work week is 35 hours/ week, 7 hours/ day.

Additional Information

This is a Term position employment opportunity, with an anticipated end date of September 30, 2026. The appointment status Term is dependent on the start date of the successful candidate.

What We Offer

• Career development where you have access to career guidance, tools, resources, and ongoing training for every stage of your career
• Engaging workplace: our employees feel valued, respected, connected, and tuned in, we have forward-thinking policies and strategies
• Countless career paths