Deputy Ombudsman

About Us

The primary mandate of the Office of Ombudsman is to investigate complaints under the Ombudsman Act arising from the administration of provincial and municipal laws in Nova Scotia. The Office may initiate investigations of administrative activities and practices (own motion investigations) or matters referred to it by a committee of the House of Assembly. The Office is also responsible for assessing and investigating disclosures of wrongdoing under the Public Interest Disclosure of Wrongdoing Act and making a determination on allegations of harassment under the House of Assembly Policy on the Prevention and Resolution of Harassment in the Workplace.

We are non-partisan and operate as an independent office of the legislature. The Ombudsman Act contemplates confidentiality, and its records are exempt from Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act requests.

About Our Opportunity

The Deputy Ombudsman oversees the activities of the Office to ensure the effective and timely delivery of programs and services, ensuring that all aspects of the organization are aligned with the Ombudsman's vision for the organization.

The Deputy Ombudsman is responsible for providing senior leadership and direction in the innovative and strategic management of the Ombudsman's Office. The Deputy acts as direct advisor to the Ombudsman on operations and provides ongoing direction and support to the Executive Management Team (EMT) to ensure the functioning and effective operation of the Office. The Deputy coordinates and plans the priorities for the Office by providing operational leadership and direction on the office mandates. The incumbent also directs the internal delivery of programs and services to the public and respondents on behalf of the Ombudsman.

Qualifications and Experience

Applicants must clearly demonstrate in their cover letter and/or resume the following qualifications to be given consideration:

Essential Qualifications:

• University degree in law, social science or other field related to the position, or an acceptable combination of education and experience. Preference given to a post-graduate degree. Legal training is an asset.
• A minimum of 10 years of executive level experience, leading within organizations of varying sizes.
• A minimum of 5 years progressive experience in financial (budget) and human resource management, leading teams of professionals, partnering and relationship building, and dealing with complex, sensitive investigations.
• A minimum of 15 years work related experience in one or a combination of the following:
  • developing and implementing strategic plans (operationally and administratively),
  • administrative law and procedure,
  • conducting investigations within a regulatory or legal framework,
  • report writing,
  • conflict resolution (informal and formal) of sensitive and confidential matters, and
  • building a culture of accountability and fairness.
• Proven ability to communicate effectively, both written and verbal.
• Experience developing and maintaining positive working relationships with stakeholders, media and other public interests.
• Leadership competencies required at this level of work are: decisiveness, change leadership, effective interactive communication, partnering and relationship building, intercultural and diversity proficiency, strategic orientation, self awareness and personal impact.

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.

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, 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.

Additional Information

The Deputy Ombudsman is appointed by the Ombudsman under the Ombudsman Act and approved by Order in Council and is required to take an oath of confidentiality, Criminal Records, and Child Abuse Registry Check. Such appointments are to be paid at rates of pay and receive benefits equivalent to civil service classifications.

Location and Working Conditions

Based in Halifax. Work is conducted predominantly in an office environment and includes external locations such as correctional facilities and adult/youth residential and secure care facilities.

Travel throughout the province, as required, sometimes on short notice. Day/night travel, sometimes with overnight stays. As well as out of province travel as required.

Consideration may be given to a flexible working schedule dependent upon operational requirements.