Information Access and Privacy Officer in Halifax

About Us

Information Access & Privacy (IAP) Services is an integrated unit that provides access and privacy services to government departments. In addition to providing client departments with operational advice and guidance on access and privacy issues, the Unit also promotes a culture that supports openness and transparency.

About Our Opportunity

As the IAP Administrator, you are responsible for the administration of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIPOP) Act process, as well as other information access and privacy (IAP) processes, for the assigned client department(s).

Primary Accountabilities

• Manage the processes as outlined in the Act.
• Make recommendations on FOIPOP applications.
• Represent the client department(s) on requests for reviews of departmental decisions by the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner (OIPC) of Nova Scotia.
• Manage requests under departmental Routine Access policies.
• Facilitate pro-active disclosure where appropriate.
• Provide operational advice and guidance, including training and education, to client departments in matters regarding access and privacy.
• Promote a culture that supports openness and transparency.
• Contribute to the overall operations of the Unit and keep abreast of current trends in other jurisdictions.
• Support other IAP team members to ensure cross training, skills development, and excellence in client service.

Qualifications and Experience

To be successful in this role, you will have a bachelor’s degree in a related discipline (i.e. Business, the Social Sciences, the Arts and Humanities, or studies related to Information Management) and at least two years of experience in a policy environment, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. You will have a sound knowledge of access and privacy legislation and a thorough working knowledge of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, the Privacy Review Officer Act (PROA), and the Personal Information International Disclosure Protection Act. Awareness of privacy processes, for example management of privacy breaches or complaints, is also needed in this position.

You will require an ability to research, analyze and synthesize the NS Information and Privacy Commissioner’s recommendations, those of Commissioners in other jurisdictions, as well as orders and decisions of the Courts on matters related to access and privacy. You must be able to build relationships with applicants and staff in client departments, as well as negotiate, mediate, and resolve conflicts. A high level of diplomacy, sensitivity, and confidentiality is required for this position, in addition to excellent communication, organizational, and time-management skills. Experience developing and delivering training will be considered an asset.

The following competencies are required: Conceptual Thinking, Strategic Orientation, Outcome Focus, Initiative, Effective Interactive Communication, Partnering & Relationship Building and Intercultural & Diversity Proficiency.

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

Equivalency

Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.

Working Conditions

Considerable amount of reading and concentration are required for this work along with a considerable requirement for accuracy and attention to detail in a high-volume environment.

Additional Information

We have one term opportunity available in Halifax with a projected end date of October 5, 2028. This competition may be used to fill future IAP positions should any become available in the next few months.

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.
• Forward-thinking policies and strategies.
• Countless career paths.
• A dynamic, client-focused office environment where service excellence and teamwork are our focus.

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, Persons of African Descent, Racialized Persons, Persons with Disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ Persons 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.

Accommodation Statement

We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. Candidates may request accommodations based on any grounds protected by the Human Rights Act. If you require an accommodation throughout the recruitment process, please contact us at competitions@novascotia.ca.

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. If you are receiving a pension from the Nova Scotia Public Service Superannuation Plan (PSSP) or any related plans, you cannot receive pension payments while contributing to the same plan. If you accept a position that requires PSSP contributions, your pension payments must be stopped. Please contact the Nova Scotia Pension Services Corporation for more 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 their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. All questions and concerns may be directed to Competitions@novascotia.ca.