Program Admin. Officer​/Procurement Specialist

The Government of Nova Scotia is hiring a Program Admin. Officer/Procurement Specialist in Halifax, NS. This permanent position involves managing complex procurement processes for various professional services, ensuring compliance with Canadian procurement laws, and providing strategic sourcing advice. The role requires strong organizational skills to handle multiple tasks and deadlines. Applications are accepted until May 14, 2025.
Position: Program Admin. Officer 3 (Procurement Specialist)
Competition # : 45954

Department: Service Nova Scotia

Location: HALIFAX

Type of Employment: Permanent

Union Status: NSGEU - NSPG

Closing Date: 14-May-25 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)

About Us

Procurement is a division of the Department of Service Nova Scotia that manages major purchases for departments, agencies, boards and commissions and their complex business needs. In Procurement, we ensure an open and fair purchasing process that maximizes competition and supporting the environment, economy, and society to obtain the best value. We provide the knowledge and expertise required to guide government as it seeks unique, creative, sustainable procurement solutions for complex business needs.

Procurement Is Changing As a Function Within The Enterprise And As a Profession. Our Vision Is To Be The Leader In Government Procurement Service Delivery, And We Will Achieve This Through Integrating An Innovative Approach In All Procurement Efforts, Resulting In
• responsible management of public resources;
• clear client focus;
• optimized sourcing solutions;
• transparency, compliance, and sustainability accountability to our colleagues and customers.
About Our Opportunity

In this role you will work in a fast-paced environment with a high volume of complex work that will require the capacity to manage various tasks and competing priorities and deadlines. As a Procurement Specialist, reporting to the Category Manager – Professional Services, you are responsible for and/or contribute to strategic sourcing within the Professional Services category, but you may contribute to procurement projects in other categories from time to time.

Professional services portfolios include management consulting, legal services, financial services, marketing and communications, training and education, and more.

The position requires a sound knowledge of Canadian contract and tendering law, plus all relevant acts, regulations, and trade agreements as they pertain to the public procurement environment. Another key mandate is the ability to provide direction to the Government and the private sector on complex issues of procurement, contracting, negotiation, and business relationships. The successful candidate will understand the nuances that separate procurement and purchasing, ensuring procurement processes are completed in a manner that positions our clients to successfully proceed with purchasing.

Primary Accountabilities

As a Procurement Specialist, you are responsible for:
• The total procurement process as it relates to significant business initiatives including, but not limited to, supporting and/or leading strategic sourcing activities, tactical procurement, and contract development and management activities.
• Providing advice, leadership and consultation regarding supply market trends, sourcing methodologies, leading procurement practices, and sourcing performance progress.
• Identifying and recommending opportunities to achieve sustainable cost savings through stakeholder engagement, spend analysis, and market intelligence.
• Developing RFX’s (RFP, RFSQ, RFQ) in collaboration with clients and/or subject matter experts, conducting a fair evaluation process, and assisting with or leading negotiations of major Government contracts and initiatives.
• Building relationships with key stakeholders and delivering excellent client service.
• Addressing vendor disputes and/or providing advice and recommendations for dispute resolution.
Qualifications And Experience

The ideal candidate will have a bachelor’s degree plus a minimum of 5 years related experience in procurement (or an equivalent combination of training and experience), including demonstrated end-to-end experience in RFX (RFP, RFSQ, RFQ) development and process (specifically: drafting of solicitation,; collaboration and review of specifications, deliverables, contractual obligations, pricing and rated evaluation criteria; facilitation of best value evaluation process;

contract development and award).

You are also expected to have the following skills or work experience:
• Demonstrated presentation and negotiation skills.
• Experience in project management, team facilitation and…