Grant Administration Officer

About the Grant Administration Officer Role at Government of Nova Scotia

The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development is seeking a dedicated Grant Administration Officer to join their team in Halifax. This permanent, full-time position is crucial in leading the review and analysis of grant applications and ensuring compliance within Nova Scotia's early learning and child care sector. You will play a vital role in supporting over 400 organizations, making a significant impact on children, families, and early childhood educators across the province.

About Our Opportunity

As a Grant Administration Officer, you will be an integral part of a dynamic, team-based environment, reporting to the Manager, Service Provider Funding. Your primary responsibilities will include managing the delivery and administration of grants to the early learning and child care sector. This involves in-depth analysis of funding applications, periodic reports, and financial statements to determine eligibility and assess compliance with funding agreements. You will also act as a key liaison, engaging with funded organizations, responding to their questions and concerns, and providing valuable recommendations to senior management on complex situations and operational pressures.

Primary Accountabilities

• Leads review and analysis of grant applications, including in-depth analysis of financial statements and operational budgets, providing rationale and recommendations.
• Coordinates collection, review, and analysis of data and information from annual reports to ensure compliance with grant funding agreements.
• Leads financial monitoring processes, examining grant funding information and documents to ensure funds are utilized according to terms and conditions.
• Identifies the need for in-depth program reviews and enhanced accountability measures for service providers.
• Supplies data, information, and financial analyses related to grants and funding programs for both compliance and financial reporting.
• Communicates clearly and timely with service providers regarding grant funding agreements and related inquiries.
• Supervises and coaches team members, as applicable, fostering a collaborative work environment.

Qualifications And Experience

To excel in this Grant Administration Officer role, you should possess a relevant undergraduate university degree with a focus in accounting or finance, coupled with five years of related professional experience. An equivalent combination of training and experience will also be considered. Essential experience includes grants administration, finance, and accounting within business or government operations, specifically in reviewing and assessing financial statements to identify risks. You should also have a proven track record of providing advice and developing recommendations for senior leadership, including preparing briefing notes, reports, and presentations. Strong communication skills, analytical abilities, and time management proficiencies, including managing competing priorities and concurrent projects, are paramount. Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite, particularly Excel, is required.

Traits That Are Considered Assets For This Role

• A professional accounting designation (e.g., CPA) or current enrollment in CPA studies, or other relevant certifications.
• Fluency in French.
• An understanding of the child care sector and its funding-related issues (accessibility, affordability, wages, operational requirements).
• Proficient knowledge with AI tools such as CoPilot, or similar.

Benefits and What We Offer

The Government of Nova Scotia provides a comprehensive benefits package based on employment status and union agreement, including a Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Health, Dental, and Life Insurance. Employees also benefit from career development opportunities, access to career guidance, tools, resources, and ongoing training. We foster an engaging workplace where employees feel valued and respected, supported by forward-thinking policies and strategies, and offering countless career paths.

Additional Information

This is a permanent, full-time position located in Halifax. The salary range is $2,750.62 - $3,343.61 Bi-Weekly.

Key skills/competency

• Grant Administration
• Financial Analysis
• Compliance Monitoring
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Budget Management
• Reporting & Documentation
• Microsoft Excel
• Accounting Principles
• Risk Assessment
• Policy Recommendation