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Job Opening

Director of Public Prosecution Service Filled

Halifax, NS

Employment Equity Statement:

The Government of Nova Scotia seeks a diverse workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the citizens they serve. For all roles, they welcome applications from Indigenous People, African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Persons with Disabilities, 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 application.

In 1990, the Province of Nova Scotia became the first jurisdiction in Canada to deliver prosecutorial services through an independent Public Prosecution Service (PPS). Operating under the Public Prosecutions Act, the PPS handles about 40,000 cases each year through 80 Crown Attorneys across the province.

The mission of the PPS is to seek justice and serve the public interest by performing prosecution duties with fairness, professionalism, and integrity. On their behalf, we seek a seasoned lawyer and administrator to carry out this mission as Director of Public Prosecution Service.

What qualities are needed as Director of Public Prosecution Service?

As Director, you will oversee all prosecutions within the jurisdiction of the Attorney General of Nova Scotia. Under the Public Prosecutions Act, the Director must have at least ten years experience as a barrister and be a member in good standing with the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society. Additionally, you should have substantial experience in criminal law or litigation under provincial statutes.

As a seasoned administrator, you have the capability to lead organizational change internally so that the PPS itself is best aligned to meet the needs of Nova Scotians. To achieve this goal, you bring skills in change management, long-range planning, relationship building, and policy development.

You will also be responsible for providing strong leadership in human resources. As such, you must be an exceptional leader of others with proven experience managing a high-performing team of legal professionals working in complex environments.

Your financial management skills must be well developed as you will be responsible for managing a budget of approximately $25 million.

You are respected for your cultural competence and have demonstrated experience leading and supporting equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives in previous roles.

You are familiar with the latest case management technology, and you are constantly seeking ways to improve productivity through technology.

Lastly, you are comfortable handling high-profile, contentious issues with poise, confidence, and, most important, integrity.

Please note that the Director of Public Prosecution Service is appointed for seven years and is not eligible to be reappointed to a further term of office.

If this role interests you, please forward your resume and a letter explaining how your background and experience meet the needs of the Nova Scotia Public Prosecution Service. Applications can be emailed to Gerald Walsh Associates Inc. at apply@geraldwalsh.com, quoting project number 1926 in the subject line.