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Secretary, National Battlefields Commission,

Appointment Opportunity

We know that our country is stronger and our government more effective when decision-makers reflect Canada’s diversity. Moving forward, the Government of Canada will use an appointment process that is transparent and merit-based, strives for gender parity, and ensures that Indigenous Canadians and minority groups are properly represented in positions of leadership. We will continue to search for Canadians who reflect the values that we all embrace: inclusion, honesty, fiscal prudence, and generosity of spirit. Together, we will build a government as diverse as Canada.

The overarching goal of the Minister of Canadian Heritage is to implement the government’s plan to strengthen our cultural and creative industries.

The Government of Canada is currently seeking applications from diverse and talented Canadians from across the country who are interested in the following position:

Secretary (full-time position)

National Battlefields Commission

The National Battlefields Commission (the Commission) was established in 1908 under the National Battlefields at Quebec Act to acquire and preserve the great historic battlefields in Québec City, and turn them into a national park. The grounds, which group together the Plains of Abraham and the Des Braves Park, constitute one of the most important historic sites in Canada. Commonly called the Plains of Abraham, the site is the largest urban park in Québec and ranks among the prestigious parks in the world. The Commission must reconcile the Plains of Abraham’s historic significance with its mission as an urban park. As a federal government agency within the Canadian Heritage Portfolio, the Commission is responsible for preserving this historic Canadian legacy for future generations through the administration, management, conservation and promotion of National Battlefields Park, as well as for managing the funds allocated for this purpose. The Commission offers a wide range of educational and interpretation activities, allowing Canadians to discover or broaden their knowledge about a significant period in the history of the country, and to raise awareness about the richness of this prestigious patrimonial site.

As the Head of Agency, the Secretary provides leadership and guidance to the organization in the formulation of its strategic direction and ensures the Commission carries out its mandate and objectives effectively.

Further details about the organization and its activities can be found on its website

Candidates must apply online by July 26, 2016 via the Governor in Council website. Your cover letter should be addressed to the Assistant Secretary to the Cabinet (Senior Personnel), Privy Council Office, and should be sent only through the on-line application.

Salary Range: $98,100 - $115,300

Position Location: Québec City, Québec

Official Languages and Diversity

The Government of Canada will consider bilingual proficiency and diversity in assessing candidates for this position. You are therefore encouraged to include in your online profile your ability to speak and understand your second official language. Preference may be given to candidates who are members of one or more of the following groups: women, Indigenous peoples, disabled persons, and members of visible minorities.

To be considered for this position, please provide examples from your career that clearly demonstrate how you meet the following requirements in your application:

Education and Experience

• A degree from a recognized university in a relevant field of study or an acceptable combination of relevant education, job-related training and/or experience;
• Corporate leadership experience at the senior executive level;
• Experience in the development and implementation of strategies, objectives and plans;
• Experience in managing complex partnerships and stakeholder relationships;
• Experience in dealing with senior government officials in the federal, provincial and municipal governments;
• Experience in financial and resources management and in implementing modern corporate governance principles and best practices; and
• Experience in reporting to or serving a board would be an asset.

If you are selected for an interview, the following criteria will be assessed:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the mandate and activities of the National Battlefields Commission as well as the legislative framework and the urban environment within which it operates;
• Knowledge of the federal government’s priorities and how they relate to the National Battlefields Commission;
• Financial literacy and knowledge of sound governance and management principles and practices;
• Knowledge of real asset management in the Canadian cultural domain would be considered an asset;
• Knowledge of issues specific to Québec City would also be considered an asset;
• Ability to lead and manage a public institution, and provide vision and strategic direction needed to ensure the Commission is able to carry out its mandate and achieve its objectives;
• Ability to identify, analyze and define priorities and strategies;
• Ability to focus the energies and talents of the organization’s employees and motivate them to achieve corporate objectives;
• Ability to lead and develop effective working relationships with key stakeholders in Québec City and with three levels of government to facilitate collaboration in the planning and development of the National Battlefields Commission’s activities and programs;
• Ability to develop effective working relationships with the Board, the Minister and her office and the Deputy Minister; and
• Superior communication skills, both written and oral and ability to act as the Commission’s spokesperson in dealing with the Government, the media, and a wide range of stakeholders.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred. Proficiency in French is essential.

If you move on to the next stage of the selection process, we will contact your references to verify how you have demonstrated the Experience requirements and the following Personal Attributes in your current and recently held positions:

• Strategic and innovative leader
• Sound judgment
• High ethical standards and integrity
• Superior interpersonal skills
• Tact and diplomacy
• Collegiality

Eligibility Factors and Conditions of Employment

In your application, it will be important that you confirm you meet the following requirements:

• The successful candidate must be willing to relocate to Québec City or to a location within reasonable commuting distance.
• No member of the commission shall have, nor shall the secretary have, any contract with the commission, or be peculiarly interested, directly or indirectly, in any contract or work with regard to which any portion of the moneys at the credit of the commission is being or is to be expended.

If you are appointed to this position:

You must comply with the Ethical and Political Activity Guidelines for Public Office Holders throughout your appointment as a term and condition of employment. The guidelines are available on the Governor in Council Appointments Web site, under Reference Material.

You will be subject to the Conflict of Interest Act. Public office holders appointed on a full-time basis must submit to the Office of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner, within 60 days of appointment, a confidential report in which they disclose all of their assets, liabilities and outside activities. For more information, please visit the Office of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner’s website.

A link to this notice will be placed in the Canada Gazette to assist the Governor in Council in identifying qualified candidates for this position. It is not, however, intended to be the sole means of recruitment.

A roster of qualified candidates may be established and may be used for similar opportunities.