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Members, Canadian Human Rights Commission,

Appointment Opportunities

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 Justice and Attorney General of Canada is to ensure our legislation meets the highest standards of equity, fairness and respect for the rule of law.

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

Members (part-time positions)

Canadian Human Rights Commission

The Canadian Human Rights Commission was established by Parliament to administer the Canadian Human Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination on 11 grounds in the federally-regulated sphere. The Commission is responsible for receiving, investigating and resolving discrimination complaints under the Canadian Human Rights Act, and may refer complaints to the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal. The Commission also ensures compliance with the Employment Equity Act.

The Commission operates independently from government. In addition to its roles with respect to the administration of the Canadian Human Rights Act and Employment Equity Act, its mandate includes representing the public interest before the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal to advance human rights for all Canadians; raising awareness of human rights issues through research and policy development; and engaging in advocacy, dialogue and action to affect human rights change. The Commission works closely with federally-regulated employers and service providers, individuals, unions, and provincial, territorial and international human rights bodies to foster understanding of human rights and promote the development of institutional cultures that support human rights.

Members of the Commission, under the leadership of the Chief Commissioner, render decisions on human rights complaints that deal with a variety of allegations based on one or more prohibited grounds of discrimination. They also render decisions with respect to employment equity audits. Complaints under the Canadian Human Rights Act may be dealt with in one of the following manners: referred to other conflict resolution processes, referred to the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal, referred for mandatory conciliation, or dismissed. Commission decisions are reviewable by the Federal Court. Members are required to collaborate with each other in reviewing various documents – including complaint forms, investigation reports, and legal opinions – many of which are complex. Members may also be requested by the Chief Commissioner to provide human rights leadership by participating in stakeholders’ meetings and representing the Commission at public conferences and events.

Further details about the organization and its activities can be found on the Canadian Human Rights Commission's website.

Candidates must apply online by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on April 10, 2017, via the Governor in Council Appointments 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 online application.

Remuneration: Fixed by By-Law of the organization.

Position Location: Various within Canada

Official Languages and Diversity

The Government of Canada will consider bilingual proficiency and diversity in assessing candidates for these positions. 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 Canadians, persons with disabilities, and members of visible minorities.

To be considered for one of these positions, please provide examples from your career that clearly demonstrate how you meet the following requirements in your application:

Education and Experience

• A university degree in a relevant field of study, or a combination of equivalent education, job-related training and experience;
• A law degree from a recognized university would be considered an asset;
• Experience in research and writing in the field of social sciences or law;
• Experience in the interpretation and application of legislation, regulations and policies;
• Experience in the human rights field; and
• Experience in alternative dispute resolution would be considered an asset.

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

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of national and international human rights laws and the mechanisms that exist to implement them;
• Knowledge of the role of the Canadian Human Rights Commission as an administrative decision-making body, including its mandate, mission, vision and values, and the rules that govern its operation;
• Knowledge of human rights issues, social issues, and the principles of natural justice that have potential human rights implications;
• Knowledge of the issues and challenges arising from the diversity of Canadian society, and particularly the need for appropriate institutional responses;
• Superior communication skills, both oral and written;
• Strong organizational skills;
• Ability to analyze and synthesize complex information from a variety of sources;
• Ability to identify relevant facts and analyze information in order to develop and substantiate decisions;
• Ability to impartially make timely decisions that are transparent, clear, well-reasoned and justifiable;
• Ability to engage a wide variety of stakeholders through collaboration and consensus-building;
• Ability to work efficiently and independently, or as part of a team; and
• Ability to use a computer for all communication, research and word processing (Microsoft Word), and to learn new information systems.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

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:

• High ethical standards and personal integrity
• Respect, fairness, inclusiveness, and reliability
• Superior interpersonal skills, including collegiality
• Intellectual rigor
• Tact, discretion, and sound judgment

Eligibility Factors and Conditions of Employment

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

• Members must be willing to travel to the National Capital Region on average one or two days per month.
• Members must work from their own office.

If you are appointed to one of these positions:

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 website, under Forms and reference material.

You will be subject to the Conflict of Interest Act. 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 these positions. 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.