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Procurement Ombudsman, Office of the Procurement Ombudsman,

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 Public Services and Procurement is to ensure that the services provided by her portfolio are delivered efficiently, and in a way that makes citizens feel respected and valued.

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

Procurement Ombudsman (full-time position)

Office of the Procurement Ombudsman

The Office of the Procurement Ombudsman is an independent organization with a government-wide mandate. The Procurement Ombudsman reports to the Minister of Public Services and Procurement. The position of Procurement Ombudsman was created by amendments to the Department of Public Works and Government Services Act and enacted pursuant to the Federal Accountability Act that received Royal Assent on December 12, 2006.

The Procurement Ombudsman's mandate is to review the procurement practices of federal departments and make recommendations for improvement where appropriate; review complaints from potential suppliers in respect of procurements for goods valued under $25,000 and for services valued under $100,000; review complaints respecting the administration of contracts; and ensure the provision of alternative dispute resolution services. The Procurement Ombudsman is responsible for making a positive and substantial contribution to the openness, fairness, and integrity of the procurement system by providing a neutral, independent mechanism for the ongoing review of the procurement practices of departments and for addressing the complaints of potential suppliers, and of contractors.

Further details about the organization and its activities can be found on the Office of the Procurement Ombudsman's website.

Candidates must apply online by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on April 13, 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 on-line application

Salary Range: $174,700 - $205,500

Position Location: Ottawa, Ontario

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 Canadians, persons with disabilities, 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 a combination of equivalent education, job-related training, and/or experience;
• A professional designation (in law, accounting or engineering) would be considered an asset.
• Management experience at the senior executive level, in a public or private sector organization including the management of financial and human resources;
• Experience in dealing with senior government officials and stakeholders on sensitive issues;
• Experience in negotiation, facilitation, or dispute resolution;
• Decision-making experience with respect to sensitive issues;
• Experience in carrying out comprehensive impartial investigations, functional or administrative reviews and/or evaluations and in mediating complaints within a large organization; and
• Experience in government or private sector procurement would be an asset.

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

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the role, responsibilities and policies of the Office of the Procurement Ombudsman and its relationship with Public Services and Procurement, the Minister, other federal government departments, Parliament and other stakeholders;
• Knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques related to mediation and dispute resolution would be an asset;
• Knowledge of federal government procurement, including legislation, regulations, and policies governing government contracting;
• Ability to interpret relevant statutes, regulations and policies and analyze complex situations in order to make equitable recommendations, while anticipating their short and long-term consequences;
• Ability to respond to and reconcile tight deadlines and changing priorities and timetables; and
• Superior communication skills, both written and oral.

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:

• Sound judgment
• Integrity and strong professional ethics
• Tact and Discretion
• Objective, impartial and fair
• Superior interpersonal skills
• Strong leadership and managerial skills

Eligibility Factors and Conditions of Employment

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

• You reside in or are willing to relocate to the National Capital Region or to a location within reasonable commuting distance.
• You are willing to travel across Canada.

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 website, under Forms and 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 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.