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Senate Ethics Officer, Office of the Senate Ethics Officer,

Appointment Opportunity

We know that our country is stronger — and our government more effective — when decision-makers reflect Canada’s diversity. The Government of Canada uses 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 Government of Canada is currently seeking applications from diverse and talented Canadians from across the country who are interested in the following position:

Senate Ethics Officer (part-time position)

Office of the Senate Ethics Officer

Salary Range: under review

Position Location: Ottawa, Ontario

The Senate of Canada is the Upper House of Parliament, and is composed of 105 members. The Office of the Senate Ethics Officer was established in 2005 under the Parliament of Canada Act. The Senate Ethics Officer is an independent Officer of the Senate and is mandated to administer, interpret and apply the Conflict of Interest Code for Senators, adopted by the Senate in May 2005.

A major responsibility of the Office is to advise Senators on how to meet their obligations under the Code.

The duties and functions of the Senate Ethics Officer are set out under the Ethics and Conflict of Interest Code for Senators, which was adopted for three purposes:

(i) to maintain and enhance public confidence and trust in the integrity of Senators and the Senate;

(ii) to provide for greater certainty and guidance for Senators when dealing with issues that may present foreseeable real or apparent conflicts of interest; and

(iii) to establish clear standards and a transparent system by which questions relating to proper conduct may be addressed by an independent, non-partisan adviser.

Pursuant to the Parliament of Canada Act, the Senate Ethics Officer carries out his/her duties and responsibilities under the general direction of the Standing Committee on Conflict of Interest for Senators. The Parliament of Canada Act also requires that the Senate Ethics Officer submit an annual report of his/her activities to the Speaker of the Senate, who must table the report in the Senate.

The Senate Ethics Officer holds office for a term of seven years and may be reappointed for one or more terms of up to seven years each.

Further details about the organization and its activities can be found on the Office of the Senate Ethics Officer's website.

Review of applications will begin on August 25, 2017. Candidates must apply online via the Governor in Council Appointments website. Candidates are strongly encouraged to submit their applications by this date. After this date, your application will be retained and may be considered up until an appointment to the position is made. 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.

For applications that are submitted after the deadline, a roster of qualified candidates may be established and may be used for similar opportunities.

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 or a combination of equivalent education, job-related training and experience;
  • Significant management experience at a senior level, including managing human and financial resources;
  • Demonstrated decision-making experience with respect to sensitive issues; and
  • Experience in the interpretation and application of legislation and rules.

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 Office of the Senate Ethics Officer, of the Parliament of Canada Act, and the Conflict of Interest Code for Senators;
  • Knowledge of the role and responsibilities of the Senate Ethics Officer, and his/her relationship to Senators;
  • Knowledge of current issues in the area of ethics and how these issues could impact the administration of the Conflict of Interest Code for Senators;
  • Knowledge of the federal government and parliamentary priorities and how they relate to the Office of the Senate Ethics Officer;
  • Ability to develop and provide advice and guidance on complex and often contentious issues;
  • Ability to independently and fairly examine and analyze situations, reach decisions and make recommendations while anticipating their short- and long-term consequences;
  • Ability to ensure advice, decisions and recommendations to safeguard and promote the highest ethical principles and behaviours;
  • Ability to develop and maintain efficient working relationships with Senators, provincial and territorial Ethics Offices across the country, the Office of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner, and the ethics and conflict of interest community; and
  • Superior communication skills, both written and oral.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages (as set out in the Language Skills Act).

Personal Suitability

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:

  • Discretion and high ethical standards
  • Superior interpersonal skills
  • Objectivity, impartiality and fairness
  • Integrity

Eligibility Factors and Conditions of Employment

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

  • The Language Skills Act requires that upon appointment the Senate Ethics Officer must be able to speak and understand clearly both official languages.
  • You reside in or are willing to relocate to the National Capital Region or to a location within a reasonable commuting distance.

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.

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.

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