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Deputy Chief Commissioner, Canadian Human Rights 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 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 position:

Deputy Chief Commissioner (full-time position)

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.

The Deputy Chief Commissioner is the second most senior member of the Commission, and is responsible for supporting the delivery of the Commission’s statutory mandate, including by rendering decisions on human rights complaints and 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. The Deputy Chief Commissioner may be called upon by the Chief Commissioner as a spokesperson on issues of human rights and to represent the Commission before parliamentary committees, as well as at various fora.

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.

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 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; 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;
  • Knowledge of sound management and leadership principles;
  • Superior communication skills, both oral and written;
  • Superior organizational and leadership skills, particularly in the context of managing a high volume workload;
  • 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 problem solve;
  • 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
  • Strategic and innovative leader
  • 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:

  • The Deputy Chief Commissioner must reside in or be willing to relocate to the National Capital Region, or to a location within a reasonable commuting distance (statutory).
  • The Deputy Chief Commissioner must not accept or hold any office or employment inconsistent with their duties (statutory).
  • The Deputy Chief Commissioner must be willing to travel across Canada, and occasionally internationally, as required.

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 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.

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