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Commissioner of Official Languages, Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages for Canada,

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

Commissioner of Official Languages for Canada (full-time position)

Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages

The Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages for Canada was created in 1970 under the Official Languages Act. Its role is to ensure full recognition and widespread use of English and French within Canadian society and federal institutions and other organizations subject to the Official Languages Act. The Commissioner reports directly to Parliament and is supported by the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages. The Office’s staff are based in the National Capital Region and in regional offices across Canada.

The Commissioner of Official Languages, who is appointed for a seven-year term, is responsible for promoting the objectives of the Official Languages Act and overseeing full implementation, protecting the rights of all Canadians and promoting the equality of status and use of English and French in Canadian society. The Commissioner conducts investigations on complaints he or she receives. When necessary, the Commissioner recommends corrective measures or changes.

Further details about the organization and its activities can be found on the Office of the Commissioner of Official Language's website.

Candidates must apply online by January 9, 2017 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: $314,100

Position Location: National Capital Region

Official Languages and Diversity

The Government of Canada will consider bilingual proficiency and diversity in assessing candidates for this position. The Language Skills Act requires that upon appointment the Commissioner must be able to speak and understand clearly both official languages.

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, 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 such as law or public administration, or an acceptable combination of education, job-related training and/or experience;
• Executive level management experience in a private or public sector organization, including the management of human and financial resources;
• Senior level decision-making experience with respect to complex and sensitive issues;
• Experience in the interpretation and application of legislation, regulations and directives, and policies; and
• Experience in developing, maintaining and managing successful stakeholder relationships and complex partnerships.

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

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the Official Languages Act;
• Knowledge of the Canadian Parliamentary system;
• Knowledge of the legislative and policy context and frameworks governing financial, human resources and program management in the federal public sector;
• Understanding of the mandate, roles and responsibilities of the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages;
• Understanding of the role of an Agent of Parliament and its relationship with Parliament and the Government;
• Understanding of practices and principles underlying conciliation, mediation, and the application of alternative dispute resolution methods;
• Ability to lead and manage a public sector organization;
• Ability to interpret the provisions of various statutes, regulations, policies and other enabling frameworks;
• Ability to ability to assess the relevance of precedents in order to render decisions; and
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Language Requirements

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

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:

• Strong ethical standards
• Sound judgment
• Impartiality
• Tact
• Strong interpersonal skills

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 at the time of your appointment, you 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 reasonable commuting distance.
• You are willing to travel across Canada and internationally.

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 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.