Notice of Vacancy

CANADIAN HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION

CHIEF COMMISSIONER (full-time position)

The Canadian Human Rights Commission is mandated by the Canadian Human Rights Act to investigate and try to settle complaints of discrimination in employment and in the provision of services within federal jurisdiction. The Commission ensures that the principles of equal opportunity and non-discrimination are followed in all areas of federal jurisdiction. The Commission is also mandated to develop and conduct information and discrimination prevention programs.

The Chief Commissioner is responsible for the efficient and effective functioning of the Commission.   Specifically, the Chief Commissioner is responsible for the delivery of the Commission's statutory mandate in addressing human rights complaints and issues of systemic discrimination, fostering public understanding of human rights through its prevention, research and policy initiatives, and conducting employment equity compliance audits.  The Chief Commissioner is the Commission's principal spokesperson on issues of human rights and represents the Commission before parliamentary committees, as well as at various Canadian and international fora.

Location: Ottawa, Ontario

The successful candidate must have a university degree in a relevant field of study, or a combination of equivalent education, job-related training and experience.  The ideal candidate will have significant management experience and demonstrated success in strategic and change management, particularly in circumstances where financial and/or human resources constraints were major factors.  Decision-making with respect to sensitive issues, as well as issues relating to human rights matters, are essential experience requirements.  The selected candidate will have a proven aptitude for developing and maintaining effective liaison with a broad range of stakeholders, the media, the public at large and policy makers at all levels in the field of human rights.  Experience in alternative dispute resolution would be an asset.

The ideal candidate will possess knowledge of sound management principles, the operations of government, and legal principles, especially in the area of human rights law.  Knowledge of Canada's national and international human rights obligations and the mechanisms that exist to implement them is required.  The qualified candidate will have knowledge of the operation of an administrative decision-making body, including the rules that govern its operation.  The successful candidate must have knowledge of human rights issues and social issues that have potential human rights implications, as well as knowledge of the issues and challenges arising from the diversity of Canadian society, and particularly the need for appropriate institutional responses.

In order to achieve the Commission’s objectives and carry out its mandate, the Chief Commissioner must be innovative, action-oriented and possess sound judgment, integrity and superior interpersonal skills.  The ability to communicate effectively, in writing and orally, is essential.  The ideal candidate will be able to engage and maintain co-operative relations with organizations in the public and private sectors, as well as with non-governmental organizations.  The preferred candidate will have the ability to make sound decisions and provide leadership, including building and maintaining a high level of motivation and morale in employees.  The ability to understand and respond strategically and reasonably to complex situations, as well as to anticipate the short- and long-term consequences of his/her strategies is essential.  The successful candidate will demonstrate sensitivity to differing needs and agendas of multiple stakeholders.

Proficiency in both official languages is preferred.

The successful candidate must be prepared to relocate, within a reasonable timeframe, to the National Capital Region or to a location within reasonable commuting distance.

The government is committed to ensuring that its appointments are representative of Canada's regions and official languages, as well as of women, Aboriginal peoples, disabled persons and visible minorities.

The selected candidate will be subject to the Conflict of Interest and Post-Employment Code for Public Office Holders.  Before or upon assuming official duties and responsibilities, public office holders appointed on a full-time basis must sign a document certifying that, as a condition of holding office, they will observe the Code.  They must also submit to the Office of the Ethics Commissioner, within 60 days of appointment, a Confidential Report in which they disclose all of their assets, liabilities and outside activities.  To obtain copies of the Code and Confidential Report, visit the Office of the Ethics Commissioner's web site.

This notice has been 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. Applications forwarded through the Internet will not be considered for reasons of confidentiality.

Further details about the Commission and its activities can be found on its Website.

Interested candidates should forward their curriculum vitae by November 20, 2006, to the Acting Assistant Secretary to the Cabinet (Senior Personnel and Special Projects), Privy Council Office, 59 Sparks Street, 1st Floor, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0A3, (613) 957-5006 (facsimile).

Bilingual notices of vacancies will be produced in alternative format (audio cassette, diskette, braille, large print, etc.) upon request. For further information, please contact Canadian Government Publishing, Public Works and Government Services Canada, Ottawa, Canada K1A 0S5, (613) 941-5995 or 1-800-635-7943.

Selection Criteria