Policy Officer Recruitment Programme

The Policy Officer Recruitment Programme began in 1987 to recruit and develop talented policy officers to meet the unique demands of the defence policy environment at National Defence Headquarters. Approximately ten new policy officers are hired into the Program annually, through a competition managed by the Directorate of Public Policy. Actual numbers may vary depending on need.

Candidates must have a Master's degree in history, political science, international affairs, public administration or a related discipline. They must also have experience in researching and writing on subjects related to defence, security and/or government policy at the graduate level.

The 2007 competition will accept applications between 8 and 19 January 2007

Upcoming recruitment presentations:

·         London School of Economics and Political Science, St. Clements Building, 20 Kingsway,London UK, 15 January 2007, 13:00-14:00.

Summary of Duties

Policy officers are recruited into the Policy Group at National Defence Headquarters and undertake a series of assignments throughout their program. While individual assignments vary, officers will work in one or more of the following areas within the Policy Group: public policy, policy development, strategic analysis, international security policy and parliamentary affairs. They can also expect to be assigned to other organizations within National Defence Headquarters, such as public affairs or strategic intelligence.

While in the programme, policy officers work on various tasks, including preparing responses to Ministerial Inquiries, conducting research on a broad range of issues, delivering oral briefings, and preparing reports, analyses, speeches and other types of written material. These assignments will allow them to develop their analytical, interpersonal, teamwork, written and oral communication skills as well as their knowledge of policy development, machinery of government and issue management. In carrying out their work assignments, policy officers also interact with other organizations within National Defence and the Canadian Forces, other departments and agencies, non-governmental organizations, universities, and international organizations.

There are regular promotions within the program, provided the policy officer meets the identified competencies for their level. After five years, policy officers complete the program by competing successfully in one of the Policy Group's periodic promotion competitions. Should they meet the qualifications, policy officers may also participate in competitions prior to the completion of the five years.

Who Can Apply

• Persons living and/or working in Canada, and Canadians living abroad.

Merit Criteria

Screening Elements

Citizenship

• Preference will be given to Canadian citizens. Please indicate in your application your eligibility to work in Canada, as conferred by your citizenship status: Canadian citizenship, permanent resident status or work permit.

Language

• Proficiency in oral and written English or French.

Education

• Master's degree in history, political science, international relations, public administration or a related discipline, from a recognized university.

All graduate coursework of successful candidates must be completed prior to the beginning of employment in early September. Proof of all completed academic requirements must be provided no later than the following March.

Experience

• Experience in researching and writing on subjects related to defence, security and/or governmental affairs.

Essential Qualifications

Knowledge

• Knowledge of current Canadian defence policy.

• Knowledge of Canadian Government objectives, programs, and structure.

• Knowledge of current defence and security related issues.

• Knowledge of research procedures used in gathering information.

Abilities

• To research and analyse defence and security policy issues.

• To communicate effectively orally and in writing.

• To use a personal computer and associated business software.

• To communicate fluently and effectively in English or French.

Personal Suitability

• Work effectively under pressure to meet tight deadlines.

• Judgement.

• Flexibility.

• Effective interpersonal relations.

• Initiative.

• Independence.

Security

• Achieve an enhanced reliability level security clearance at the effective date of employment stated on the letter of offer and maintain it throughout their employment. Achieving and maintaining a Secret level security clearance is a condition for promotion to AS-3.

Other Information

Interested persons must meet each essential qualification to be appointed to the position.

For initial appointment to the position of policy officer, complete proficiency in either English or French is essential.

Written exams will be administered and an interview conducted.

Some travel and relocation costs may be covered by the Department.

Important Messages

• Your resume must clearly demonstrate that you meet all the requirements.

• Candidates who meet the above criteria will be assessed against the essential qualifications for this position.

• We thank all those who apply. However, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

DND is committed to having a skilled, diversified workforce reflective of Canadian society, to the equitable representation of women, Aboriginal peoples, persons with disabilities and visible minorities and to the reasonable accommodation of special needs.

For more information on the Policy Officer Recruitment Programme, please contact:

Joey Cloutier
Policy Officer Recruitment Programme Manager
Directorate of Public Policy
National Defence Headquarters
Major-General George R. Pearkes Building
101 Colonel By Drive
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0K2
Fax: 613-996-0143
E-mail: Cloutier.JM@Forces.gc.ca

Date Modified: 2006-12-8

Important Notices