Senior Foreign Policy and Diplomacy Service Officer

Full Job Description

Senior FPDS Officer

• Salary: 110,230.00 USD per annum plus benefits
• Contract Type: Indeterminate (Full-time)
• Term Details: This position is a Locally Engaged Staff position, subject to the Terms and Conditions of Employment for LES in USA.
• Job Function: Officer
• Classification: LE - O2
• Location: The Consulate General of Canada in Chicago
• Number of Vacancies: 1

Closing date for application is February 26, 2023, at 23:59 UTC/GMT -6:00

Summary of Duties: This is an opportunity to work with the dynamic Foreign Policy and Diplomacy Service team within the Consulate General of Canada in Chicago, where we promote and advance Canada’s interests across a range of policy areas in Illinois, Missouri and Wisconsin through advocacy & outreach, political engagement, partnerships, events and other activities. Reporting to Global Affairs Canada, our employees benefit from working in an innovative and forward-looking foreign affairs, trade and international development ministry that places a premium on learning, skills development and 21st-century diplomacy. Our organization currently offers a flexible, hybrid work model, with the option of two days’ remote work per week.

Reporting to the Foreign Policy and Diplomacy Service (FPDS) Program Manager, the Senior FPDS Officer is responsible for developing and executing advocacy campaigns on economic, trade, energy and environmental issues; serving as the main liaison for political outreach with elected officials at the U.S. federal, state and municipal levels in the Consulate General’s territory; developing and maintaining a network of strategic contacts in areas relevant to the Consulate General’s objectives and interests; facilitating access to potential key interlocutors and decision makers; producing analysis and reporting on U.S. policy developments of interest to Canada, as well as on meeting, programs and events that the Consulate General participates in; implementing programs and events, including with partners, with an international dimension that advance the Consulate General’s objectives and align with Government of Canada priorities; providing advice on responses to U.S. policy developments; providing recommendations on, and developing programs for, visiting Canadian officials; contributing to the Consulate General’s public affairs and digital diplomacy functions; and working closely with other teams within the Consulate General on programs with shared interests.

Area of Selection: Open to all interested candidates who are legally authorized to work and reside in the United States, having independent work authorization and status in accordance with U.S. protocol directives for employment in a foreign mission, who will be residing in country at the time of appointment, who meet all of the essential requirements stated below and whose applications are received by the closing date.

Please note that the mission will not reimburse relocation costs under any circumstance and that the mission does not sponsor work authorizations directly or indirectly.

The Government of Canada is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from diverse sections of the community. Candidates will be considered based on merit. Our organization offers an inclusive workplace where respect, teamwork, and collaboration are part of our culture. Canada’s missions abroad are committed to promoting and supporting an environment free from harassment and discrimination, as well as encouraging and supporting employees to learn and develop their skills and competencies.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

Candidates will initially be screened against the Essential Qualifications relating to education, language* and experience.

Candidates must clearly demonstrate when applying to the position how they meet each of these essential qualifications.

*Language will be assessed further during the process.

Education:

Candidates will be required to provide proof of the completion of their education.

A Bachelor’s degree from accredited college or university in the field of political science, economics, business, communications, public affairs, public relations or another field deemed appropriate with relevant work experience.

Language:

• An advanced proficiency level in English (written and oral)

Experience:

1. Minimum of 4 years’ recent experience working in government relations, public affairs, communications, or in an advocacy-oriented role.

2. Significant* and recent** experience in identifying, building and maintaining diverse networks of strategic contacts and stakeholders.

3. Significant and recent experience in analyzing and reporting on U.S. political and economic issues and emerging trends.

4. Significant and recent experience in project planning, management and execution.

5. Significant and recent experience in drafting a range of communications materials (e.g. briefing notes, speeches, press releases, key messages, op ed columns, social media content) for use as part of advocacy and outreach.

6. Significant and recent experience in an office environment with working knowledge of Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Excel, internet research and databases.

* Significant experience is defined as having a duration of +4 years (not necessarily continuous.)

** Recent experience is defined as within the last 7 years (exceptions will be considered on an ad hoc basis).

RATED REQUIREMENTS

The Rated Requirements are part of the essential qualifications and are relating to knowledge, abilities and competencies. Methods of assessment for rated requirements may include, but are not limited to, a written examination, an oral interview (online pre-recorded/live or in-person), role-play, practical tests, presentations and/or psychometric assessment.

Knowledge:

1. Knowledge of the factors that influence policy in the United States generally and in the Midwest region specifically, and how they may have an impact on Canada’s foreign policy and interests. and economic interests;

2. Knowledge of the political and economic structures and trends in the Midwest, the United States and Canada; and

3. Knowledge of North American relations, in particular in the areas of energy, the environment and/or economic competitiveness.

Competencies:

1. Adaptable and flexible;

2. Strong interpersonal skills;

3. Client-focused;

4. Exhibits sound judgement; and

5. Demonstrates integrity.

Abilities:

1. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in English orally and in writing, in a way that is tailored to the audience to have a maximum impact;

2. Ability to analyse and provide strategic advice;

3. Ability to manage multiple priorities with tight deadlines;

4. Ability to develop and maintain a network of clients and influencers;

5. Ability to work independently in a proactive manner and accountable manner;

6. Ability to work effectively in a team; and

7. Ability to use social media tools for promotion and/or to generate new business opportunities.

Asset Qualifications:

Preference may be given to candidates who meet the Asset Qualifications. Where applicable, candidates must clearly demonstrate how they meet any asset qualifications.

Fluency in French (oral and written).

Operational Requirements:

HOURS OF WORK: Normal hours of work for this position are in accordance with Government of Canada Locally-Engaged Staff regulations of 37.5 hours per week. The successful candidate must be willing to work overtime on occasion, including evenings, when required.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: This position requires frequent travel throughout the Consulate General’s territory (Illinois, Missouri and Wisconsin) and periodic travel to Canada and other parts of the United States.

Conditions of Employment:

Conditions of employment must be met or complied with before being appointed to a particular position, and are to be maintained throughout the employment while being the incumbent of this position.

- Valid work authorization: Ability to obtain and hold a valid work authorization covering the entire employment period.

- Security screening: Obtain and maintain a Reliability Status (security level) which includes a criminal and credit background check from the Government of Canada covering the entire employment period.

Special Request from Mission / Additional Comments:

The Consulate General of Canada in Chicago strives to offer an inclusive workplace where respect, teamwork and collaboration are valued and encouraged.

We have committed to promoting and supporting an environment free from harassment and discrimination, and to supporting a learning environment for employees to develop their skills and competencies. As a country, Canada’s strength is in its diversity; because of this, our organization values diversity, equity and inclusion in our teams and strongly encourages applications from diverse cultural, racial, ethnic and Indigenous backgrounds.

The successful candidate will receive a competitive salary, generous leave, 12 weeks of paid parental leave and a strong benefits package that includes medical, dental, long term disability and a retirement savings plan. A summary of our benefits package and information on employment eligibility can be found at:

• https://www.international.gc.ca/country-pays/us-eu/jobs-emplois/index.aspx?lang=en

How to Apply

• You must submit your application using the "Apply online" function. Only applications submitted via VidCruiter will be considered, unless a valid reason is presented and accepted prior to the closing date.
• Do not include personal data such as; age, date of birth, gender, marital status, family status, religion or a picture in your application form, CV nor cover letter (as required). Please only include information relevant to the vacancy as requested in the job poster.
• You must clearly demonstrate in answering the screening questions how you meet the education and experience factors listed in the essential and asset qualifications. You must provide specific examples to demonstrate clearly how you meet the qualifications. Global Affairs Canada cannot make any assumptions about your studies nor experience. Simply saying you have the required qualifications or listing your current duties will not be sufficient.

Instead, you must provide concrete and detailed examples that clearly explain where, when, and how you gained the experience. No additional information will be sought beyond what you submit in your online application.

• Candidates may be required to upload a CV and/or a cover letter in English or French. These documents may be used as a secondary source to validate the answers to the screening questions.
• Applications which do not include all of the requested documents or information and/or which are not received by the closing date will be rejected.
• Candidates who are unable to submit their application due to technical difficulties must report these to the LES Recruitment inbox prior to the closing date. Failure to do so will result in the application being rejected. Email is in the link where you submit your application.

Important Notes

• Only applications submitted in one of the official languages of Canada will be accepted (English or French).
• The language requirement for this position is identified under the essential qualifications (language). In consequence, the assessment process for this vacancy will be conducted in English.
• Communication for this process will be sent via email. It is the responsibility of the candidates to ensure accurate contact information is provided and updated as required.
• Candidates must provide an email address that accepts email from unknown users and regularly check their email, including spam folder.
• Reference checks may be sought for candidates who succeeded all of the assessments.
• Please note that the Consulate General of Canada in Chicago does not reimburse any travel costs to and from interviews/exams nor does it reimburse any relocation costs.
• Before an offer of employment can be made, successful candidates must provide a local residence address as proof of residence in the specified area of selection. This information is necessary to issue a letter of offer.
• As recently announced by the Government of Canada, the Policy for Mandatory Vaccination: Canada and the Mission Network is suspended as of June 20, 2022. The Government of Canada will continue to assess the need for additional public health measures, including the possible reintroduction of a vaccination mandate at a later date.
• We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the hiring process. If you need to be accommodated during any phase of the evaluation process, please contact us at LES Recruitment inbox to request specialized accommodation. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential. Email is in the link where you submit your application.
• The results of this selection process may also be used to establish one or more pools of fully or partially qualified candidates for similar term, indeterminate, part-time or full-time openings at the Consulate General of Canada in Chicago which might arise following the completion of this selection process.
• For Canadian citizens/residents and Canadian dual nationals, please note that it is your responsibility to enquire with the Canadian Revenue Agency about any possible taxation implications linked to an employment with the Government of Canada.

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: $110,230.00 per year