Foreign Policy and Diplomacy Service Officer

Section: Foreign Policy and Diplomacy Services (Political, Economic and Public Affairs)

Location: Consulate General of Canada – Seattle, Washington

Position Number: EXT-320114

Level: LE – 09

Starting salary: $100,893 USD plus benefits

Tenure: Indeterminate

Competition No: SEATL_2019_05

Date Posted: April 26, 2019

Closing Date: May 12, 2019

The Consulate General of Canada in Seattle seeks an energetic, detail-oriented and reliable team player with a strong interest in international affairs, advocacy and global commerce to promote, advance, and strengthen Canada-U.S. bilateral political, economic and security interests within its

4-state territory (Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Alaska). Our employees benefit from working in a leading-edge foreign, trade and development ministry that is both innovative and accountable. The Consulate General is seeking someone who is dynamic, client-focused and ready to work with colleagues to implement an innovative approach to service delivery.

Summary of Duties:

Under the general direction of the Program Manager /Consul (FPDS), and in accordance with the international priorities of the Government of Canada and its specific objectives in the US, the incumbent is responsible for conducting outreach, undertaking advocacy and reporting on key priority issues among others. This includes, but is not limited to, undertaking strategic outreach in the Pacific Northwest region, maintaining and expanding contacts in key areas such as government, industry and related organizations, think tanks, policy institutions and academia; planning and participating in meetings/events related to mission advocacy; research and analysis on political and economic developments, regional issues that may affect the Canada-U.S. relationship; planning and managing high-level visits.

The FPDS Officer will work closely with the FPDS and International Business Development (IBD) teams at the Consulate, the Canadian network of Consulates in the United States, relevant Government of Canada and Provincial departments and agencies to coordinate activities and initiatives. The candidate will demonstrate a strong ability to think innovatively around program delivery, plan effectively in a highly demanding environment, develop and engage a network of external partners, work independently in a proactive, accountable manner and communicate effectively, including via social media.

Open to:

•Persons residing in the Seattle metropolitan area

•Employees of any Canadian Mission in the United States; relocation fees will not be paid in any circumstance

•Spouses and dependents of Canada-based staff at the Consulate General of Canada in Seattle

Employment Tenure:

Indeterminate. This competitive staffing process may be used to create an eligibility list of qualified candidates for this position and other similar positions with various tenures, including indeterminate, term, assignment/transfer, and/or acting opportunities at the Consulate General of Canada – Seattle, Washington.

Essential Requirements:

Candidates must demonstrate clearly in their cover letter how they meet the Education and Experience requirements listed below. Please be specific and provide examples for each of the qualifications.

Education:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a field related to the duties required by the position (such as International Relations, Political Science, Economics, Business, Communications or Public Policy).

Experience:

A minimum of 3 years’ experience working in government or international relations or in an advocacy/policy/economic oriented sector.

Extensive experience in developing relationships with clients, stakeholders, and influencers.

Experience conducting research and strategic analysis on policy and public affairs issues and in providing superior strategic advice, briefings, and written reports to management and/or clients.

Experience in establishing, organizing/planning, and conducting meetings with key policy and public affairs experts and leaders.

Experience in preparing strategic communications materials (speeches, briefs, key messages) for outreach and events.

Experience in project management (including strategic planning, execution,

tracking/reporting results and budget management).

Experience developing, planning and executing advocacy strategies.

Experience using social media tools for promotion and/or to generate new opportunities.

Experience in an office environment with working knowledge of Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Excel, internet research.

Language Requirement:

Fluency in English (oral and written).

Rated Requirements:

Candidates who meet the Education and Experience requirements will be assessed on the following qualifications. The assessment may be a written test, an interview, an in-basket exercise, a skills test, a reference check, or any combination of these methods.

Knowledge:

Knowledge of the factors that influence policy in the United States generally, including the Pacific Northwest region, and how they may affect Canadian foreign policy and economic interests.

Knowledge of the political and economic structures and trends in the Pacific Northwest, the United States and Canada.

Knowledge of global trends, and of North American relations, in particular in the areas of economic competitiveness, energy, environment and climate change, and security.

Abilities:

Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing;

Ability to analyse complex thematics and provide strategic advice;

Ability to manage multiple priorities with tight deadlines;

Ability to network and maintain a network of clients and influencers;

Ability to work independently in a proactive, effective and accountable manner;

Ability to organize and lead teams and effectively work as part of a team;

Ability to cope well with shifting priorities, unforeseen circumstances and changes in policies, procedures and/or direction; and work overtime on special projects and at program functions, as required.

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

Personal Suitability:

Adaptability and flexibility;

Effective Interpersonal relations;

Highly collaborative working style;

Client Focus;

Sound judgment; and

Integrity

Asset Qualification:

The ability to communicate effectively in French both orally and in writing would be an asset.

All Applicants Must:

•Meet all of the Essential Requirements;

•Have independent work authorization in the U.S. and status in accordance with U.S. protocol directives for foreign missions; and

•Submit a resume and cover letter by the closing date. All communication relating to this process, including email correspondence may be used in the assessment of qualifications.

Conditions of Employment (must be met):

Eligibility for Government of Canada Reliability Status; which includes a criminal and a credit background check;

Independent work authorization in the United States in accordance with U.S. protocol directives for foreign missions; and

Valid Washington State driver’s license.

Selection Procedure:

The staffing process will consist of a review of all applications to ensure that applicants meet the essential requirements. Candidates should ensure their cover letter and/or resume demonstrate(s) clearly how they meet the essential requirements. Please note that failure to meet any of the essential requirements eliminates candidates from further consideration in the competition.

Only those applicants who meet the essential requirements may be contacted by the Human Resources Section for an interview or other form of assessment of the Rated Requirements.

The assessment can include an interview, a written test, reference checks and other tests that will consist of a series of questions designed to evaluate each applicant’s knowledge, abilities and personal suitability for the position. An eligibility list of qualified candidates will be established for this position, and for similar positions.

The mission offers a competitive salary, generous leave and a strong benefits package that include medical, dental, long term and short term disability and a retirement savings plan, to name a few.

The mission is committed to conducting inclusive, barrier-free selection processes.

Method of Application:

Applications are to be sent by e-mail to: seatl@international.gc.ca by the closing date. In completing their applications, candidates will confirm that they meet all the essential requirements and take care to relate their work experience to the position description and indicate the position number. On the subject line of email, write only your last name in all caps followed by this competition number: SEATL_2019_05. For example, if your name were Peter Jones, you would write: Jones – SEATL_2019_05. Hard copy applications will not be accepted.

Hours of Work:

Normal hours of work for this position are in accordance with Locally-Engaged Staff regulations of 37.5 hours per week. There may be a need for overtime work, when required.

• Willingness to work overtime

(periodically and on short notice).

•The incumbent is required to work directly with clients.

Travel:

This position requires some business travel within the State of Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Alaska, as well as occasional trips to Canada and elsewhere within the United States.