Multilateral Officer (Policy and Advocacy)

Position description

Under the general direction of the Deputy Head of the Permanent Mission of Canada to the Organization of American States and/or the Senior Officer, the incumbent Is responsible for representing, advocating and defending Canadian interests at selected OAS councils, committees, working groups and bodies; developing and maintaining a network of strategic contacts and working relationships with other member states of the OAS; representing Canada in multilateral negotiations; producing analysis and reporting on issues related to the Americas and the Inter-American System, as well as on meetings, programs and events.  

Sustaining a perspective across all files as well as the key pillars of the OAS (Democracy, Human Rights, Multidimensional Security and Integral Development) the officer also supports the promotion of Canada and Canadian interests and values through the development, organization and execution of advocacy initiatives aligned with Government of Canada and Mission priorities. The Officer is responsible for proposing and developing appropriate advocacy initiatives and events, providing support to other officers in implementing their initiatives as appropriate, and maintaining the mission’s online presence, including on social media platforms.    

 

Area of Selection:

This selection process is open to all applicants legally residing in Washington DC metropolitan area at the time of appointment.  Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States. 

Please note that the Permanent Mission of Canada to the Organization of American States 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.

• University or college degree from an accredited institution in the field of political science, international relations, communications, public affairs, public relations or another field deemed appropriate, or an acceptable combination* of relevant experience, education, and training.   
  *Acceptable combination is defined as the candidate having acquired comparable knowledge in the fields listed through experience and other types of training.

 

Language:

• Advanced level proficiency in English (oral and written) 
• Intermediate level proficiency in Spanish (oral and written) 

 

Experience:

• Minimum of three (3) years of recent experience working in government relations, public affairs, communications, or in an advocacy or policy-oriented role, preferably in the government, a diplomatic mission, or an international organization.   
• Recent experience in drafting analytical reports, and making recommendations to management and senior management or officials.  
• Recent* experience in identifying, building and maintaining diverse networks of strategic contacts and stakeholders.  
• Recent* experience in planning, organizing and/or implementing advocacy activities, cultural events, outreach work and/or public information initiatives, preferably in support of government objectives;  
• Recent* experience in preparing content for publication on Web sites and/or through Internet-based social media, preferably in support of government objectives. 

*Recent is defined as within the last five years.

 

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:

• Understanding of the current political dynamics in the Americas and general awareness of regional issues particularly as it relates to human rights, and democracy.  
• A broad understanding of Canadian foreign policy goals in the hemisphere.  

 

Competencies:

• Judgement and discretion
• Tact and diplomacy
• Resilience and adaptability
• Focus on quality and detail
• Working with others
• Networking and Alliance building

 

Abilities: 

• Ability to communicate effectively orally 
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing
• Ability to prepare content for publication on Web sites and/or through social media;  
• Ability to research, analyze, synthesize, and evaluate information/requirements, from a variety of sources and make recommendations in a verbal or written format;  
• Ability to plan, organize, and implement advocacy-related projects in a fast-paced environment;  

 

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.

• Advanced level proficiency in Spanish  
• Intermediate level proficiency in French
• Knowledge of the Organization of the American States's structure, functions, and key institutions

 

Operational Requirements:

• Normal hours of work for this position are in accordance with the Locally Engaged Staff (LES) regulations of 37.5 hours per week. The successful candidate must be able to work overtime on short notice and to be available for occasional duties outside normal working hours, i.e. evenings and weekends. Additionally, the successful candidate must be admissible for travel to Canada, within the United States and throughout the Americas.    

 

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.

Application instructions

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