Summary of Duties:

The Foreign Policy and Diplomacy Service (FPDS) of Global Affairs Canada is mandated to advance Canadian interests on a vast array of files through diplomacy, the development of foreign policy advice and programming via the following seven core services:

• Information and Analysis - Provide political economic intelligence and analysis on existing or emerging international issues

• Policy Development - Provide the international context and propose foreign policy options

• Policy Integration - Provide leadership and advice to broker coherent national positions on international policy issues

• Advocacy - Coordinate strategic advocacy internationally to advance Canadian interests

• Access - Facilitate and maintain access to potential key interlocutors and decision makers

• Program Delivery - Implementation of programs with an international dimension

• Visits Guidance -Provide assistance to Canadian dignitaries on official visits abroad

Under the supervision of the FPDS Program Manager, the Senior FPDS Officer is responsible for outreach, advocacy and reporting on key priority issues in the territory of the Consulate General of Canada in Los Angeles (Southern California, Arizona and Nevada). This includes, but is not limited to: 

• monitoring, researching and analysing policy, legislative, political and economic developments in the region of interest to Canada;

• conducting analysis and providing strategic advice to management on Canadian policy priorities in our territory;

• developing and executing political, social and economic advocacy strategies;

• establishing and maintaining contacts in key areas such as government, thinktanks, policy institutions, academia and civil society; 

• promoting Canada’s interests and objectives with relevant stakeholders and forums throughout the Consulate General’s territory, including meetings and speaking engagements; 

• drafting reports, strategic communications and advocacy-related products (including speeches, press releases, key messages, social media), visit programs, and briefing notes; 

• Planning, implementation and execution of advocacy projects, program delivery, communications strategies, official visits and events; and

• Advancing Canadian values and inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility priorities in the advocacy work of the Consulate General.

Area of Selection:

This selection process is open to applicants legally residing in the Los Angeles, California region at the time of appointment. The Government of Canada will not reimburse relocation costs under any circumstances. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States. 

Please note that the Consulate General of Canada in Los Angeles 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.

• 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) 

or

• An equivalent combination of education, training and/or work experience in a related field will be considered in place of Bachelor’s or college degree.  

Language:

• An advanced proficiency level in English (reading, writing, comprehension and speaking).   

Experience:

• Minimum of five (5) years working in government relations, communications or in an advocacy-oriented sector.

• Minimum of three (3) years conducting research and analysis on policy and public affairs issues and in providing strategic advice, briefings, and written reports to management and/or clients.

• Experience in developing, planning and executing advocacy campaigns on a range of topics.

• Experience in building relationships and maintaining diverse networks of key contacts with clients, stakeholders and influencers, and conducting meetings with relevant stakeholders and counterparts. 

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:

• Knowledge of politics, policy developments and institutions in the Southwestern United States. 

Competencies:

• Client orientation

• Judgement and discretion

• Initiative and action-orientation

• Working with others and horizontal leadership

• Strategic Thinking and Decision Making 

Abilities:

• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing in English, tailored to the appropriate audience

• Ability to manage multiple priorities with tight deadlines and have strong organizational skills.

• Ability to establish and maintain a diverse network of local contacts and influencers.

• Ability to analyse and provide strategic advice. 

• Ability to work independently in a proactive and accountable manner. 

• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively in a team.  

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.

• Ability to communicate effectively in French both orally and in writing.

• Experience in working within a public or government organization.

• Experience in project management (including budget management).

• Experience in developing and executing social media, traditional or new media campaigns on political, social and/or economic issues. 

• Experience in working with under-represented groups and advancing inclusion, equity, diversity and accessibility.

• Knowledge of North American relations, in particular in the areas of political relations and economic competitiveness.

• Knowledge of Global Affairs Canada’s mandate and priorities, including Canada’ foreign policy priorities in the United States.

Operational Requirements:

• Hours of work: Normal hours of work for this position are in accordance with ocally-Engaged Staff regulations of 37.5 hours per week. The successful candidate must be willing to work overtime on occasion and when required.

• Location of work: Los Angeles, California.

• Willing and able to travel, as required.

• Location of work: Work is normally performed on-site with some limited possibility for teleworking.

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:

We offer a competitive salary, generous leave, 12 weeks of paid parental leave and a strong benefits package that includes medical, dental, long termdisability and a retirement savings plan. Please find a summary of our benefits package and information on employment eligibility at: Jobs at our offices in the United States (international.gc.ca)   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. Canada’s strength is diversity and it has played a key role in Canada’s history and development.  Because of this, the Consulate General of Canada in Los Angeles values diversity, equity and inclusion in our workforce.