Job Description

Position description

Under the supervision of the Deputy Head of the Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs program(CIAS), and in accordance with the international priorities of the Government of Canada and its specific objectives in the United States, the incumbent is responsible for tracking key portfolios and issues of relevance to Canada in Congress, undertaking advocacy and reporting on these priority issues and analyzing and reporting on US Presidential and congressional elections. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Monitoring, researching, and analysing policy, as well as legislative, political and economic developments in Congress of interest to Canada;
• Establishing and maintaining a network of contacts in key Congressional offices and within academia, government, think tanks, and policy institutions;
• Writing reports;
• Developing public communications and advocacy materials; developing visit programs for incoming Cabinet ministers and senior officials;
• Drafting briefing notes for the Ambassador; and
• Contributing to the planning and implementation of outreach initiatives, program delivery, communications strategies, official visits and events.

The candidate should be an enthusiastic, detail-oriented, and reliable team player with a strong knowledge of the United States Congress. They will need to demonstrate an ability to synthesize complex issues in a timely manner for a Canadian audience.

Area of Selection:

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

Please note that the Embassy of Canada to the United 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.

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, Communications or Public Policy)

or 

• A degree from a recognised university and a minimum of three years of relevant work experience.

Language:

• Advanced level proficiency in English (oral and written)

Experience:

• Five years of recent* experience working in federal government, government relations, international relations or working in or with the United States Congress.
• Recent* experience working in, or conducting research and analysis on, or US politics and/or Congress.
• Recent* experience providing advice, briefings and written reports to senior management/clients.
• Recent* experience in identifying, building, and maintaining diverse networks of key contacts and stakeholders.   

* Recent experience is defined as within the last 10 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:

• Knowledge of the inner workings of the United States Congress including House and Senate floor procedure.
• Knowledge of US politics and election campaigns.
• Knowledge of the factors that influence policy in the United States generally and how they may have an impact on Canadian interests.

Competencies:

• Strategic Thinking and Decision Making
• Networking and Alliance Building
• Initiative and Action Orientation
• Judgement and Discretion
• Working with Others and Horizontal Leadership
• Oral Interaction
• Written Communication

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 both orally and in writing in French.
• Experience working with or for House or Senate committees (e.g. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, House Foreign Affairs Committee, Senate Armed Service Committee, House Armes Service Committee, Senate Intelligence Committee, House Intelligence Committee, House Select Committee on Strategic Competition between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party, Congressional-Executive Commission on China), or in a Congressional personal office.
• Experience working with or for political organisations such as the Republican National Committee or the Democratic National Committee
• Experience working on US federal or state-level political campaigns.

Operational Requirements:

Hours of work:  

Normal hours of work for this position are in accordance with Locally-Engaged Staff regulations of 37.5 hours per week. The successful candidate must be willing to work evenings and overtime as required. 

Travel:

This position may require occasional travel within the United States and to Canada. 

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 term disability 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 Embassy of Canada to the United States values diversity, equity and inclusion in our workforce.

Application instructions

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