Communications Officer

Important messages

NOTE: Candidates must clearly demonstrate IN THEIR COVER LETTER how they meet the education and experience factors listed in the essential and asset qualifications. Candidates must use the criteria as a header and then write one or two paragraphs with concrete examples to demonstrate how they meet the experience criteria required, including the duration of the experience. Resumes will be used as a secondary source to validate the experience described in the cover letter. Failure to provide this information in the requested format may result in your application being rejected.

Work environment

As one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers, AAFC is proud to celebrate our achievement in creating a diverse, respectful, and positive workplace where all employees are valued and recognized for their unique qualities, ideas, voices and perspectives.

Intent of the process

The immediate need is to staff 1 indeterminate position for the location indicated for this process.

In the event that an employee of the public service is qualified through this process, and there is a temporary need, he/she may be considered for acting or assignment/secondment opportunities.

Positions to be filled: 1

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

A covering letter in 5,000 words (maximum)

Contact information for 2 references.

You must meet all essential qualifications in order to be appointed to the position. Other qualifications may be a deciding factor in choosing the person to be appointed. Some essential and other qualifications will be assessed through your application. It is your responsibility to provide appropriate examples that illustrate how you meet each qualification. Failing to do so could result in your application being rejected.

In order to be considered, your application must clearly explain how you meet the following (essential qualifications)

A *degree from a recognized post-secondary institution.

*Unless it is otherwise specified (e.g., Master’s degree), the term “degree” refers to a baccalaureate as established by educational authorities.

Notes:
1. Based on their education, training and/or experience, indeterminate incumbents of positions in the IS classification are deemed to meet the minimum education standard whenever a bachelor’s degree without specialization is called for in a position classified as IS.

2. At the manager's discretion, an acceptable combination of education, training and/or experience, may serve as an alternative to the minimum education standard.

If you were educated outside of Canada, you must have your certificates and/or diplomas assessed against Canadian education standards. Click the link below to contact the Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials (CICIC).

Degree equivalency

The following will be applied / assessed at a later date (essential for the job)

English essential

Information on language requirements

Experience in researching and writing a variety of communications products (such as: news releases, media lines, backgrounders, feature articles, messages, event proposals, as well as material for the Web and/or social media) in a deadline driven environment.

Experience in contributing to and/or implementing communication plans and/or projects.

Experience in providing communications advice and support to supervisors, managers, and partners/clients.

Knowledge of the Government of Canada Communications Policy and acts, regulations, standards and policies related to the communications function.

Knowledge of key issues currently affecting the agriculture and agri-food sector.

Interactive Communication
Teamwork
Initiative
Judgement
Writing skills
Strategic Thinking

The following may be applied / assessed at a later date (may be needed for the job)

Experience in media relations

Experience in responding to queries from the general public, orally and/or in writing

Experience in exhibits or tradeshows

Experience in Project Management

Experience in regional communications (i.e. in a location outside the National Capital Region)

Experience designing and producing various digital communication products including videos

Strategic communications experience

Selection may be limited to members of the following Employment Equity groups: Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, visible minorities, women

Information on employment equity

In support of achieving a diversified workforce, consideration may be given to candidates self-identifying as belonging to one of the following employment equity groups: aboriginal peoples, persons with a disability, visible minorities and women.

Some positions may require the ability and willingness to work overtime and to adopt flexible work hours as per operational requirements.

Conditions of employment

Reliability Status security clearance

Some positions may require the ability and willingness to travel.

Required to have a driver’s licence

Require the ability to lift at least 10 kilograms

Other information

All communication relating to this process, including email correspondence, may be used in the assessment of qualifications.

The Public Service of Canada is committed to building a skilled, diverse workforce reflective of Canadian society. As a result, it promotes employment equity and encourages candidates to indicate voluntarily on their application if they are a woman, an Aboriginal person, a person with a disability or a member of a visible minority group.

The Public Service of Canada is also committed to developing inclusive, barrier-free selection processes and work environments. If contacted in relation to a job opportunity or testing, you should advise the Public Service Commission or the departmental official in a timely fashion of the accommodation measures which must be taken to enable you to be assessed in a fair and equitable manner. Information received relating to accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially.

Preference

Preference will be given to veterans and to Canadian citizens, in that order.

Information on the preference to veterans

We thank all those who apply. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.