Senior Speechwriter

Important messages

We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the hiring process. If you need to be accommodated during any phase of the evaluation process, please use the Contact information below to request special accommodation. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.

Information on accommodation for persons with disabilities

Candidates MUST include a cover letter in their CURRICULUM VITAE. Candidates must clearly demonstrate IN THEIR COVER LETTER (maximum 5000 words), if and how they meet each of the Education and Experience qualifications, both Essentials and Assets, as the screening of applications may also be done using asset qualifications. Candidates are required to do so by using the qualifications as headers and then write a few paragraphs demonstrating, with concrete and detailed examples, how they meet the qualifications required. Résumés will be used as a secondary source of information to validate the education and experience described in the cover letter. Failure to provide an appropriate cover letter could result in a failure, as we will be unable to assess you against the position’s essential qualifications.

Your cover letter will be assessed for writing ability.

Intent of the process

The intention of this process is to fill an indeterminate position. However, a pool of qualified candidates would be established to fill positions at Transport Canada or with other departments.

Positions to be filled: Number to be determined

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

Contact information for 2 references.

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

EDUCATION
A degree from a recognized post-secondary institution.
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.

Degree equivalency

EXPERIENCE
- Recent* and significant** experience writing speeches or journalistic articles dealing with complex and various topics.
- Recent* experience simultaneously coordinating multiple projects with different deadlines.

*Recent is defined as within the last two years.
**Significant experience is defined as being an ongoing and repetitive requirement of the job over a period of at least five years.

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

Various language requirements
English Essential
Bilingual imperative BBB/BBB, CBC/CBC

Information on language requirements

KNOWLEDGE
- Knowledge of Transport Canada’s mandate and priorities.
- Knowledge of the Government of Canada Policy on Communications and Federal Identity.

ABILITIES
- Ability to synthesize various positions and points of view into a coherent and persuasive presentation.
- Ability to write 500- to 1200-word communications products dealing with complex and various topics in an engaging and clear style appropriate for the public.
- Ability to manage multiple projects, work under pressure and meet short and strict deadlines.
- Ability to communicate effectively orally.
- Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

PERSONAL SUITABILITY
- Judgment
- Attention to detail
- Reliability
- Effective interpersonal relationships
- Client service oriented

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

ASSET QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION
Graduation with a degree in Journalism, Communications or Public Affairs from a recognized post-secondary institution.

Degree equivalency

EXPERIENCE
- Recent* and significant** experience writing speeches for a minister or member of Parliament at the federal or provincial level or Chief Executive.
- Experience in liaising with a minister’s office or other senior leader regarding the content and approval of speeches.
- Experience in coordinating communications products and consulting with sub-departments within a government department, company or non-government organization/agency of at least 300 employees.

*Recent is defined as within the last two years.
**Significant experience is defined as being an ongoing and repetitive requirement of the job over a period of at least five years.

Conditions of employment

Secret security clearance

- Willing, able and available to work hours determined by operational requirements.
- Willing, able and available to work overtime on short notice.

Other information

The Public Service of Canada is committed to building a skilled and diverse workforce that reflects the Canadians we serve. We promote employment equity and encourage you to indicate if you belong to one of the targeted groups when you apply.

Information on employment equity

Candidates from outside the Federal Public Service will be required to pay for their own travel expenses for various phases of testing/assessment.

A written exam will be administered.

An interview will be conducted.

Reference checks will be sought.

Candidates may be asked to provide their performance assessment as part of the selection process.

Candidates must possess each of the essential qualifications to be appointed to the position.

Candidates may be required to possess the asset qualifications or to satisfy the operational requirements or the organizational needs, depending on the requirements of the specific position being staffed.

Persons are entitled to participate in the appointment process in the official language of their choice. Applicants are asked to indicate their preferred official language in their application.

For this selection process, our intention is to communicate with applicants by e-mail for screening/assessment purposes (including issuing screening results, and sending invitations for written tests and interviews).

Applicants who apply to this selection process must include in their application a valid e-mail address and make sure this address is functional at all times and accepts messages from unknown users.

Applicants with diplomas from outside of Canada must provide proof of Canadian equivalence. Visit the Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials (CICIC) for more information at http://www.cicic.ca/.

Transport Canada will accept applications on-line only.

All job applications must therefore be submitted through the Public Service Resourcing System (PSRS). Following are some of the benefits associated with applying on-line:
Applicants can create a profile and a resume that can be used when applying for other processes without having to recreate a new application each time.
Applicants can modify their application/resume at anytime BEFORE the closing date indicated on the job advertisement.
Applicants can verify the status of their applications, at any time.
Applicants can be notified electronically of tests or interviews and results.
For some jobs, applicants will find important information, namely the job questionnaire and a complete statement of merit criteria that are only available when applying on-line.

To submit an application on-line, please click on the button "Apply Now" below.

Applications sent via email will not be consider.

Acknowledgement of receipt of applications will not be sent.

Persons with disabilities preventing them from applying on-line are asked to contact 1-800-645-5605.

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.