Socio-Economic Specialist (Assessment, Engagement, Compliance)

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 specialized accommodation. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.

Assessment accommodation

We encourage Aboriginal persons to self-identify as preference may be given to this Employment Equity Group. *An Aboriginal person is a North American Indian or a member of a First Nation, Métis or Inuit. North American Indians or members of a First Nation include treaty, status or registered Indians, as well as non-status and non-registered Indians. Please note that you will be required to complete the Affirmation of Aboriginal Affiliation Form (AAAF) http://www.psc-cfp.gc.ca/plcy-pltq/eead-eeed/dg-gd/aaa-frm-eng.htm.

This role is not conducive for telework

The National Energy Board (NEB) is an independent federal regulator of several parts of Canada’s energy industry. It regulates pipelines, energy development and trade in the public interest with safety as its primary concern. The Minister of Natural Resources is responsible for this organization. The NEB was established by Parliament to regulate, among other things, the construction, operation and abandonment of pipelines that cross provincial or international borders, international power lines and designated interprovincial power lines, imports of natural gas and exports of crude oil, natural gas liquids, natural gas, refined petroleum products, and electricity, and oil and gas exploration and production activities in certain areas. The NEB is also charged with providing timely, accurate and objective information and advice on energy matters. Headquartered in Calgary, Alberta with regional offices in Montréal, Vancouver and Yellowknife, the NEB has approximately 500 employees and annual budget of over $70 million.

The NEB is recognized as one of Canada's Top 100 Employers in a national competition to determine which employers lead their industries in offering exceptional workplaces for their employees.

Duties

Accountable to a Director in the Adjudication, Communication & Engagement or Field Operations Business Units, the socio-economic specialist provides professional advice to Board staff and Board Members on all socio-economic matters related to the energy industry (e.g., impacts on landowners, Indigenous people, communities, land use, etc.). He/she may be required to design, prepare and participate in the conduct of engagement activities with Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, municipalities and other potentially affected people. He/she may also participate in the conduct of field/office meetings and compliance activities in a variety of (and possibly remote) locations across Canada.

Adjudication Business Unit

The socio-economic specialist reviews proposed energy industry exploration, development, production, transportation and abandonment projects submitted under both the National Energy Board Act (NEBA) and Canadian Oil and Gas Operations Act (COGOA) and assesses the effects of those projects upon the social environment. He/she will assist in the design and implementation of follow-up programs, consider implications of the cumulative effects of the project upon the social environment, and ensure that consultation with those affected is considered during the assessment process. In performing his/her work, the socio-economic specialist will participate as part of a multi-disciplinary team. Engagement activities may include planning for and assisting participants in public hearings.

Communications and Engagement Business Unit

The socio-economic specialist may also be assigned to develop policies, guidance and tools to support Indigenous and stakeholder engagement throughout the NEB’s regulatory programs. He/she will be required to apply socio-economic principles and build internal and external support for an NEB-wide approach.

Intent of the process

A pool of candidates may be created. Qualified candidates may be used to staff other similar positions at an equivalent or lower level on a term, indeterminate or acting basis. Appointment of qualified candidates will be based on the assessment results of the essential or essential and asset qualifications and with regard to breadth and depth of experience.

Positions to be filled: 2

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

A response to a text question addressing the following:

• As one of Canada’s Top 100 employers, the National Energy Board wants to maximize our advertising efforts for future openings. Can you please tell us, where you heard about this job opportunity?

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

Education

Graduation from a recognized university with a degree in Indigenous studies, agricultural sciences, anthropology, archaeology, biological sciences, dispute resolution/conflict management, economics, environmental sciences, physical sciences, rural/urban regional planning, sociology or other specialty related to socio-economic or land acquisition matters.

OR

A bachelor’s degree from a recognized university with an acceptable combination of education, training and/or experience.

Degree equivalency

Essential Experience

E1 Significant regulatory and/or technical experience, preferably in the energy industry in one or more of the following:
• environmental and socio-economic assessment,
• environmental and socio-economic compliance monitoring,
• consultation/engagement,
• dispute resolution/conflict management, or
• land acquisition and landowner/industry interaction.

E2 Significant experience in research and analysis of information from a wide range of sources and providing strategic advice or recommendations.

Significant experience is defined as the depth and breadth of experience normally acquired with having performed a broad range of various, complex related activities acquired over a period of approximately (5) five years or more.

If you possess any of the following, your application must also clearly explain how you meet it (other qualifications)

Preference may be given to qualified candidates self-identifying as *Aboriginal Persons and/or Visible Minorities.

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

Various language requirements
English or Bilingual (CBC/CBC)

Information on language requirements

Organization-wide and Business Competencies:

OC1 Leadership & Teamwork (Proficiency: Apply Level)

• Establishes effective working relationships to share knowledge.

OC2 Accountability & Results Orientation (Proficiency: Apply/Guide Level)

• Pro-actively identifies potential problems and vulnerabilities, and considers risks in decision making and action.
• Draws on others to define potential solutions and conclusions.

OC3 Process & Project Management (Proficiency: Apply Level)

• Independently organizes, prioritizes and schedules own work activities and, when appropriate, that of others in the group.

OC4 Written Communication (Proficiency: Apply Level)

• Able to write in a clear, concise and organized manner for a variety of audiences.

OC5 Oral Communication (Proficiency: Apply Level)

• Communicates clearly, concisely and effectively.

Technical Competencies:

Candidates will require at least one of the following:

TC1 Assessment Principles and Techniques (Proficiency: Apply/Guide Level)

• Apply appropriate principles and methods to provide expert advice to decision-makers on matters related to socio-economic (stakeholder/Indigenous rights) impacts.

TC2 Issue Resolution and Engagement Principles and Techniques (Proficiency: Apply/Guide Level)

• Facilitates collaborative discussions for small and large groups.
• Able to consider and respond to the concerns of those affected
• Demonstrates professional judgment in internal and external interactions.

TC3 Compliance Principles and Techniques (Proficiency: Apply/Guide Level)

• Demonstrate professional judgment and knowledge of issues related to environmental, socio-economic or lands regulatory compliance.

Competency Level Definitions

Learn is defined as developing a basic knowledge of the competency and ability to apply.
Apply is defined as demonstrating sound understanding of the competency and ability to apply and contribute.
Guide is defined as thorough knowledge and capability of the competency. Able to influence and guide others in its application.
Shape is defined as recognized as an expert. Shapes direction of the NEB with regards to the competency.

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

AQ1 Experience or training in one or more of the following areas:
• Work in a regulatory agency
• Policy analysis
• Socio-economic impact assessment
• Socio-economic audit, inspection or compliance

AQ2 Experience or training in one or more of the following areas:
• Indigenous engagement
• Community relations
• Alternative Dispute Resolution
• Land acquisition and landowner/industry interaction

AQ3 Experience or training in one or more of the following areas:
• Oil and gas exploration/production
• Pipeline construction/operation
• Pipeline regulation/compliance verification
• Project or Program Management

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

Information on employment equity

Conditions of employment

1) Willingness to undergo, successfully pass and maintain a Reliability Status Check

2) Compliance with the National Energy Board’s Code of Conduct is required. Note: It is strongly recommended that potential applicants read and consider the NEB’s Code of Conduct prior to applying. This document is available on the NEB Website http://www.neb-one.gc.ca/code-of-conduct.

3) Must be willing and able to travel and to work overtime when required.

4) Must be willing to move within and between business units and teams, based on operational requirements and/or as individual development needs are identified.

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 designated groups when you apply.

Information on employment equity

Other Information:

1. The National Energy Board has a classification system that differs from the greater public service. This NEB-09 position is similar to an EC-05 in terms of salary range only. The benefits offered, including relocation assistance, may be significantly different than those offered in the greater public service. This position is subject to NEB’s Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada Collective Agreement.

2. Application Requirements: Applicants must submit, by the closing date, a resume and cover letter clearly demonstrating how they meet the essential qualifications of education and experience. Applicants are strongly encouraged to demonstrate how they also meet the asset qualifications. Asset qualification(s) may be used at any point in the selection process (screening and/or assessment). Failure to provide sufficient information will result in applicants being screened out.

PLEASE NOTE: 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. Our intention is to communicate with applicants by e mail for assessment purposes, sending invitations for written tests, interviews and issuing selection process results.

3. Assessment: You may be assessed using one or more of the following tools: written examination, oral presentation, interview(s), role play scenarios, reference checks and interactions with internal staff during the process and personal knowledge. Top down selection may be used during any stage of the selection process.

4. Appointment Requirements: Candidates must meet each essential qualification and the conditions of employment to be appointed to the position. A person may be appointed to the position even though he/she does not meet any or all of the asset qualifications, organizational needs or operational requirements; however, meeting these criteria is desirable and may be a deciding factor in choosing right fit for appointment.

5. Salary: Effective 1 November 2017 NEB 9, $82,074 to $99,852 (subject to revision)
The National Energy Board has the following forms of additional compensation that are separate from base salary, the eligibility for which is determined, in accordance with the provisions in the collective agreement or terms and conditions of employment for the duration period specified:
• a Calgary Allowance in the amount of 4.95% of base salary may be paid on a bi-weekly payroll basis
• annual performance pay which includes elements of individual performance (60% of payout) and corporate performance (40% of payout)
• annual market allowance which applies only to specified operational positions applies to this position; the allowance is paid in two semi-annualized payments
• The Collective Agreement between the NEB and PIPSC expired on 31 October 2018. Please note that all provisions – including the allowances remain in place until a new agreement has been signed and implemented.

6. Terms of Employment: These positions have been allocated and apply to the bargaining unit represented by the NEB Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada.

7. Proof of Education: Proof of education is required prior to appointment. If you were educated outside of Canada, you must have your certificates and/or diplomas assessed against Canadian education standards. Please contact the Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials (CICIC) for more information www.cicic.ca.
Equivalencies granted by the Canadian provincial authorities with respect to Applied (Bachelor's) Degrees by colleges and technical institutes (i.e. in Ontario, British-Columbia, Alberta & Manitoba) must always be accepted as equivalent to Bachelor Degrees granted by universities in the provinces concerned.

8. Career Ladder: These position(s) are part of a career ladder and future promotion may occur upon successful completion of the training and development requirements and provided they meet the merit criteria and conditions of employment for each level of the career ladder without an advertised staffing process.

9. Organization Future Needs: The National Energy Board is committed to having a skilled and diversified workforce representative of the population we serve. In support of our strategy to achieve our employment equity goals, selection may be limited to candidates self-identifying as belonging to one of the following Employment Equity groups: *Aboriginal Persons, Visible Minorities

We encourage Aboriginal persons to self-identify as preference may be given to this Employment Equity Group. *An Aboriginal person is a North American Indian or a member of a First Nation, Métis or Inuit. North American Indians or members of a First Nation include treaty, status or registered Indians, as well as non-status and non-registered Indians. Please note that you will be required to complete the Affirmation of Aboriginal Affiliation Form (AAAF) http://www.psc-cfp.gc.ca/plcy-pltq/eead-eeed/dg-gd/aaa-frm-eng.htm.

Preference

Preference will be given to veterans and to Canadian citizens, in that order, with the exception of a job located in Nunavut, where Nunavut Inuit will be appointed first.

Information on the preference to veterans

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