Communications Officer / Communications Advisor

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

Duties

Your role as a communicator: As a communications officer/advisor, your role is to understand what the different groups within the Agency do, and to support them by developing a variety of communication products, including communications plans, messages, speaking notes, web content, video and more. You will assume a leading role in developing the Agency’s communications content. You will have great flexibility to show initiative, propose new ideas and take on new projects. You may also be called on to present your ideas – even to senior management.

If you have ideas about how to communicate more effectively, if you like to try new approaches and think creatively, and if you are looking for an opportunity to diversify your skillset and take on more responsibility, at the Agency you will find a great place to thrive.

Work environment

The Canadian Transportation Agency is a small organization (about 280 people) with an important mission – to advance Canadians’ economic and social well-being by:

• Helping to keep the national transportation system running efficiently and smoothly

• Protecting the fundamental right of persons with disabilities to accessible transportation

• Providing consumer protection for air travelers

A great place to work: We are committed to creating a healthy and respectful workplace. Our small size enables us to meet regularly at all-staff events, and encourages dialogue and collaboration – both between managers and employees, and through inter-branch networks and tiger teams. You will have the opportunity to get to know and collaborate with many colleagues across the Agency.

We are located at 15 Eddy, in the heart of Gatineau, with easy access to fitness facilities, public transportation and restaurants.

Intent of the process

A pool of partially or fully qualified candidates may be established through this process to staff future positions with various tenures (indeterminate, determinate, deployment, acting, and assignment/secondment) with similar requirements, various language requirements and profiles and various security requirements, which may vary according to the position being staffed.

Results of this staffing process may be used for similar positions in the Agency and other departments and agencies in the federal government.

Positions to be filled: Number to be determined

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

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

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION:
A degree from a recognized post-secondary institution with a specialization in communications, journalism or another specialization relevant to the position.

Notes:
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.

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:

STREAM 1 – COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER (IS-03 level)
Experience* drafting at least two types of communications products, such as: media lines, news releases, correspondence, internal messages, web content or social media content.

Experience* providing communications services and advice to clients and supervisors.

*Experience is defined as approximately six(6) months total experience.

STREAM 2 – COMMUNICATIONS ADVISOR (IS-04 level)
Experience** writing and editing at least two types of communications products, such as: communications approaches, speeches, news releases, media lines, web or social media content, internal messages, annual report or newsletter articles.

Experience** providing strategic communications advice and recommendations to management (Manager and above).

Experience** developing communication strategies or activities and assisting with their implementation.

**Experience is defined as approximately two (2) years total experience.

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

ASSET:

EXPERIENCE:
Experience in web development or web management (using a CMS such as Drupal).

Experience in project management communications or web initiatives.

Experience in providing technical support to CMS users.

Experience in using graphic design tools (such as Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator).

Experience in planning and coordinating meetings and events dealing with multiple clients.

Experience monitoring media or parliamentary affairs for a federal department.

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

Bilingual - Imperative
Bilingual - Imperative BBB/BBB to CCC/CCC

Information on language requirements

KNOWLEDGE
Knowledge of the Government of Canada Policy on Communications and the Federal Identity.

Knowledge of communications principles and best practices.

ABILITIES
Ability to communicate effectively orally.

Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

Ability to manage multiple priorities and work within tight deadlines.

Ability to research and analyze information.

Ability to work effectively with others.

PERSONAL SUITABILITY
Judgement

Reliability

Commitment to quality and attention to detail.

Initiative

Strategic thinking

Creativity

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

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

OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Ability and willingness to work overtime, on occasion and on short notice.

Conditions of employment

Security clearance: Reliability Status

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

A written exam will be administered.

An interview will be administered.

Reference checks may be sought.

All written communication obtained throughout the selection process, from the time of application to close of process, could be used to evaluate the candidate.

Persons are entitled to participate in the selection process in the official language of their choice.

The Asset Qualifications contained in the Statement of Merit Criteria may be used as a screening tool. Candidates must meet all of the essential qualifications to be appointed to a position. A candidate may be appointed to a position even though he/she does not meet any or all of the asset qualifications or operational requirements. However, meeting these criteria is desirable and may be a deciding factor in choosing the person to be appointed.

Pass marks will be established for each qualifications. However, achieving the pass mark is not a guarantee of an appointment or that candidates will be put through the next stages of the assessment process. Cut-off scores and/or top-down approach may be used at any stage of the staffing process if there are a sufficient number of candidates to meet anticipated staffing needs.

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.