Senior Business Officer

Important messages

THE BEST IN THE WEST

Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) is looking for Senior Business Officers to join our team.

Work environment

WD makes strategic investments to grow the Canadian economy with a focus on business development, innovation and community development. More recently, our department has also played a key role in helping the Government of Canada take immediate, significant and decisive action to support Canadians and businesses facing hardship as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak by implementing the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF).

WD is recognized as a top employer because of its support for employees, innovative workplace and ability to make a difference in the lives of Western Canadians. WD ranked 1st overall as the best place to work in the Government of Canada according to the 2019 Public Service Employee Survey – and with 92% of our employees recommending our department as a great place to work – what are you waiting for? We are looking for people who think independently, work creatively and play well with others. As a Senior Business Officer you will be challenged to effectively collaborate with stakeholders to develop innovative approaches and projects that address challenges or capitalize on opportunities to promote economic development in the West.

If you want to be part of a great organization that gets things done for Western Canadians, you want to work here.

Please note: as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are working remotely for the time being. Interviews and related assessments will be conducted virtually throughout this staffing process. Please ensure you have a reliable internet connection and access. If you are appointed to a position, WD will provide tools and/or equipment to support remote work. There may be an opportunity to visit the Vancouver office subject to public health recommendations.

Intent of the process

This is an anticipatory process to create a pool of fully qualified candidates to be used for future staffing needs in our Vancouver office. This process may be used for various tenures including but not limited to term and indeterminate appointments, internal assignments, secondments, deployments, acting appointments. It may also be used for positions with various security requirements, language requirements and conditions of employment. We are willing to share the pool of candidates with our federal public service partners who have similar needs.

HOW TO APPLY: For this process, we will accept applications through www.jobs.gc.ca (PSRS) but we are also accepting resumes and cover letters by email. If you prefer, send your documents to with your name, the position title and reference number in the subject line.

Positions to be filled: Number to be determined

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

A covering letter in 500 words (maximum)

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

Education:
• Graduation with a degree from a recognized post-secondary institution.

Degree equivalency

Experience:
Recent* and significant** experience is required in each of the following areas:
• Evaluating economic development project proposals, applications for funding, or business plans;
• Reviewing financial statements or other financial analyses to evaluate financial sustainability of businesses or not for profit organizations;
• Developing or negotiating agreements and monitoring progress throughout the lifecycle of a project or initiative;
• Developing and sustaining collaborative working relationships with stakeholders to advance projects or initiatives; and
• Providing strategic advice and recommendations including oral briefings and the preparation of briefing notes or written materials.

*Recent is defined as relevant experience gained within the past three years.
**Significant is defined as relevant experience normally acquired through the full time performance of duties for at least two years.

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

ASSET QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:
• Graduation with a master’s degree from a recognized post-secondary institution with a specialization in Economics, Business, Finance, or Public Administration.

Experience:
• Delivering presentations to and engaging diverse stakeholder groups including businesses and/ or not for profit organizations;
• Delivering or developing initiatives through Grants and Contributions programs;
• Working with provincial, municipal or regional governments;
• Working with stakeholders to advance economic development initiatives within indigenous communities;
• Providing pathfinding advice/guidance to companies and organizations seeking funding support;
• Assessing applications for repayable funding/loans and/or monitoring a portfolio of repayable project/loans;
• Working with companies and other stakeholders to leverage economic benefits under Canada’s Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) policy;
• Using stakeholder management systems and software applications, e.g., Microsoft Dynamic CRM, Adobe Writer, Project Gateway;
• Using advanced excel functions, or other reporting software applications, to create efficiencies in data analysis and reporting; and
• Depth, breadth and scope of experience in any one or combination of the experience factors used in screening.

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

Various language requirements
Most Senior Business Officer positions require proficiency in English as an essential qualification. Some positions may require the use of both official languages (French and English) with various proficiency levels such as BBB/BBB or CCC/CCC.

Information on language requirements

Knowledge:
• of how Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) and other federal, provincial and regional/municipal economic programs/policies support economic development and diversification in Western Canada;
• of key factors influencing the Canadian economy; and
• of the current economic and business trends, opportunities and challenges in British Columbia.

Competencies:
• Demonstrating integrity & respect;
• Thinking things through;
• Working with others;
• Showing initiative and being action-oriented; and,
• Communication (Oral and Written),

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

Diversity and Inclusiveness (Organizational Needs):
• In support of achieving a diverse and inclusive workforce, in line with employment equity objectives, selection may be limited to candidates self-identifying as belonging to the following Employment Equity groups: Visible Minorities; Aboriginal Persons; Persons with Disabilities.

Conditions of employment

Conditions of Employment:
• Reliability security clearance
• Willingness to travel occasionally.
• Willingness to work overtime on occasion as required.

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

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.