Anticipatory Communications Officer (IS-03) / Communications Advisor (IS-04)

Important messages

Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) is looking for dedicated and motivated people to support a vibrant economic future in Manitoba, and across the West. WD is routinely ranked as one of the Best Places to Work according to the Public Service Employee Survey. 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 primarily working remotely for the time being. Interviews and related assessments will be conducted virtually throughout this staffing process. Applicants are responsible to ensure they 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.

Duties

Day to Day:
You will be part of a department that holds wordsmiths in high regards. You will collaborate with various teams and have your hands in countless exciting projects. One day, you may be putting together stories and presentations that pull at heartstrings, the next, you may be called upon to design an engaging infographic, or advise on a complicated file. You will be busy, supported, respected, and in excellent company.

Our People:
We have family people, pet parents, bakers, runners, readers, video gamers, movie buffs, and more. We also have diversity, empathy, transparency – we have happy people, and we invite you to be part of our federal family.

Advice:
Do not let ‘imposter syndrome’ keep you from applying for this job. If you are interested and feel as though you meet the qualifications of the position, we warmly encourage you to apply today!

Work environment

Governments worldwide are looking for new and innovative approaches to economic development funding and delivery and Western Economic Diversification Canada is at the forefront. We foster a culture of experimentation and innovation to continuously improve how we do business for the benefit of western Canadians. We make strategic investments to grow an inclusive Canadian economy with a focus on business development, innovation, and community development.

Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) works to develop and diversify the economy of Western Canada by delivering grants and contributions programs and advocating on behalf of the West.

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. In the annual public service employee survey, WD employees consistently rank the department as one of the best places to work in the federal government.

Why Choose WD:
• Work with amazing people who support each other
• Meaningful work that makes a difference to the country
• Excellent compensation package
• Flexible work arrangements
• Modern work tools and technology

Intent of the process

A pool of qualified candidates (fully assessed or partially assessed) will be established and may be used to staff similar positions at this group and level. This process may be used for various positions and tenures (including but not limited to term and indeterminate appointments, internal assignments, secondments, deployments, acting appointments, casual) as well as various locations, security requirements, and conditions of employment. The pool of qualified candidates may also be shared and accessed with other federal government departments.

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)

Education:
• Degree from a recognized post-secondary institution with an acceptable specialization in Communications or other field related to the position.

Degree equivalency

Experience for IS-03 only:
• Recent* experience in creating graphic design products (including, but not limited to infographics, posters, postcards), and producing visual media.

Experience for IS-03 and IS-04:
• Experience in researching and writing a variety of communications products (including, but not limited to, news releases, media lines, backgrounders, feature articles, as well as material for the Web and/or social media, e-mails) in a deadline driven environment.
• Experience building and maintaining relationships with internal and external partners and stakeholders.

Experience for IS-04:
• Experience analyzing and responding to public issues.
• Recent* and significant** experience providing communications advice and services, including, but not limited to writing speeches for senior officials (such as a Minister, Member of Parliament or senior management), and developing communications strategies.
• Experience in developing communications plans and strategies in support of departmental priorities and initiatives.

*Recent within the last three (3) years.
**Significant is understood to mean the depth and breadth of experience normally associated with having performed a broad range of complex, related activities for a minimum of two (2) years.

Knowledge:
• Knowledge of best practices, as well as modern and innovative communication practices, initiatives, tactics and trends.
• Knowledge of regional economic development issues in the West.

Competencies:
• Working Effectively with Others
• Demonstrating Integrity and Respect
• Showing Initiative and Being Action-Oriented
• Thinking Things Through
• Communicate in Oral and Written Form

Ability:
• Ability to produce high quality communication products and remain detailed oriented under pressure, with tight deadlines and competing priorities.
• Ability to strategically assess important issues and provide advice and recommendations on communication products.

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

Asset Qualifications:
• Experience with the Federal Identity Program.
• Experience in providing videography services and using video editing software.
• Depth, breadth and scope of experience in any one or combination of the experience qualifications used for screening.

Operational Requirements:
• Willing and able to travel
• Must possess a current and valid driver’s license
• Willing and able to work overtime on short notice

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

English essential

Information on language requirements

Conditions of employment

• Reliability Security Clearance (IS-03)
• Secret Security Clearance (IS-04)

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

TIPS FOR APPLICANTS: When answering the screening questions ensure that you provide complete and thorough details of your experience. Do not assume that the screening board has any previous knowledge of your background, qualifications, or work history. You must be specific and provide concrete examples/details for each Experience element, as applications will be screened only on the information provided. Failure to provide sufficient information may result in your application being screened out of the competition.

Depending on the number of applicants, the needs and/or Human Resources plans, volume management strategies such as random selection, top-down approach and/or establishing cut-off scores to determine who will continue in the staffing process, MAY BE USED for the purpose of managing applications.

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.