Director-level positions with BC Region

Important messages

The world is full of workplaces claiming to be the “employer of choice”, but actually finding a workplace that comes close to the hyperbole is about as rare as a unicorn sighting. Unless, of course, you know how to see through the glitter to the gold… Meet the BC Region of Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD): a magical organization within the Public Service. While many employers spend their time marketing themselves as a great place to work, we here at WD have quietly (and modestly) gone about creating a workplace where people feel valued, challenged and supported – a workplace where people want to be. According to the last two Public Service Employee Surveys (PSES), WD is the best department in the Canadian public service. So, great workplaces, though rare, do exist and, even though we are already pretty wonderful, we think we can do even better. This is where you come in…

As you may have heard, BC is getting its own regional development agency. There was simply too much goodness (from job satisfaction to the ability to make an impact) for one agency. The solution: create two separate agencies and even greater impact! We have an opportunity to take our current excellent culture (and our culture of excellence) and grow it. This is an opportunity to be a part of something really special with an organization that wants to keep raising the bar.

With the creation of a new regional development agency for BC, there will be executive opportunities in Policy and Program streams. We will be using this process to find outstanding individuals who aspire to executive leadership in the public service. We want people who want to see themselves and every member of their team realize their potential, just as much as they want to see British Columbia and Canada realize theirs.

Work environment

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. 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.

As public health restrictions ease, the successful candidate will be expected to report to a WD office location in British Columbia.

WD offices are open environments with well-regulated air quality, ergonomic sit/stand workstations, and a combination of natural and fluorescent lighting.

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 process, please contact Carolyn Veitch by email at . All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.

Intent of the process

A pool of qualified candidates will be established and may be used to staff positions at this group and level in Policy and Program streams within the new BC Regional Development Agency in various locations throughout BC. This process may be used for various tenures (including but not limited to term and indeterminate appointments, internal assignments, secondments, deployments, acting appointments, casual). It may also be used to staff positions with various security requirements, language requirements and conditions of employment. The pool of qualified candidates may also be shared and accessed by 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:
• Successful completion of a degree from a recognized post- secondary institution or an acceptable combination of education, training and experience.

Degree equivalency

EXPERIENCE (common to both streams):
• Experience providing strategic advice, recommendations and briefings in writing and verbally to senior management (Executive level and above) on one or any combination of the following: policies, programs, legislation or issues management.
• Experience building and maintaining relationships with internal and external stakeholders such as federal/provincial/territorial departments and/or central agencies and/or the private sector and/or not-for-profit organizations and/or Indigenous communities or their representatives
• Experience leading or managing the coordination, development or implementation of strategies, policies or programs.

For positions in Policy, Planning and Analysis (Stream 1)
• Experience managing financial and human resources. Some examples of managing human resources may include supervising staff, establishing priorities or work objectives, conducting performance assessments, approving training, etc. Applicants must also indicate the number of staff they have supervised.

For positions in Programs and Operations (Stream 2)
• Significant* experience managing financial and human resources.

*For the purposes of this selection process, significant experience is defined as the full-time performance of the professional duties for a continuous period of 2 years or more.

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

ASSET QUALIFICATIONS: These qualifications are not required but if you bring any of these experience factors, we want to hear more. Asset criteria may applied at any stage in the staffing process.

Stream 1: Policy, Planning and Analysis
1) Experiencing advocating for or championing ideas.
2) Significant* experience in establishing and maintaining networks and partnerships with other levels of governments, post-secondary institutions, industry organizations, etc.
3) Experience in engaging with Indigenous communities, governments and organizations.
4) Significant* experience in undertaking the analysis of policy issues relevant to economic development.
5) Experience in corporate or departmental planning, performance measurement, economic policy, and governance.
6) Experience in developing and implementing a framework and approach to multi-party, collaborative research and assessment projects.
7) Experience in developing Memoranda to Cabinet and Treasury Board Submissions.
8) Significant* experience in managing financial and human resources.
9) Depth, breadth and scope in any one or combination of the experience factors.

Stream 2: Programs and Operations
1) Experience in program development or delivery
2) Experience leading, designing or implementing business transformation initiatives.
3) Significant* experience in developing networks of contacts at senior levels to advance collaboration in support of consultations, program delivery or negotiations.
4) Significant* experience in developing or managing grants and contributions programs.
5) Experience in program evaluation or audit.
6) Experience with decision making processes within the Public Service
7) Experience engaging with Indigenous communities.
8) Experience engaging with underrepresented communities, such as persons with disabilities, youth, members of the LGBTQ2 community, racialized groups, etc.
9) Experience managing staff remotely or in a matrix environment.
10) Experience in community economic development.
11) Depth, breadth and scope in any one or combination of the experience factors.

*For the purposes of this selection process, significant experience is defined as the full-time performance of the professional duties for a continuous period of 2 years or more.

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

Various language requirements

Information on language requirements

KNOWLEDGE:
• Knowledge of current economic and business trends, opportunities and challenges in BC.
• Knowledge of key federal government initiatives, trends and issues relating to Grants and Contributions management.

KEY LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES:
• Create Vision and Strategy
• Mobilize People
• Uphold Integrity and Respect
• Collaborate with Partners and Stakeholders
• Promote Innovation and Guide Change
• Achieve Results

ABILITY:
• Ability to communicate effectively – orally and in writing

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

CURRENT AND/OR FUTURE ORGANIZATIONAL NEEDS:
• In support of achieving an inclusive and diversified workforce, consideration may be given to candidates who self-identify as belonging to one of the following Employment Equity groups or subgroups: Indigenous peoples, persons with a disability, visible minorities and women.

Conditions of employment

• Secret security clearance - Candidates must meet and maintain the condition of employment throughout their employment.
• Willingness and ability to travel frequently.
• Willingness and ability to work long hours.

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.