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

Come work for the federal government’s first independent regulatory body: The Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA).

An important mission: The Canadian Transportation Agency is a small organization (about 300 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 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.

The Canadian Transportation Agency has a new workspace reflecting high standards of accessibility. We are located in the heart of Gatineau (60 Laval), with easy access to fitness facilities, public transportation and restaurants. We offer hybrid working arrangements (a mix of in-office and virtual work) in our new building. Specific work arrangements will be discussed with the manager based on the position and operational needs.

Intent of the process

This process is to staff an indeterminate and a determinate position. A pool of qualified candidates will be created 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.

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: 2

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 relevant to the positions to staff or an acceptable combination of education, training and/or experience.

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 to the public and advice to clients and supervisors.

NOTES:
*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.

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

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

Various language requirements
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
Client focus
Creativity

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

ASSET QUALIFICATIONS

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

Experience in project management communications or web initiatives.

Experience working in a high-volume client service environment providing information to the public.

Experience in using design tools (such as Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator and Premiere Pro).

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

Experience monitoring media or parliamentary affairs for a federal department.

Experience in planning and producing art work and digital content for use in video productions, interactive multimedia presentations, and posting on web and social media platforms from initial concept to delivery.

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

Conditions of employment

Reliability Status security clearance

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 examination may be administered.

An interview may be administered.

Reference checks may be sought.

All of the information collected during the selection process, including behaviour and communication, from the time of application until the end of the process, may be used to evaluate candidates.

Please ensure that your Personal Record Identifier (PRI) is included in your application (for internal candidates).

Please identify clearly your substantive group and level and your employment status on your resume and/or application form (for internal candidates).

Persons are entitled to participate in the appointment process in the official language of their choice. Applicants are asked to indicate their preferred official language in their application

VERY IMPORTANT NOTICE:

It is your responsibility, as an applicant, to clearly demonstrate how you meet each factor of the screening criteria (Experience) for all Essential and applicable Asset Qualifications and that adhere to the stipulated format. Please note that it is not sufficient to simply state that the qualification is "meet" or to provide a listing of current or past responsibilities. You must provide concrete examples which clearly demonstrate how you meet each factor of the screening criteria (Experience) for all Essential and applicable Asset Qualifications.

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.

Communication for this process will be sent via email. It is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure accurate contact information is provided and updated as required. Candidates who apply to this selection process should include an email address that accepts email from unknown users, including users from outside the Public Service (some email systems block these types of email).

Indeterminate employees at the same group and level or equivalent could be considered for deployment. If no deployment is made, applicants from other groups and levels will be considered in the advertised appointment process (for internal candidates).

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

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 first and then to Canadian citizens and permanent residents, 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.