Sergeant-at-Arms and Corporate Security Officer, House of Commons

As an official of the House of Commons, the Sergeant-at-Arms is responsible for the effective and efficient operation of the Chamber of the House of Commons by safeguarding life and property, and maintaining peace and order. Under the direction of the Speaker of the House of Commons, the Sergeant-at-Arms performs certain ceremonial functions and works in close collaboration with the Director of the Parliamentary Protective Service to facilitate the consistent delivery of integrated security services both inside and outside the Chamber. Reporting to the Deputy Clerk, Administration as the Corporate Security Officer, the Sergeant-at-Arms provides executive management and senior leadership for the establishment, implementation and ongoing operation of the House of Commons corporate security program and services.

Diversity and Official Languages

The Government of Canada will consider bilingual proficiency and diversity in assessing applicants. You are therefore encouraged to include in your online profile your ability to speak and understand your second official language. Preference may be given to applicants who are members of one or more of the following groups: women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and members of a visible minority group.

Education and Experience

• Degree from a recognized university or an acceptable combination of education, job-related training and experience;


• Significant experience in a security-related field, with a record of protecting life and property;


• Management experience at the senior executive level, including managing human and financial resources;


• Experience in strategic management, organizational change and implementing modern corporate governance principles and best practices;


• Leadership experience in a complex stakeholder environment; and


• Experience working in a parliamentary or legislative environment or with legislators would be considered an asset.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the legal, historical and cultural conditions of parliamentary institutions in Canada;


• Knowledge of the Canadian parliamentary system, the legislation process and the constitutional mandate of the House of Commons;


• Knowledge of strategic corporate planning, monitoring and evaluation of corporate performance;


• Knowledge of the current political agenda, current legislative initiatives and current domestic issues;


• Ability to develop and maintain effective relations with Parliamentarians, the Clerk of the House of Commons, the Director of the Parliamentary Protective Service, and other key stakeholders;


• Strong analytical, problem-solving and decision-making abilities;


• Ability to respond, in a strategic, innovative and reasonable manner in high-pressure situations and in the context of unexpected security events; and


• Superior communication skills, both written and oral, and the ability to manage communications with a variety of stakeholders.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

• Objective, impartial and fair


• High ethical standards and integrity


• Consensus-builder


• Excellent interpersonal skills


• Sound judgment

Eligibility Factors and Conditions of Employment

• Appointees must comply with the Ethical and Political Activity Guidelines for Public Office Holders throughout their appointment as a term and condition of employment. The guidelines are available on the Governor in Council Appointments website under the Forms and reference material.


• The Notice of Appointment Opportunity has been amended to remove the section regarding the Conflict of Interest Act as the position is not subject to the Act.


• Appointees must uphold the highest standards of probity and are expected to demonstrate behaviours in the workplace that afford respect, equality and dignity, to everyone they interact with at work at all times. The Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector outlines the values and expected behaviours for public servants, including valuing diversity and creating workplaces free from harassment and discrimination. Governor in Council appointees are expected to uphold and respect these values and principles in a positive and active manner.
  


• If you are appointed to this position, you must reside in or be willing to relocate to the National Capital Region, or to a location within a reasonable commuting distance.


• You are frequently required to work long hours due to House and Member of Parliament business associated with regular and extended sittings and urgencies that arise.

A link to this notice will be placed in the Canada Gazette to assist the Governor in Council in identifying qualified candidates. It is not, however, intended to be the sole means of recruitment.

How to Apply

Review of applications will begin on April 8, 2019. Candidates must apply online via the Governor in Council Appointments website. Candidates are strongly encouraged to submit their applications by this date. After this date, your application will be retained and may be considered up until an appointment to the position is made. Your cover letter should be addressed to the Deputy Director of Selection Processes, Senior Personnel Secretariat, Privy Council Office, and should be sent only through the online application.

Instructions on how to apply for an appointment opportunity can be found on the Governor in Council Appointments website.