Assistant Deputy Chairperson, Immigration and Refugee Board

The Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada is an independent administrative tribunal. The Board hears refugee protection claims and immigration and refugee appeals, holds admissibility hearings and conducts detention reviews in its regional offices.

The Immigration Appeal Division and the Refugee Appeal Division consist of Members, who are independent decision-makers. Members review extensive documents, conduct proceedings, including hearings and render decisions on immigration and refugee appeals.

The Assistant Deputy Chairperson (ADC) is both a Member and the senior decision-maker within the regional office of a Division. The ADC manages the work of the Division, including the work and performance of Members, while respecting their independence in decision-making. The ADC is responsible for administering an adjudicative system that has as its hallmarks quality, efficiency, consistency, transparency and accessibility to citizens, permanent residents and refugee claimants. As the senior decision-maker the ADC leads by example in the adjudication of appeals. The ADC is responsible for efficient case management in the Division and works collaboratively with the Registrar to ensure that the Division manages its caseload simply, quickly and fairly, by assigning resources and effort in proportion to the complexity of the case.

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

• A degree from a recognized university or an acceptable combination of relevant education, job-related training and/or experience;


• Recent experience in the interpretation or application of legislation and regulations and in gathering and assessing complex information in order to prepare written decisions;


• Experience in managing the delivery of a program with operational objectives;


• Recent experience in managing human resources in person and remotely;


• Experience in managing financial resources;


• Computer skills, specifically in the use of word processing software;


• Experience as a decision-maker in an adjudicative tribunal would be considered an asset; and


• Experience in applying the provisions of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act in matters determined by either the Immigration Appeal Division or the Refugee Appeal Division, or in the application of the United Nations Convention relating to the Status of Refugees would be considered assets.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the role and mandate of the Board;


• Knowledge of the legal and administrative principles that guide the management of an independent adjudicative tribunal and its Members;


• Knowledge of the principles of case management in an adjudicative tribunal;


• Superior interpersonal and communication abilities;


• Ability to sustain a high level of functioning;


• Time management;


• Leadership; and


• Ability to write with clarity.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

• High ethical standards and integrity


• Impartiality


• Sound judgment


• Tact and discretion


• Sensitivity to multicultural and gender issues

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.


• All appointees are subject to the Conflicts of Interest Act. Public office holders appointed on a full-time basis must also submit to the Office of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics within 60 days of appointment, a confidential report in which they disclose all of their assets, liabilities and outside activities. For more information, please visit the Office of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner's website.


• 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 one of these positions, you may not accept or hold any office or employment or carry on any activity inconsistent with your duties and functions under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (statutory).


• If you are appointed to one of these positions, you must devote the whole of your time to the performance of your duties under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (statutory).


• If you are appointed to one of these positions, you must reside in or be willing to relocate to Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto or Vancouver or to a location within a reasonable commuting distance.


• If you are appointed to one of these positions, you must be willing to travel across Canada.

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.

A list of qualified candidates may be established and may be used for similar opportunities.

How to Apply

Review of applications will begin on July 6, 2020. Candidates must apply online via the Governor in Council Appointments website. Candidates are strongly encouraged to submit their application by this date. After this date, your application will be retained and may be considered up until appointments to the positions are 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.