Special Representative on Combatting Islamophobia, Department of Canadian Heritage

The Special Representative on Combatting Islamophobia serves as a champion, advisor, expert, and representative to the Canadian government, for the purpose of enhancing efforts to combat Islamophobia and promote awareness of the diverse and intersectional identities of Muslims in Canada. The Special Representative will collaborate with domestic partners, institutions, and stakeholders to support Canada’s efforts to combat Islamophobia, anti-Muslim hatred, systemic racism, racial discrimination, and religious intolerance.

The Special Representative will support the Government of Canada’s goal to protect human rights, and to advocate for and advance inclusive public policy and respect for diversity.

With the support of the Department of Canadian Heritage, the Special Representative reports to the Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion. The Special Representative may also provide advice to the Prime Minister, and all ministers, including but not limited to, the Minister of Public Safety, Minister of Justice and Attorney General for Canada, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Youth, Minister of Canadian Heritage, and Minister of National Revenue.

Diversity and Official Languages

We are committed to providing a healthy and accessible workplace that supports one’s dignity, self-esteem and the ability to work on one’s full potential. With this in mind, all appointees will be expected to take steps to promote and maintain a healthy, respectful, inclusive and harassment-free work environment.

Preference may be given to applicants who are members of one or more of the following groups: (member from a Muslim community), women, persons with disabilities, and members of a visible minority group.

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.

Education and Experience

• A degree from a recognized university in a relevant field of study, OR a combination of equivalent education, job-related training and relevant experience;


• Experience working with and advocating for Muslim communities in Canada;


• Experience in communications, public relations or marketing;


• Experience in stakeholder engagement and consensus building would be an asset;


• Experience in human-rights based work, and/or work in addressing discrimination, hate or racism would be an asset;


• Experience working with senior officials at various levels of government would be an asset;


• Experience making decisions or recommending courses of action with large public policy implications would be an asset;


• Experience adhering to governance principles and best practices in a culture of accountability and transparency would be an asset; and


• Experience serving on the board of directors of a public and/or private sector organization, financial institution or government/Crown corporation would be an asset.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of Muslim communities and worldviews;


• Ability to set priorities and to support the corporate vision needed for the organization to fulfil its mandate and attain its objectives;


• Ability to adapt, collaborate with diverse stakeholders, and work effectively in a variety of situations;


• Ability to recognize and identify the systemic nature of Islamophobia and the intersectionality of discrimination and oppression; and


• Ability to apply a human rights-based approach to public policy, including a respect for diversity and inclusion.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred. Please also include in your online profile your ability to speak and understand any other language.

Proficiency in languages spoken by Muslim communities would be an asset.

• Cross-cultural competencies


• Flexibility and adaptability


• Effective communication, including strong media and public relations skills


• Critical, innovative thinking and informed judgment


• Leadership and relationship management


• Integrity, accountability, impact and influence

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 Forms and reference material.


• All appointees will be subject to the Conflict 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 Commissioner, 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.

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 (more information available here) will begin on July 6, 2022. Candidates should 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 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.