Member (Federal), Office of the Taxpayers' Ombudsperson

The Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board is an independent joint agency of the Government of Canada and the Government of Nova Scotia responsible for the regulation of energy activities in the Canada-Nova Scotia offshore area. The board’s mandate is to apply the provisions of federal-provincial Accord Act legislation and associated regulations governing offshore energy activities, and ensuring they are conducted in a safe, secure and environmentally conscious manner.

The principal role of board members is to make independent decisions in the Canadian public interest in the area of offshore energy regulation.

Canada and Nova Scotia have agreed to work toward modernizing the Board. This includes expanding its mandate to include the regulation of offshore renewable energy development in the Canada-Nova Scotia offshore areas, and over time becoming the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Energy Board (CNSOEB).

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: women, Indigenous peoples, 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 an acceptable combination of education, job-related training, and/or experience;


• Experience in the development of strategies, objectives, plans, best practices, and in corporate governance;


• Experience with the development or application of legislative and regulatory frameworks, or policies;


• Experience with environmental protection and safety;


• Experience building relationships, promoting partnerships and working with government, Indigenous groups, communities, industry or other stakeholder groups in Canada;


• A degree in engineering, environmental science, oceans / fisheries management, public administration, communications, finance or law would be considered an asset;


• Experience in fisheries management, Indigenous affairs, or the energy sector in Nova Scotia, would be considered an asset; and


• Experience working with or serving on a board, having recognized governance training or working in offshore energy-related activities, would be considered an asset.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the mandate and activities of the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board, and the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Resources Accord Implementation Act;


• Knowledge of offshore energy activities in the Canada-Nova Scotia offshore area, and the structure and operation of the international energy industry and Canada’s position in an international context;


• Knowledge of current and emerging issues related to offshore energy exploration, development, and/or production;


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


• Knowledge of the operations and challenges of working with both the federal and provincial governments;


• Ability to recognize and reconcile Indigenous Rights and standing;


• Ability to reconcile divergent stakeholder positions, taking into account associated economic, social and environmental implications, including domestic and international obligations;


• Ability to anticipate emerging issues and develop strategies to enable the board to seize opportunities and solve problems;


• Ability to discuss, foster debate among board members, facilitate consensus and to manage conflicts, should they arise would be considered an asset;


• Ability to work effectively with senior industry, provincial and federal governments, and non-government officials; and


• Superior communication skills, both written and oral.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

• High ethical standards, integrity and impartiality


• Sound judgment


• Tact and diplomacy


• Superior interpersonal skills


• Collegiality

Eligibility Factors and Conditions of Employment

• Members shall be subject to conflict of interest guidelines established jointly by the Federal Minister and Provincial Minister, pursuant to the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Resources Accord Implementation Act.


• You must be willing to travel to Halifax, Nova Scotia for board and committee meetings, five to six times per year, plus be available for teleconference calls from time to time.


• You must be prepared to travel occasionally to represent the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board.

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 June 3, 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.