Chief Administrator - AMENDMENT, Courts Administration Service

**If you have applied between June 22, 2020 and July 16, 2020, you do not need to re-apply to be considered for this position.

The position of Chief Administrator of the Courts Administration Service was established in 2003 pursuant to the Courts Administration Service Act. The purpose of this Act was to facilitate the coordination and cooperation among the Federal Court of Appeal, the Federal Court, the Court Martial Appeal Court of Canada and the Tax Court of Canada for the purpose of ensuring the effective and efficient provision of administrative services to those courts.

The Chief Administrator is responsible to protect and enhance judicial independence through management of all courts administration operations at arm’s length from the Government of Canada, and by respecting the constitutionally protected scope of the power of chief justices and judges in the management of the courts.

The Chief Administrator is also responsible for the implementation of modern professional public service management principles and practices designed to enhance accountability for the use of public money in support of court administration while safeguarding the independence of the judiciary.

The Chief Administrator must consult regularly and meaningfully with the Chief Justices in order to successfully and effectively operationalize the objectives of the Courts Administration Service Act.

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 university degree in law or a related field of study, or a combination of equivalent education, job-related training and experience;


• Significant management experience, at the senior executive level, in a public or private sector organization, preferably in a legal or judicial context and at the federal level;


• Demonstrated experience in managing the operations of large complex public or private sector organizations, including dealing strategically and appropriately with multiple senior executives;


• Experience in negotiating and achieving consensus on complex issues among a variety of stakeholders with competing objectives;


• Demonstrated decision-making experience at a senior level with respect to sensitive administrative issues;


• Experience in providing strategic advice on complex and sensitive matters;


• Significant experience in the operations of government and in particular in dealing strategically and appropriately within an arms length relationship with central agencies at the senior level (asset);


• Experience in the application of modern professional public service management principles and practices (asset);


• Experience dealing with members of the judiciary (asset); and


• Experience in courts administration (asset).

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the principles of judicial independence, and the constitutional role of the superior court judiciary and its relationship with Parliament and the government;


• Knowledge of the mandate, role and responsibilities of the Courts Administration Service and of the Chief Administrator, as set out in the Courts Administration Service Act;


• Knowledge of the operations of the federal government and Cabinet processes, including the role of central agencies in relation to arms-length organizations;


• Knowledge of the functions and responsibilities as Deputy Head of a Department for purposes of the Federal Accountability Act, the Public Service Employment Act and related statutes and regulations;


• Knowledge of the administration and operation of courts;


• Demonstrated ability to negotiate and achieve consensus among a variety of stakeholders on complex issues;


• Ability to engage and maintain appropriate co-operative relationships with other senior private sector executives or senior judicial managers;


• Ability to make sound decisions and to provide corporate leadership and vision, including building and maintaining a high level of motivation and morale in employees;


• Ability to analyze differing opinions and complex situations and respond strategically and reasonably, with a view to making recommendations that are fair and equitable; and


• Superior communication skills, both written and oral, and the ability to act as spokesperson in dealing with the media.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

• Tact, diplomacy and discretion


• Integrity and high ethical standards


• Strong visionary leader with sound judgment who can inspire others


• Superior interpersonal skills


• Sensitivity to the legal and constitutional context of the judiciary and the courts


• Decisive, innovative and action oriented

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 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.

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

AMENDMENT

Review of applications will begin on July 27, 2020. 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.