Commissioners and Chairperson, International Joint Commission

The International Joint Commission (IJC) is a binational, independent, quasi-judicial organization established by the Boundary Waters Treaty of 1909 to prevent and resolve water related disputes along the boundary between Canada and the United States. The IJC is composed of three Canadian and three American Commissioners. Two of the Canadian Commissioners customarily serve on a part-time basis while a third Commissioner, selected as Chairperson, serves on a full-time basis and spends all, or a good part of each working week, at the Commission’s office in Ottawa. The Commissioners are supported by Secretariat offices in Ottawa and Washington and a binational Great Lakes Regional Office in Windsor. The IJC’s Canadian Section is under the portfolio responsibility of the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

The Commissioners have responsibility for preventing and resolving disputes between Canada and the United States of America concerning transboundary water and other environmental issues in a manner that serves the common good of both countries. The Commissioners are representatives of the IJC and not of the government that appoints them. Commissioners must work constructively with the other Canadian Commissioners, the U.S. Commissioners, and the U.S. and Canadian staff who serve the Commission. Canadian Commissioners generally hold office for a four-year term.

Pursuant to the IJC’s Rules of Procedure, the Commissioners of the Canadian Section of the IJC shall appoint one of their number to serve as Chairperson of the Canadian Section. The Chairperson shall act as Chairperson at all meetings of the Commission held in Canada and serve as the Deputy Head of the Canadian Section, accountable for its sound financial management and human resources.

Further details about the organization and its activities can be found on the International Joint Commission’s website.

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 in a relevant discipline or a combination of equivalent education, job-related training and experience;


• Demonstrated management and leadership experience at the senior level, including managing financial and human resources within a government or business context;


• Experience dealing with and providing advice to senior government officials;


• Experience developing and fostering productive relationships with other governments, non-governmental organizations, Indigenous peoples and communities and various stakeholders from a variety of backgrounds following principles of inclusiveness and transparency;


• Experience working for or with national or international organizations and working in or with the water management and/or ecosystem management sectors; and


• Experience in the interpretation and application of Canadian legislation and policies.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of relevant legislation and policy frameworks such as the Boundary Waters Treaty, the International Boundary Waters Treaty Act, the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, and the Rules of Procedure of the International Joint Commission;


• Knowledge of sound governance and management principles and practices of the Public Service of Canada;


• Knowledge of the public policy environment processes and best practices including the policy-science interface;


• Knowledge of the operations and challenges of working with both the Canadian and American federal and sub-federal governments, as well an understanding of the mandates of Global Affairs Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada;


• Knowledge of scientific principles and approaches as they relate to the physical, chemical and biological integrity of shared waters;


• Knowledge of current water management issues, stakeholder engagement trends, Canadian water policy, relevant provincial legislation and initiatives, international water policy, and Indigenous peoples’ interests and concerns;


• Ability to anticipate emerging issues and develop strategies to enable the Commission to seize opportunities and resolve problems;


• Ability to develop effective working relationships with peers and staff as well as with relevant government departments and strategic partners within Canada and internationally;


• Ability to interpret relevant statutes, regulations, policies and scientific findings, to analyze complex issues, and to provide sound recommendations and advice to governments;


• Superior intellectual, strategic leadership and organizational management skills to ensure that the Commission fulfils its treaty and legislative mandate;


• Problem-solving, consensus-building, facilitation and mediation skills; 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.

• Superior interpersonal skills


• Integrity, discretion and strong professional ethics


• Sound judgement


• Dependability and collegiality

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.

• If you are appointed as a part-time Commissioner, you must reside in or be willing to relocate to the National Capital Region, or to a location within a reasonable commuting distance, or be committed to productive teleworking.


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


• If you are appointed to one of these positions you must be willing to travel frequently within Canada and the United States. If teleworking, you must be willing to travel frequently to the National Capital Region.


• 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 for this positions. It is not, however, intended to be the sole means of recruitment. A roster of qualified candidates may be established and may be used for similar opportunities.

How to Apply

Review of applications will begin on July 31, 2018. Candidates must apply online by 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.