Commissioner, International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas

The International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) is responsible for the conservation of tunas and tuna-like species in the Atlantic Ocean and adjacent seas. The organization was established under the International Convention for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas in 1966 and has 52 members, including Canada.

The Commission undertakes a range of work required for the study and management of tunas and tuna-like fishes in the Atlantic. It also undertakes work in the compilation of data for other fish species that are caught during tuna fishing ("bycatch", principally sharks).

Representatives participate as part of the Fisheries and Oceans Canada ICCAT delegation. Canada’s objective at ICCAT is to ensure that policy approaches to conservation and management agreed to at ICCAT are based on the best available science, take precautionary and ecosystem-based approaches, and consider socio-economic impacts on Canadians.

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 achieve 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 combination of relevant education, job-related training and/or experience equivalent to that normally obtained through a university degree; or a degree from a recognized university in a relevant field of study;


• Experience related to tuna and/or tuna-like species and related fisheries such as:
  
  
  
  • Conservation;
  
  
  • Fisheries policy, management;
  
  
  • Academic studies in science; or
  
  Law.
  
  
  

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• General knowledge of the mandate and activities of ICCAT;


• Sound knowledge of issues related to tuna and/or tuna-like fisheries;


• Ability to represent, broadly, the interests of Canada and support the development of policy recommendations with respect to the ICCAT mandate;


• Ability to work within a team and compromise to seek common solutions to complex issues;


• Ability to effectively participate in delegation meetings and assume an active role in deliberations of the Canadian delegation;


• Ability to regularly attend meetings in person and/or virtually or by phone and contribute to the ongoing work of the Canadian delegation;


• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing;


• Ability to use a computer for research and word processing; and


• Ability to speak in Spanish would be considered an asset.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

• High ethical standards and integrity


• Strong interpersonal skills


• Sound judgement


• Tact and diplomacy


• Respect


• Discretion

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 must be willing and able to undertake some travel within Canada and internationally to attend meetings as needed.


• If you are appointed to this position / one of these positions, you must be reasonably accessible to Fisheries and Oceans Canada officials as required.

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 August 8, 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 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.