Secretary, Canadian Intergovernmental Conference Secretariat

The Canadian Intergovernmental Conference Secretariat (CICS) ensures continuity and neutrality in the delivery of conference support services. CICS offers a range of services to senior level intergovernmental meetings: from planning and pre-registration to pre-conference translation services for official documents; from distribution and archiving of documents to simultaneous interpretation and all on-site logistical and administrative services. CICS supports open communication, coordination, consultation and collaboration among federal, provincial and territorial governments as well as Indigenous communities and governments, ultimately benefitting all Canadians. CICS also acts as a hub for the sharing and dissemination of information (e.g. governance models, decisional structures, best practices) underpinning the effective conduct of intergovernmental conferences and relations among the Secretariat’s 14 client governments. CICS delivers its program in an impartial manner to numerous sectors of intergovernmental activity. Secretariat services are provided to federal-provincial-territorial and provincial-territorial meetings of First Ministers, Ministers, Deputy Ministers and Senior Officials as well as to permanent sectoral secretariats and other governance bodies, in order to facilitate effective collaboration, partnerships and decision-making between federal, provincial, territorial and Indigenous governments.

The Secretary provides leadership and directs the Canadian Intergovernmental Conference Secretariat (CICS) as the primary and impartial agency delivering support for the planning and conduct of intergovernmental federal-provincial-territorial and provincial-territorial conferences of First Ministers, Ministers, Deputy Ministers and governments officials across Canada. The Secretary provides effective leadership to CICS to plan and deliver a high level of conference management services involving the provision of strategic advice and effective guidance, a wide range of support services such as interpretation, translation and other linguistic expertise (in order to be compliant with the Official Languages Act), cutting-edge technology (including virtual conferencing and multimedia) as well as document management and archival services. The Secretary officially reports to Parliament through the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities. In essence, the services provided by the Secretary through the Secretariat are federally mandated. However, due to the neutrality and impartiality of the Secretariat, the Secretary maintains an arm’s length relationship with the federal Minister and protects the interests of the 14 client jurisdictions. Furthermore, due to the hybrid nature of the agency, with the provinces contributing to its operational budget and its staff composed of provincial and territorial government employees, the Secretary also reports informally to Deputy Ministers of Intergovernmental Affairs in the provinces and territories.

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 establishing and maintaining effective partnerships with both internal and external key stakeholders (for example, client managers, central agencies, and common service providers);


• Experience managing events and conferences;


• Experience in management at the senior level which includes directing an organization’s financial and human resource requirements;


• Experience providing strategic and managerial leadership of a multi-disciplinary team; and


• Experience in intergovernmental relations and service delivery.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of Canadian federalism, and federal, provincial, and territorial intergovernmental operations;


• Knowledge of conference management protocols and procedures, and related documentation and archival services;


• Knowledge of people management strategies and styles;


• Knowledge of indigenous traditions, Canadian multiculturalism and Canadian regionalism;


• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative relationship and effective partnerships;


• Ability to resolve sensitive issues through consensus-building and develop creative solutions; and


• Ability to interpret and make decisions on complex and conflicting information.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages is an operational requirement of this position. You will be expected to demonstrate your proficiency during the interview process.

• Tact and diplomacy


• High ethical standards, integrity, and impartiality


• Excellent interpersonal skills


• Sound judgment


• Strategic and innovative thinking

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.


• If you are appointed to this position you must willing to travel across Canada.


• If you are appointed to this position, you must be willing and available to work overtime as needed.


• If you are appointed to this position, you must be able obtain a Secret security clearance.

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 October 7, 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.