Ombudsperson, Office of the Ombudsperson for National Defence and Canadian Forces

The Office of the Ombudsperson for National Defence and Canadian Forces was created in 1998 to increase openness and transparency in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and the Department of National Defence (DND). It is also to ensure the fair treatment of concerns raised by CAF members, departmental employees and their families, as well as to improve fairness and openness in the CAF, and to strengthen the effectiveness and transparency of the DND/CAF oversight mechanisms.

Since the Ombudsperson for National Defence and the Canadian Forces is independent of the chain of command and management, reporting directly to the Minister of National Defence, there is keen interest in and pressure on this position to produce credible results within exceptionally short time frames.

The Ombudsperson’s role is to act as an independent, impartial public official with the authority and responsibility to receive, investigate or informally address complaints about DND/CAF actions/decisions and, when appropriate, make findings and recommendations in formal, published reports. The Ombudsperson is also a direct source of information, referral and education to assist individuals in accessing existing channels of assistance and redress within the DND and CAF when they have a complaint or concern. The Ombudsperson must provide guidance and astute stewardship, and foster trust and sound relationships as well as open communication with government officials, with the chain of command and with the overall military and defence community.
The Ombudsperson is required to submit annual and other reports to the Minister of National Defence, and may also report to DND and CAF authorities concerning any investigation or other matter that is within the Ombudsperson’s mandate.

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


• A degree in law would be considered an asset;


• Management experience, preferably at the senior executive level, in a public or private sector organization, including managing financial and human resources;


• Decision-making experience with respect to sensitive issues;


• Experience in carrying out comprehensive impartial investigations and the mediation of complaints; and


• Experience in authorizing high-profile investigative audits, reviews and reports, and military service would be considered asset.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge and understanding of the role, responsibilities and mandate of the Office of the Ombudsperson and its relationship to the Canadian Armed Forces, the Department, the Minister of National Defence, the Parliament and the Government;


• Knowledge of military organizations and their operations and procedures;


• Knowledge of basic principles of an ombudsperson’s role and the role of an ombudsperson more generally;


• Broad knowledge and understanding of investigative practices and processes;


• Knowledge of the principles of administrative law and natural justice would be considered an asset;


• Ability to develop and maintain effective liaisons with military leaders, government officials, the defence community, stakeholder groups and external agencies;


• Ability to apply analytical, interpretative and evaluative thinking to situations;


• Ability to develop comprehensive communications strategies, including outreach and networking activities;


• Ability to bring about positive and lasting change at a cultural, individual and organizational level; and


• Superior communication skills, both written and oral; and ability to act as spokesperson in dealing with the media, public institutions, governments, other organizations and people from both military and civilian backgrounds.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

• High ethical standards, integrity and impartiality


• Superior interpersonal skills


• Sound judgment


• Tact and discretion


• Strong leadership and managerial skills

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 be willing to travel across Canada and internationally.

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 October 22, 2018. 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.