Canadian Ombudsperson, Office of the Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise

The creation of an independent Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise (CORE) was announced in January 2018. The CORE will be mandated to investigate allegations of human rights abuses linked to Canadian corporate activity abroad. The CORE will seek to assist wherever possible in collaboratively resolving disputes or conflicts between impacted communities and Canadian companies. It will be empowered to independently investigate, report, recommend remedy and monitor its implementation. The CORE’s scope will be multi-sectoral, initially focussing on the mining, oil and gas, and garment sectors, with the expectation to expand within a year of the Ombudsperson taking office to other business sectors. The creation of the CORE sets a new global benchmark to ensure responsible business conduct globally.

The Ombudsperson will be guided by internationally respected norms, including the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. In addition to its ability to undertake collaborative and independent fact-finding, the Ombudsperson will promote respect for human rights and responsible business conduct, and the adoption and implementation of best practices by Canadian business.

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.

To be considered, please ensure that the information provided in your curriculum vitae and cover letter clearly demonstrate how you meet the following requirements:

Education and Experience

• A degree from a recognized university in a relevant field of study such as law, commerce, social science, international studies, gender studies, natural resource management, or public administration, or a combination of equivalent education, job-related training and/or experience;


• Demonstrated experience working in the area of human rights and responsible business conduct (preferably in international human rights);


• Experience related to the comprehensive and impartial investigation and/or documentation of human rights infringements, as well as managing complaints from third parties;


• Experience related to gender-sensitive investigations;


• Experience in building and maintaining effective relationships with diverse stakeholders, including companies, civil society organizations and/or Indigenous and other local communities; and


• Significant management experience in a private, not-for-profit, or public sector organization, including strategic planning, decision-making and managing financial and human resources.

If you move on to the next stage of the selection process, the following criteria will be assessed:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the Government of Canada’s human rights and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) obligations, policies and practices;


• Knowledge of responsible business conduct best practices and global trends;


• Knowledge of relevant legislative and policy frameworks, including the United Nations’ Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises;


• Knowledge of international human rights law and instruments, including international labour standards and the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples;


• Knowledge of international business practices in the mining, oil and gas, and garment sectors;


• Knowledge of international best practices in indigenous rights, and in gender-sensitive investigations and analysis, including the investigation of gender-based violence;


• Knowledge of Canadian laws related to human rights, as well as legal principles, procedures and practices involved in conducting an investigation, particularly as they relate to evidence, interpretation of statutes, and procedural fairness;


• Knowledge of Canada’s existing dispute resolution mechanisms such as the National Contact Point;


• Knowledge of the extractive and/or garment industries, including legislative requirements on permitting, best practices in respecting indigenous and other local communities, reporting and trends in Canadian-owned supply chains and their management is an asset;


• Ability to consider all aspects of complex issues and their short and long-term consequences, and to elaborate innovative and concrete recommendations;


• Ability to deal with significant pressures and emotionally charged situations while remaining objective and impartial;


• Ability to work in cross-cultural, multi-lingual environments, and to work sensitively with vulnerable peoples, communities and complainants who may have experienced trauma and/or violence, including sexual violence; and


• Superior communication skills, both oral and written, and the ability to manage communications with a variety of stakeholders.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

If you move on the the next stage of the selection process, we will contact your references to confirm that you meet the above selection criteria and that you possess the following Personal Attributes:

• Sound judgment and discretion


• Integrity and high ethical standards


• Impartiality and fairness


• Strong leadership and action management


• Tact, diplomacy and flexibility


• Superior interpersonal skills


• Strong intercultural competencies and awareness of Indigenous and gender issues 

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 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.


• You reside in or are willing to relocate to Ottawa, Ontario, or to a location within a reasonable commuting distance.


• You must be prepared to travel frequently within Canada and abroad, including to remote areas.

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 December 4, 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. If you applied between May 29 and July 31, 2018, you do not need to re-apply to be considered for this position.

Instructions on how to apply for an appointment opportunity can be found on the Governor in Council Appointments website.