Clerk of the Senate and Clerk of the Parliaments, Senate

The Senate of Canada is the Upper Chamber of Parliament and is composed of 105 members. As the Senate’s chief administrative officer, the Clerk of the Senate manages the Senate’s day-to-day operations. The Clerk ensures the provision of expert and impartial advice on parliamentary and legislative practice and procedures and interpretation of the rules, and the management orientation, strategies and operational capacity. By doing so, the Clerk enables the Speaker of the Senate and Senators to fulfill their constitutional duties, including legislative functions, in the Chamber, in committee and in their individual parliamentary activities.

Further details about the Senate of Canada and its activities can be found on its website.

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


• Significant management experience at a senior level, including managing human and financial resources;


• Demonstrated decision-making experience with respect to sensitive issues; and


• Proven experience in developing and maintaining constructive and effective relationships with a broad range of stakeholders, including parliamentarians and policy makers at all levels.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of all aspects of the legislative process and of parliamentary procedure and precedents, as well as a deep understanding of the Canadian parliamentary system and the constitutional mandate of the Senate;


• Knowledge of the current political agenda, current legislative initiatives and current domestic issues;


• Knowledge of the legal, historical and cultural conditions of parliamentary institutions in Canada and abroad;


• Knowledge of sound management policies, practices and principles;


• Knowledge of and respect for bicameral systems of government;


• Strong analytical and managerial skills;


• Superior communication skills, both oral and written;


• Ability to provide expert, impartial and timely advice to the Speaker of the Senate on parliamentary and legislative practice and procedures;


• Ability to develop and implement policies and strategies to support the values and responsibilities of the Senate;


• Ability to make impartial, fair and transparent decisions;


• Ability to respond to and reconcile tight deadlines and changing priorities and timetables; and


• Ability to manage communications with a variety of stakeholders.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages is essential.

• Strategic leader


• Impartiality and fairness


• High ethical standards and integrity


• Superior interpersonal skills


• Sound judgment

Eligibility Factors and Conditions of Employment

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

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 November 30, 2023. 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 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.