Deputy Chairperson and Member, Immigration Appeal Division (1) and Refugee Appeal Division (1), Immigration and Refugee Board

The Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada is an independent administrative tribunal. The Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada hears refugee protection claims and immigration and refugee appeals, holds admissibility hearings, and conducts detention reviews in Ottawa and its regional offices.

Deputy Chairperson, Immigration Appeal Division
Position Level: GCQ - 5
Salary Range: $150,200 - $176,600

Deputy Chairperson, Refugee Appeal Division
Position Level: GCQ - 6
Salary Range: $183,600 - $216,600

The Immigration Appeal Division and the Refugee Appeal Division consist of members who are independent decision-makers. Members review extensive documents, conduct proceedings, including hearings, and render decisions on immigration and refugee appeals.

• Members of the Immigration Appeal Division decide appeals of sponsorship applications refused by officials of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada; appeals from permanent residents, foreign nationals and protected persons who have been ordered removed from Canada; appeals by permanent residents outside of Canada who are alleged to have not fulfilled their residency obligation; and appeals by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship from decisions of the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada’s Immigration Division at admissibility hearings.


• Members of the Refugee Appeal Division determine appeals of refugee claims made within Canada. Appeals before the Refugee Appeal Division can be made by either a refugee claimant that has been rejected by the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada’s Refugee Protection Division, or by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship.

The Deputy Chairpersons of the Immigration Appeal Division and of the Refugee Appeal Division are both members and senior decision-makers of their respective division. They provide strategic leadership and direction in the overall management of the appeal tribunal. Deputy Chairpersons proactively shape the adjudicative strategy of the division to ensure quick, efficient and fair decision-making.

Both Deputy Chairperson positions are accountable to the Chairperson of the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, and are responsible for keeping the Chairperson informed of all issues affecting the performance of their respective division and any other critical issues. They participate actively as members of the senior management team of the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada.

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 or an acceptable combination of relevant education, job-related training and/or experience;


• Post graduate or professional degree in a related area would be considered an asset (e.g., Bachelor of Laws, Master of Laws, Master of Business Administration, Master of Arts);


• Pursuant to subsection 153(4) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, the Deputy Chairperson of the Immigration Appeal Division must be a member of at least five years standing at the bar of a province, or a notary of at least five years standing at the Chambre des notaires du Québec;


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


• Recent experience in the interpretation or application of legislation and regulations as well as the gathering and evaluating of complex information in order to prepare decisions;


• Computer skills, specifically in the use of word processing software;


• Experience in the operation and conduct of an administrative tribunal, an agency or an equivalent would be considered an asset;


• Experience as a decision-maker in an administrative tribunal would be considered an asset; and


• Experience in applying the provisions of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act in matters determined by either the Immigration Appeal Division or the Refugee Appeal Division, or in the application of the United Nations Convention relating to the Status of Refugees would be considered assets.

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 role and mandate of the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada;


• Knowledge of the legal and administrative principles that guide the management of an independent administrative tribunal and its Members;


• Knowledge of the principles of case management in an administrative tribunal;


• Superior interpersonal and communication skills;


• Time management skills;


• Ability to sustain a high level of functioning; and


• Ability to manage change.

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:

• High ethical standards


• Impartiality


• Sound judgment


• Tact and discretion


• Sensitivity to multicultural 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 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 may not accept or hold any office or employment or carry on any activity inconsistent with your duties and functions under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (statutory).


• If you are appointed to one of these positions, you must devote the whole of your time to the performance of your duties under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (statutory).


• If you are appointed to one of these positions, 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 one of these positions, you must be willing to travel across Canada.

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

Candidates must apply online by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on October 30, 2018, via the Governor in Council Appointments website. 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.