Deputy Administrator, Ship-source Oil Pollution Fund

The Ship-source Oil Pollution Fund (SOPF), established under the Marine Liability Act, is a special purpose account within the Government of Canada’s Consolidated Revenue Fund. It was originally created in 1971 as the Maritime Pollution Claims Fund but was transformed into the SOPF in 1989. The SOPF is Canada’s domestic oil spill compensation fund, funded by industry that receives oil in Canada, which provides compensation for oil pollution damage caused by any type of oil spill from any type of vessel, even when the cause of the spill is not known. The SOPF is overseen by an Administrator, who is at arm’s length from the government, who is responsible for investigating, assessing and making offers of compensation for claims.

The Deputy Administrator performs duties and functions assigned by the Administrator, consistent with the Marine Liability Act, including assessing and paying claims. The Deputy Administrator of the SOPF oversees a small team of experts responsible for handling claims, as well as developing material to assist claimants in submitting claims. The SOPF also conducts outreach activities to raise awareness of the existence of the SOPF and its availability to provide compensation, and offers presentations, webinars, and information sessions for potential claimants.

In addition to duties relating to the assessment and payment of claims, the administrators are responsible for working together to establish the strategic direction for the SOPF, as well as managing the finances, office spaces, information technology equipment and human resources, which includes developing pay and benefit plans for employees. The administrators are also responsible for submitting an annual report and undertaking a special examination at least once every five years. The SOPF must comply with federal requirements and federal legislation, including the Official Languages Act, the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act.

The Deputy Administrator would be responsible for managing, along with the Administrator, four employees strictly dedicated to the SOPF and eight employees which are shared corporate resources with the Fund for Railway Accidents Involving Designated Goods in a bilingual working environment. The staff includes a number of experts and students.

It is anticipated that the Deputy Administrator of the SOPF would be required to work three days a week, but this could vary depending on operational requirements.

Further details about the SOPF 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 in a relevant field of study, or an acceptable combination of equivalent education, job-related training experience;


• A law degree from a recognized university and membership in the Bar of one of the provinces or territories of Canada would be considered an asset;


• Managerial experience at the executive level in a private or public sector organization;


• Experience in one or more of the following areas: marine transportation; public relations; law; communications; community relations; stakeholder engagement; or public policy;


• Experience in maritime shipping or insurance would be considered an asset; and


• Experience in the conduct of independent investigations or inquiries, in a decision-making environment, would be considered an asset.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the mandate and objectives of the SOPF;


• Knowledge of corporate governance and best practices;


• Knowledge of Canadian legislation, regulations, and international conventions on marine transportation;


• Knowledge of developments related to administrative tribunals would be an asset;


• Knowledge of the structure and operations of the federal government would be an asset;


• Ability to effectively manage human and financial resources;


• Ability to review and analyse complex technical information and think strategically;


• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; and


• Ability to manage communications with a variety of stakeholders.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

• Sound judgment


• High ethical standards and integrity


• Vision and Leadership


• Superior interpersonal skills


• Tact and diplomacy


• Strategic thinker

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 Conflict 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.


• The Marine Liability Act stipulates that the Deputy Administrator of the SOPF shall not accept or hold any office or employment or carry on any activity that is inconsistent with his or her powers, duties and functions (statutory).


• You reside in the National Capital Region (NCR) or within reasonable commuting distance. Applications will also be considered from candidates who have indicated willingness to move to within a reasonable commuting distance to the NCR.


• The successful candidate must be willing to travel in Canada and abroad regularly.


• You must be able to dedicate three days per week, but this could vary depending on operational requirements.

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 December 12, 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 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.