Chairperson, Military Grievances External Review Committee

Mandate

The Military Grievances External Review Committee (the Committee) is an independent administrative tribunal reporting to Parliament through the Minister of National Defence. It reviews all military grievances referred to it by the Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS).

Since beginning operations in 2000, the Committee has acted as the external and independent component of the Canadian Armed Forces grievance system. It also has the statutory obligation to deal with all matters as informally and expeditiously as circumstances permit.

Following its review of referred military grievances, the Committee provides its findings and recommendations (F&R) reports to the CDS and the grievor. The CDS is the final decision-maker. While not bound by the Committee's F&Rs, when the Committee’s F&Rs are not accepted, the CDS must provide the reason in writing.

Working environment

Today’s Committee is a modern, green, high-functioning administrative tribunal. Having implemented agile business processes and having fully transitioned to a digital workplace, its workforce is entirely mobile. The Committee offers a safe, hybrid work environment and supports a collaborative and efficient governance structure. With SMART performance objectives as the norm, performance is effectively measured on results achieved. In the wake of the pandemic, the Committee embraced the Government of Canada Workplace Initiative, reorganizing its workplace to encourage collaboration, using technology in smarter ways and fostering a culture of flexibility and well-being. The Committee will continue to innovate not only to further improve fulfilling its mandate, but also to attract, retain, support and empower a high-performing, inclusive workforce.

As per the Public Service Employment Survey, conducted annually, Committee employees indicate consistently that the workplace is inclusive and supportive of mental health. Employees also regularly report being proud of the work they do, satisfied with the quality of leadership and pleased with the continuous support of work-life balance.

Chairperson accountabilities

The Chairperson serves as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and is responsible for leading the organization’s corporate strategy, plans and priorities, in full consideration of the Committee’s challenges and opportunities.

The Chairperson leads the centre of excellence for military grievance review, providing unique and extensive expertise in a multitude of subjects related to the administration of the affairs of the CAF as well as bringing trends and systemic issues to the attention of the CDS in order to avoid future grievances. The Chairperson is accountable to Parliament, the Minister of National Defence, central agencies and Canadians for upholding legislative requirements and the values and ethics of the government in the management of Committee resources and activities. The Chairperson is required to submit the Committee’s annual report to the Minister of National Defence, along with all operational and corporate plans, Treasury Board submissions and performance reports.

The Chairperson also acts as a Member and chairs hearings of grievances referred to the Committee by the CDS. This includes reviewing all documentation, investigating the issues, evaluating and assessing the evidence, arguments and relevant law and policy, and making findings and recommendations that uphold the principles of natural justice.

Additionally, the Chairperson maintains strong working relationships with the CDS, military and civilian organizations, and colleagues in other tribunals, to foster public confidence in the Committee’s independence and fairness, and to identify common challenges and opportunities.

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

• Bachelor's degree from a recognized university with acceptable specialization in business administration, public administration, administrative law, human resources management or in another acceptable field of study relevant to the position;


• Extensive* experience at the senior management level within the private or public sector, including managing human and financial resources;


• Experience defining, planning and shaping strategies and initiatives that set the direction for an entire organization;


• Extensive* professional experience in at least one of the following fields:
  
  
  
  • as an executive and decision-maker in an adjudicative or quasi-judicial tribunal, agency or an equivalent, and/or
  
  
  • in making findings and recommendations in a non-adjudicative organization;
  
  
  
  


• Extensive* experience in corporate governance and the development of strategies, objectives, plans and best business practices; and


• Experience working with the Canadian Armed Forces is an asset.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the legislative framework and mandate of the Military Grievances External Review Committee;


• Knowledge of the legislative framework governing the Canadian Armed Forces grievance process, including Section 29 of the National Defence Act and Chapter 7 of the Queen’s Regulations and Orders;


• Knowledge of the operations of government, including those related to sound management principles, accountability and transparency;


• Knowledge of the principles of procedural fairness;


• Knowledge of the Canadian Armed Forces’ organization and structure;


• Ability to interpret relevant statutes, regulations and policies, and analyse complex situations in order to make equitable and timely findings and recommendations;


• Ability to build effective teams by developing and cultivating strong leadership to establish and achieve the organization's strategic goals;


• Ability to anticipate emerging issues and trends, enabling the Committee to develop strategies that seize opportunities that enhance the organization or the CAF grievance process;


• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

• Innovative and strategic leader


• Superior interpersonal skills


• High ethical standards, integrity and impartiality


• Embodies the values of inclusion, diversity, equity, accessibility and anti‑racism

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 Chairperson must 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 February 3, 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.