Administrator, SSOPF* and FRAIDG*

*Ship-source Oil Pollution Fund and Fund for Railway Accidents Involving Designated Goods

The Ship-source Oil Pollution Fund, established under the Marine Liability Act, is a special purpose account within the Government of Canada’s Consolidated Revenue Fund. The Ship-Source Oil Pollution Fund 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 identity of the vessel cannot be ascertained. Any person in Canada who has suffered a loss, or incurred costs related to oil pollution damage in Canadian waters can file a claim directly with the Ship-source Oil Pollution Fund.

Further details about the Ship-source Oil Pollution Fund and its activities can be found on its website.

The Fund for Railway Accidents Involving Designated Goods is a special purpose account within the Government of Canada’s Consolidated Revenue Fund and was created by an Act to amend the Canada Transportation Act and the Railway Safety Act. The purpose of the Fund is to cover damages exceeding a railway’s mandatory insurance coverage in the event of an accident involving designated goods (currently only crude oil). The Fund for Railway Accidents Involving Designated Goods is financed by a levy which is paid by shippers, collected by federally regulated railways, and remitted to the Government of Canada.

Further details about the Fund for Railway Accidents Involving Designated Goods and its activities can be found on its website.

Operating at arm’s length from the Government of Canada, the Ship-source Oil Pollution Fund and Fund for Railway Accidents Involving Designated Goods are overseen by an Administrator. The Administrator’s responsibilities include investigating and assessing claims for both Funds, ensuring compliance with legislation, and recovering compensation.

In addition, the Administrator collaborates with the Deputy Administrators of both Funds to establish the strategic direction for each Fund, as well as managing the finances, information technology and human resources. The Administrator is also responsible for submitting annual reports and undertaking special examinations, for each Fund, at least every five years.

Lastly, the Administrator must establish and maintain relationships with Transport Canada, and with the marine and rail industry.

Specific to the Ship-source Oil Pollution Fund, the Administrator is also responsible for submitting annual reports of receipts of oil to the International Oil Pollution Compensation Funds as well as paying Canada’s contribution payments to these Funds. Once the Hazardous and Noxious Substances Convention enters into force, the Administrator will be responsible for submitting annual reports of receipts of oil to the Hazardous and Noxious Substances Fund.

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 law degree from a recognized law school;


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


• Experience in two or more of the following areas: law; marine transportation; rail transportation; insurance; or in the conduct of independent investigations or inquiries, in a decision-making environment;


• Experience in public relations; communications; community relations; stakeholder engagement; or public policy would be considered an asset; and


• Membership in the Bar of one of the provinces or territories of Canada would be considered an asset.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the mandate and objectives of the Ship-source Oil Pollution Fund and the Fund for Railway Accidents Involving Designated Goods;


• Knowledge of corporate governance and best practices;


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


• Knowledge of Canadian legislation and regulations on rail transportation;


• Knowledge of developments related to administrative tribunals;


• 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 and the Canada Transportation Act stipulate that the Administrator of the Ship-source Oil Pollution Fund and of the Fund for Railway Accidents Involving Designated Goods 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).


• The appointee must reside in the National Capital Region 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 National Capital Region.


• The appointee must be available and willing to work primarily in person in the National Capital Region.


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

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 April 10, 2024. Candidates are strongly encouraged to submit their application by this date, along with a resume and cover letter addressed to the Director of Selection Processes, Senior Personnel Secretariat, Privy Council Office. Applications will continue to be accepted after this date and may be considered up until an appointment to the position is made.

Candidates should apply online via the Governor in Council Appointments website. To learn more about the application process, please visit the how to apply for an appointment opportunity on the Governor in Council Appointments website.