Commercial Assistant, Ontario

SUMMARY OF DUTIES:

Situated in the heart of North America, the province of Ontario is Canada’s economic powerhouse. It generates nearly 40% of Canada’s GDP, and is home to approximately 40% of Canada’s population. 

The Government of Ontario, Canada operates a network of representational offices – international trade and investment offices (TIOs) in key cities around the world. They are co-located in Canadian diplomatic missions, composed of a Canadian diplomat (head of the TIO) and a locally engaged team of staff.

Measured by quantitative results, TIOs are mandated to build commercial relations between Ontario and the host jurisdiction in three ways: (1) Export promotion, (2) Foreign Direct Investment, and (3) Research and innovation partnerships.

The TIO in Singapore is focused on advancing Ontario, Canada’s commercial interests across Southeast Asia, which in addition to Singapore includes Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam.

The Commercial Assistant (Ontario) is a local employee of the Government of Canada but works with and reports to the Head of Program at the Ontario TIO in Singapore. Under the general direction of the Head of Program, some responsibilities of the Commercial Assistant (Ontario) include, but are not limited to:

 

• Administrative and financial reporting: Provides administrative and financial support related to contracts and partnership agreements, financial reporting, budget monitoring, expense claim documents, and information management
• Events / visit support: provides administrative support and logistics coordination for official business events, high-level visits by government leaders and business delegations from/to Ontario
• Program implementation: assists with implementing investment attraction activities, trade promotion initiatives, as well as research and innovation partnerships within the TIO area of operation
• Client engagement: serves as a point of contact to provide clients with information on opportunities and reputable local networks, or redirects inquiries to other team members
• Information management: collects, inputs and analyzes service and performance data using the organization’s client relationship management system, tracks upcoming events and coordinates the forward looking calendar with the Ontario office and other program areas within the Canadian/Southeast Asia network, and coordinates appointments

• Communications and research: drafts public facing communications, including for social media, and performs research and analysis as needed

 

AREA OF SELECTION:

Open to applicants who are able to work legally in Singapore at the time of application who meet all the essential requirements stated below, and whose applications are received by the closing date. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in Singapore.

Please note that the High Commission of Canada in Singapore does not sponsor any employment or work pass applications to the Ministry of Manpower. The Government of Canada is an equal opportunities employer and encourages applications from diverse sections of the community. Candidates will be considered based on merit. Our organization offers an inclusive workplace where respect, teamwork, and collaboration are part of our culture. 

Canada’s missions abroad are committed to promoting and supporting an environment free from harassment and discrimination, as well as encouraging and supporting employees to learn and develop their skills and competencies.

 

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

All essential qualifications will be assessed. Methods of assessments and screening of candidates may include but are not limited to: verification of credentials, resumés and letters of presentation; interviews, exams and practical tests; presentations or other types of assessments. 

 

Education

This position requires:

 

• Bachelor’s or equivalent degree from a recognized university in a field related to the position, including but not limited to: international studies, business, communications, economics, or an acceptable combination of relevant experience, education and training.

 

*Candidates will be required to provide proof of the completion of their education

 

Language

The following languages and proficiency level are required for this job. 

 

• An advanced proficiency level (reading, writing, comprehension, and speaking) in English.

 

Experience

In order to perform the duties relevant to this job, the following experience is required:

 

• A minimum of two (2) years of recent and direct experience* in an office environment, providing administrative and financial support, including preparation of budgets and contracts, tracking budget resources, and processing claims/invoices/payments;
• Recent experience conducting research, preparing well written and accurate communications (e.g. reports, correspondence), responding to public inquiries verbally and in writing, and using social media in a professional capacity (e.g. LinkedIn)
• Recent experience in event planning and execution, as well as supporting project implementation

 

*experience must be continuous within the last five years. 

RATED REQUIREMENTS

The Rated Requirements are part of the essential qualifications and are relating to knowledge, abilities and competencies. Methods of assessment for rated requirements may include, but are not limited to, a written examination, an oral interview online, pre-recorded or in-person, role-play, practical tests, presentations and/or psychometric assessment.

 

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of basic accounting practices and procedures
• Knowledge of Microsoft office software (e.g. MS365, word, excel, sharepoint, powerpoint, outlook) and information management (e.g. research databases, and contact/client management systems)
• Knowledge of Singapore’s government structure, agencies and ministries

 

Abilities: 

• Ability to perform basic data analysis, analyze and package information
• Ability to work independently in a proactive and accountable manner, whilst managing multiple priorities;
• Ability to plan and implement projects
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in English, both orally and in writing, and provide strategic advice

 

Competencies

All competencies will be assessed. All competencies must be met prior to appointment.

 

• Fundamental Behaviours 

• • Judgment and Discretion
  • Resilience and Adaptability

 

• Achieving Results 

• • Initiative and Action Oriented
  • Focus on Quality and Detail

 

• Teamwork and Leadership

• • Working with Others

 

*For more information on competencies: Competency Dictionary

 

Organizational Needs: 

Our organization offers an inclusive workplace where respect, teamwork, and collaboration are part of our culture. Canada’s missions abroad are committed to promoting and supporting an environment free from harassment and discrimination, as well as encouraging and supporting employees to learn and develop their skills and competencies. Canada’s strength is its diversity which has played a key role in Canada’s history and development. Because of this, the High Commission of Canada in Singapore values diversity, equity and inclusion in our workforce. 

 

ASSET QUALIFICATIONS

Preference may be given to candidates who meet the Asset Qualifications. Where applicable, candidates must clearly demonstrate how they meet any asset qualifications

 

• Knowledge of the economic and trade interests of Canada, Ontario and/or jurisdictions in Southeast Asia.
• Knowledge of international business (e.g. exporting, importing, investment, technology transfer)
• Ability to read, write and speak a language local to Southeast Asia

 

OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Normal hours of work for this position are in accordance with the Locally Engaged Staff (LES) regulations of 37.50 hours per week. Hours of work: Monday-Thursday: 08:00 to 16:30, Friday: 08:00 to 13:30
• The successful candidate must be willing to work occasional overtime on short notice and be available for occasional duties outside normal working hours, i.e., evenings and weekends. 
• The position could include occasions for business travel within the office’s territory (i.e. across Southeast Asia – e.g.  Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam). Additionally, he/she must be admissible and open to travel to Ontario, Canada.
• The High Commission operates a schedule of public holidays according to a combination of Singaporean and Canadian dates, which means the successful candidate could be required to work on certain Singaporean public holidays.

 

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Conditions of employment must be met or complied with before being appointed to a particular position, and are to be maintained throughout the employment while being the incumbent of this position.

 

- Valid work authorization: Ability to obtain and hold a valid work authorization covering the entire employment period.

- Security screening: Obtain and maintain a Reliability Status (security level) which includes a criminal and credit background check from the Government of Canada covering the entire employment period.

 

Other conditions of employment:

• Candidates will be required to undergo a pre-employment medical examination.
• Candidates must provide their Singapore citizenship or Permanent Resident NRIC number with their application.
• Be able to work legally in Singapore at the time of application. The High Commission of Canada in Singapore does not sponsor any employment or work pass applications to the Ministry of Manpower.

 

Benefits package:

• 5 day work week
• 18 to 22 days of annual leave based on years of service 
• Group medical insurance including hospitalization, GP, specialist and dental
• Group term life and disability coverage

 

HOW TO APPLY

Follow the below instructions to ensure your application can be considered.

• You must submit your application using the "Apply online" function. Only applications submitted via VidCruiter will be considered, unless a valid reason is presented and accepted prior to the closing date.
• Do not include personal data such as; age, date of birth, gender, marital status, family status, religion or a picture in your application form, CV nor cover letter (as required). Please only include information relevant to the vacancy as requested in the job poster.
• You must clearly demonstrate in answering the screening questions how you meet the education and experience factors listed in the essential and asset qualifications. You must provide specific examples to demonstrate clearly how you meet the qualifications. Global Affairs Canada cannot make any assumptions about your studies nor experience. Simply saying you have the required qualifications or listing your current duties will not be sufficient. Instead, you must provide concrete and detailed examples that clearly explain where, when, and how you gained the experience. No additional information will be sought beyond what you submit in your online application.
• Candidates may be required to upload a CV and/or a cover letter in English or French. These documents may be used as a secondary source to validate the answers to the screening questions.
• Applications which do not include all the requested documents or information and/or which are not received by the closing date will be rejected.
• Candidates who are unable to submit their application due to technical difficulties must report these to CSDPIP.Candidates-CandidatesetCandidats.PPSCIP@international.gc.ca. 
• Prior to the closing date. Failure to do so will result in the application being rejected.

 

IMPORTANT NOTES

Carefully review the following:

• Please note that the High Commission of Canada in Singapore does not sponsor work authorizations directly or indirectly.
• The Government of Canada has established a multiple step salary scale as well as Terms and Conditions tailored to each country’s local labor environment. The Government of Canada does not negotiate salaries. Competitive benefits in line with local practices for each country are also provided in the gross compensation package.
• Only applications submitted in one of the official languages of Canada will be accepted (English or French).
• Communication for this process will be sent via email. It is the responsibility of the candidates to ensure accurate contact information is provided and updated as required.
• Candidates must provide an email address that accepts email from unknown users and regularly check their email, including spam folder.
• Reference checks may be sought for candidates.
• Please note that the High Commission of Canada in Singapore does not reimburse any travel costs to and from interviews/exams nor does it reimburse any relocation costs.
• Before an offer of employment can be made, successful candidates must provide a local residence address as proof of residence in the specified area of selection. This information is necessary to issue a letter of offer.
• We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the hiring process. If you need to be accommodated (during any phase of the evaluation process, please contact us at CSDPIP.Candidates-CandidatesetCandidats.PPSCIP@international.gc.ca to request specialized accommodation (a modification made to the standard assessment conditions, allowing individuals with disabilities to demonstrate their abilities on an exam by removing barriers related to their specific needs). All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.
• The results of this selection process may also be used to establish one or more pools of fully or partially qualified candidates for similar term, indeterminate, part-time or full-time openings at the High Commission of Canada in Singapore, which might arise following the completion of this selection process.
• For Canadian citizens/residents and Canadian dual nationals, please note that it is your responsibility to enquire with the Canadian Revenue Agency about any possible taxation implications linked to an employment with the Government of Canada.