Commercial Officer - 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 Officer (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. The successful candidate will contribute to the planning, development and delivery of initiatives that fulfill the commercial objectives of Ontario’s office within its given territory in Southeast Asia.
 

Some responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

 

• Export promotion: Profiling Ontario exports across Southeast Asia, as well as developing buyer and distributor connections with the aim of increasing Ontario exports to the region.
• Partnership development: Facilitating industry-academic-government partnerships between Southeast Asia and Ontario with a commercial focus.
• Foreign direct investment attraction: In collaboration with TIO colleagues, cultivating a portfolio of ASEAN business decision makers to work with and influence their companies to invest in Ontario.
• High-level visits: Supporting the planning and implementation of commercially focused visits by provincial government leaders, municipal government leaders, and business leaders or influencers.
• Communication: Researching and synthesizing information from a variety of sources to build sector specific expertise, as well as write reports, briefing and promotional materials and deliver presentations.

 

AREA OF SELECTION

This selection process is open to all applicants, who are residing and legally authorized to work in Singapore at the time of appointment and for the duration of employment, who meet all the essential qualifications and whose applications are received by the closing date.  

The Government of Canada is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from diverse sections of the community. Candidates will be considered on merit regardless of ethnic origin, religious belief, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability or other factor. 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, resume 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: commerce, finance, economics, or an acceptable combination of relevant experience, education and training.

 

Note: Candidates will be required to provide proof of their education

 

Language

The following languages and proficiency levels are required for this job. Candidates will be formally assessed or requested to provide proof of certification on these levels.

 

Experience

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

 

• A minimum of two (2) years of work experience in international business development, sales, marketing, foreign direct investment, economic development or strategy, in the public or private sector; 
• Recent* experience in managing client and stakeholder relationships, network building and in providing client service;
• Recent* experience in project management (including strategic planning, tracking/reporting results and budget management);
• Recent* experience in providing strategic advice, briefings, and written reports to management and/or clients on international business issues.

*Recent experience is defined as within the last 5 years

 

Competencies

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

 

• Theoretical: Knowledge of the factors that influence international business decisions (e.g. international expansion, regulatory environment, business growth, fundraising, talent acquisition)
• Organizational and Contextual: Knowledge of trends and recent developments in Canadian and Singapore or Southeast Asian economies
• Networking and Alliance Building: Develop and maintain a diverse network of clients, contacts and business influencers
• Organization and coordination: Organize, prepare for, conduct and follow up on a business development activity (related to trade, investment, research and innovation)
• Initiative and Action Orientation: Work independently in a proactive and accountable manner, whilst managing multiple priorities
• Oral interaction: Communicate clearly and effectively in English and provide strategic advice and guidance on international trade
• Written communication: Research and synthesize information from a variety of sources to build sector specific expertise, as well as written reports, briefing and promotional materials
• Client orientation
• Judgment and discretion

 

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.

 

• Master’s Degree in a related discipline. 
• Knowledge of and interest in Canada and/or Ontario’s economic and trade interests. 
• Sector-specific knowledge, networks and/or experience in industry sectors relevant to Ontario, Canada - ideally one of information and communications technology (ICT), life sciences, advanced manufacturing, agri-food or defence. 
• Fluency in another language relevant to business in Southeast Asia. 

 

OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Operational requirements will be assessed on a ``meet/does not meet`` basis and can be used to determine right fit of a candidate for the position.

 

• 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 able to work overtime on short notice on occasion and be available for occasional duties outside normal working hours, i.e., evenings and weekends.  
• The position will require 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. They are to be maintained throughout the employment period.

 

• 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. 
• Medical: pre-employment medical examination.

Other conditions of employment:

• Candidates must provide their Singapore citizenship or Permanent Resident NRIC number with their application.

 

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). Only include information relevant to the vacancy as requested in the above job poster.
• You must clearly demonstrate in answering the screening questions how you meet the qualifications of the vacancy. You must provide concrete and detailed examples that clearly explain where, when, and how you gained the qualification in each question box. Global Affairs Canada cannot make any assumptions about your studies nor 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 (or may not) 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:

• 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 assessment 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.
• 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.