FPDS Officer

Selection Process Nº: 225693-6

Salary: LKR 4,557,127 par an + benefits (medical/life insurance, 13th month bonus, EPF/ETF) non negotiable

Contract Type: Indeterminate (Full-time)

Term Details: This position is a Locally Engaged Staff position, subject to the Terms and Conditions of Employment for LES in Sri Lanka

Job Function: Officer

Classification: LE - O1

Location: the High Commission of Canada to Sri Lanka and Maldives, Sri Lanka

Number of Vacancies: 1

Closing date for application: 15 January, 2026 at 23:59 UTC/GMT +5:00

SUMMARY OF DUTIES

The mission is seeking to fill a FPDS Officer position for the Foreign Policy and Diplomacy Services  program as well as various officer positions that may arise following this selection process. 

The Foreign Policy and Diplomacy Service’s (FPDS) mandate is to advance Canadian interests on a vast array of files through diplomacy, the development of foreign policy advice and programming via the following seven core services:

  • Information and Analysis - Provide political economic intelligence and analysis on existing or emerging international issues

  • Policy Development - Provide the international context and propose foreign policy options

  • Policy Integration - Provide leadership and advice to broker coherent national positions on international policy issues

  • Advocacy - Coordinate strategic advocacy internationally to advance Canadian interests

  • Access - Facilitate and maintain access to potential key interlocutors and decision makers

  • Program Delivery - Implementation of programs with an international dimension

  • Visits Guidance - Provide assistance to Canadian dignitaries on official visits abroad
     

AREA OF SELECTION

This selection process is open to all applicants, who are residing and legally authorized to work in Sri Lanka, including High commission employees, Canada-based staff spouses and their dependent children of at least 18 years of age, 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:

  • Successful completion of a bachelor’s degree (3-4 years) from a recognized university in a related field.  

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. 

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

Experience

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

Minimum 3 years (36 months) of relevant experience within the last ten (10) years in fields below.

  • Experience working in an international or multilateral organization, public or private sector, or civil society organization;
  • Experience in providing strategic advice, briefings, and/or written reports to management and/or clients on issues of strategic interest or concern to their organization; 
  • Experience in using social media tools for promotion of events, for branding, and for advocacy initiatives;
  • Experience working on the planning of events or official visits or on project management, including working with partners and/or media outlets.

Competencies

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

Knowledge 
  • Procedural and Legislative - Knowledge of the mandate, policies, objectives and priorities of Global Affairs Canada in Sri Lanka.
  • Organizational & Contextual - Knowledge of Sri Lanka’s current political, social, and economic landscape and its historical context, including key ongoing political issues—particularly the influence of Buddhism, trends in nationalist politics, and matters related to women’s rights and representation.
  • Organizational & Contextual - Knowledge of key political & economic actors/stakeholders in Sri Lanka (including non- governmental and international organizations, media, academic, government & cultural institutions).
  • Technical - Knowledge and use of the MS-Office Suite including Word and Excel. 
  • Technical - Knowledge and advanced use of social media tools including Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, etc.
Analytical Thinking 
  • Thinking Things Through - Ability to make recommendations on policy and/or proactive or responsive action in relation to emerging social/political/economic issues of concern/interest.
Achieving Results
  • Planning - Ability to plan/organize visits/travel of Canadian officials in the furtherance of Canadian foreign policy objectives. 
  • Planning - Ability to manage time, plan, prioritize tasks and meet tight deadlines.
  • Initiative and Action Oriented
Communication and Relations
  • Written Communications - Ability to write coherent, relevant analytical reports and contribute to briefing material
  • Oral Interaction
  • Networking and Alliance Building - Ability to create and maintain networks of contacts from a variety of backgrounds.
Teamwork and Leadership
  • Working with Others and Horizontal Leadership
Fundamental Behaviors
  • Judgment and Discretion

*For more information on competencies: Competency Dictionary

 

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.

  • Recent work experience in a foreign mission, NGO or international organization.
  • Familiarity with political/economic landscape of Maldives;.
  • Degree from a recognized university in political science, law, journalism, public relations, public policy, international relations, trade or a related discipline.
  • Graduate, master’s or postgraduate degree.
  • Experience working in a legislative environment.
  • Ability to read, understand and communicate in Tamil.
  • Ability to read, understand and communicate in Dhivehi.
  • Ability to read, understand and communicate in French.

ORGANIZATIONAL NEEDS

N/A

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.

  • Hours of Work: Normal hours of work of work for this position are in accordance with Locally-Engaged Staff regulations of 37.5 hours per week.
  • Overtime: Willingness to work overtime on short notice.
  • Travel: This position may require limited occasional travel domestically and-or internationally.
  • The High Commission operates a schedule of public holidays combining Sri Lankan and Canadian dates, which means you may be required to work on certain Sri Lankan holidays.
  • Willingness and ability to work overtime/weekends occasionally.

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. 
  • Ability to obtain and retain a valid travel document and be willing,able, and legally admissible to travel within and outside Srilanka.
  • Medical/physical fitness to perfoem duties.

 

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.
  • *If you are in a partially or fully qualified pool for a similar position with our mission, please include the process number and all relevant details in your application.

 

IMPORTANT NOTES

Carefully review the following:

  • Please note that the the High Commission of Canada to Sri Lanka and Maldives does not sponsor work authorizations directly or indirectly.
  • 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 the High Commission of Canada to Sri Lanka and Maldives 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 the High Commission of Canada to Sri Lanka and Maldives,  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.