Political Affairs Officer (Foreign and Security Policy)

SUMMARY OF DUTIES

Under the direction and supervision of the Head of the Security, Partnerships, and Human Dignity Unit within the Political-Economic Section, the successful candidate will:

a. Monitor and maintain current knowledge of domestic and international events and policy developments primarily related to Japan’s foreign and security policy, including through participation in meetings and events;

b. Develop and maintain an extensive network of working-level contacts focused in the area of Japanese foreign and security policy (e.g. local and foreign governments, partners, NGOs, experts, think tanks, academics, agencies, multilateral organizations, and media) to support the Embassy’s political reporting and outreach;

c. Support the development of recommendations and engagement approaches that advance Canada’s interests in Japan, helping to strengthen the Embassy’s access to relevant experts and stakeholders;

d. Conduct research for the purpose of drafting, or supporting the drafting of, original analyses and reports related to Japan’s foreign and security policy or other political-economic issues as required;

e. Participate in the planning and execution of high-level visits as well as advocacy initiatives and events to promote Canadian foreign policy priorities, and in the reporting thereon.

f. Contribute as required to the work of the Political-Economic section, including in the production and delivery of presentations, plans, briefing notes, notices, funding estimates, contracts, reports, and communication materials.

g. Maintain and update contact databases and ensure that documents, meeting notes, and other information resources are organized and stored according to the Embassy’s information management practices;

h. Provide administrative and program support to the Unit and perform other related duties as required. 

 

AREA OF SELECTION

This vacancy is open to all external and internal applicants currently residing in Japan, with a valid visa to work in Japan for the entire period of employment. Candidates must meet all the essential qualifications stated below and applications must be 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:

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. 

• Professional working-level oral and written proficiency in English and Japanese (including honorific Japanese - keigo). 

 

Experience

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

• At least two (2) years of *recent experience in at least three (3) of the following areas:
  • Conducting research, analysis, or report writing (in English or Japanese) on political, economic, social, foreign policy, or international security issues.  
  • Supporting stakeholder engagement, outreach, or relationship-building with government officials, legislators, political parties, private companies, NGOs, academic institutions, or media organizations.
  • Supporting the organization of visits, meetings, events, or programs, including planning, coordination, or providing logistical assistance.
  • Drafting briefing notes, backgrounders, presentations, or preparatory materials for meetings, events, or visits.

 

Experience gained through employment, internships, research assistantships, or significant volunteer roles may be accepted if clearly demonstrated.

* Recent is defined as experience acquired within the past five (5) years.

 

Competencies

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

• Knowledge 
  • Current political, security, and defence issues in Japan and East Asia, and their implications for Japan’s domestic and foreign policy.
  • Japan’s security and defence architecture and institutions, major political actors, and key think tank and academic institutions in the field of foreign and security policy.
  • Research methods relevant to political, policy, or social analysis (e.g., identifying credible sources, evaluating information, synthesizing findings).
• Behaviors
  • Initiative and action orientation
  • Judgement and discretion
  • Focus on quality and details
  • Resilience and adaptability
  • Working with others and horizontal leadership 
• Skills
  • Organization and Coordination
  • Analytical Thinking
  • Networking and Alliance Building

 

*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.

• Basic working-level proficiency in French (oral and/or written).
• Significant experience (minimum 18 months within the past five (5) years) in a political affairs, foreign affairs, international relations, or international security role within:
  • a diplomatic mission;
  • an international organization;
  • a government ministry or public sector institution; 
  • a parliamentary office or a political organization; or
  • a research organisation or academic institution.
• Experience studying or working in Canada in a field related to: 
  • international relations; or 
  • Canadian public policy.

 

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.

• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as required.
• Ability to work overtime as required, including on evenings and weekends.
• Requirement to adhere to the Canada’s Values and Ethics Code for the Public Service.
• Hours of work: 37.5 hours per week, 5 days a week.

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 covering the entire employment period.

 

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 Embassy of Canada to Japan 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 Embassy of Canada to Japan 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 Embassy of Canada to Japan,  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.