Political Officer

SUMMARY OF DUTIES

Under the supervision of the Head of the Diet Relations Unit in the Political and Economic Section, the successful candidate will:

• Monitor domestic political developments in Japan, including activities in the Diet and political parties, and provide clear and concise analysis and reporting;
• Support the development of recommendations and engagement approaches that advance Canada’s interests in Japan, helping to strengthen the Embassy’s access to political stakeholders;
• Develop and maintain working‑level contacts across political parties, Diet secretariats, parliamentarians’ offices, academic institutions, think tanks, and media to support the Embassy’s political reporting and outreach;
• Assist with planning, coordination, and logistics for visits by Canadian parliamentarians to Japan and Japanese parliamentarians to Canada, including preparing briefing materials and supporting visit‑related events;
• Maintain and update political contact databases and ensure that documents, meeting notes, and other information resources are organized and stored according to the Embassy’s information management practices;
• Provide administrative and program support to the Diet Relations 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 work authorisation in Japan for the entire period of employment. Please note that the Embassy of Canada to Japan does not sponsor work authorisations, directly or indirectly.

Candidates must meet all of 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 based on merit. Our organisation 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 

Candidates will initially be screened against the Essential Qualifications relating to education, language* and experience.

Candidates must clearly demonstrate when applying to the position how they meet each of these essential qualifications.

*Language will be assessed further during the process.  
 

Education:

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

• Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university in a relevant field (e.g. political science, international relations, public policy, economics, sociology, history, law, or a closely related discipline) or an equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience in political analysis, public policy, parliamentary affairs, or a related field. 

 Language:

• Advanced oral and written proficiency in Japanese and English.

 Experience:

At least two (2) years of *recent experience in at least three (3) of the following areas:

• Conducting research, analysis, or report‑writing on political, economic, social, or public policy issues (in English or Japanese).
• Supporting stakeholder engagement, outreach, or relationship‑building with government officials, legislators, political parties, 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, 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.

 

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.

 Competencies:

• Theoretical knowledge of 
• Japan’s political system, including the Diet, political parties, legislative processes, and major political actors.
• current political and social issues in Japan, and their implications for domestic and foreign policy.
• research methods relevant to political, policy, or social analysis (e.g., identifying credible sources, evaluating information, synthesizing findings).
• Procedural and legislative knowledge of how diplomatic missions conduct working‑level political outreach and reporting.
• Communications and Relations
• Written Communication 
• Oral Interaction
• Networking and Alliance Building
• Fundamental Behaviors 
• Resilience and Adaptability
• Achieving Results 
• Organization and Coordination
• Focus on Quality and Details
• Initiative and Action Orientation
• Analytical Thinking 
• Research

 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.

• Working‑level proficiency in French (oral and/or written).
• Knowledge of Canada’s political system, including the federal Parliament, political institutions, and policy‑making processes.
• Knowledge of Canada–Japan bilateral relations, including key areas of cooperation or political engagement.
• Experience working in or with the National Diet, political parties, parliamentarians’ offices, or related institutions (e.g., secretariats, parliamentary committees).
• Relevant and significant (minimum 12 months) recent experience* working for:
• a diplomatic mission,
• an international organization, or
• a government ministry or public sector institution.
• Relevant and significant (minimum 12 months) recent experience* in organizing or supporting political, academic, public policy, or diplomatic events or programs.
• Experience conducting research or producing analysis on Japan‑related political or policy issues for professional or academic purposes.

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

 Operational Requirements:

• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as required.
• Ability to work occasional 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, and are to be maintained throughout the employment while being the incumbent of this position.

• Valid work authorization: Candidates must have a valid work authorisation at the time of application and maintain it for the entire period of employment.
• 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:

• Employees of the Embassy of Canada to Japan are paid in Japanese Yen and must have a domestic Japanese bank account for the duration of their employment. Salary payments to overseas bank accounts will not be made under any circumstances. 
• 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 labour 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.