Readiness Program Officer

Summary of Duties:

Global Affairs Canada is seeking two highly competent Readiness Program Officers (RPOs) to join our teams in Abuja and Lagos. The successful candidates will support the Readiness Manager (RM) in ensuring that the High Commission and Deputy High Commission are always in a state of readiness to respond to international emergencies affecting the Canadian community abroad, as well as maintaining and enhancing operational and physical security. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Threat Analysis: Conduct research and analyze the security environment in Nigeria and surrounding areas. This includes identifying potential threats, evaluating their likelihood and impact, and recommending mitigation strategies. Provide detailed reports and recommendations on potential threats and risks. 
• Emergency Management: Manage the four pillars of Emergency Management (mitigation, preparation, response, and recovery). Develop and implement emergency plans and procedures. 
• Security Management: Oversee the operational and physical security of the mission. Assist in the management of a locally-contracted guard force and perform background checks on Locally Engaged Staff and contractors. 
• Networking: Develop and maintain an extensive network of contacts with local authorities, NGOs, other diplomatic missions, and private sector organizations to exchange information and enhance security measures. 
• Training and Briefings: Deliver routine group and individual security briefings. Conduct security and emergency management training sessions and drills. 
• Administrative Support: Assist with the day-to-day management of the program budget and contracting. Support consular-related emergency management services to assist Canadians abroad. 

 

 

Area of Selection:

This selection process is open to candidates who, at the time of submitting an application, have the right to work and legally reside in Nigeria, who hold current documentation allowing them to work in Nigeria without restriction, who meet all the essential requirements and conditions of employment mentioned, and whose applications are received by the closing date. 

Please note that the High Commission of Canada to Nigeria does not sponsor work authorizations directly or indirectly.

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 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

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 institution

 

 

Language:

• Advanced level in English (written and spoken). 

 

 

Experience:

• Minimum of 3 years of experience within the last 5 years in security and/or emergency management, preferably in a diplomatic mission, NGO, or private sector. 
• Experience in threat analysis, collating, and risk assessment OR experience in developing and implementing security operating procedures, emergency plans, and best practices. 
• Experience in building and maintaining a network of professional contacts. 

 

 

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/live or in-person), role-play, practical tests, presentations and/or psychometric assessment.

 

 

Knowledge:

• In-depth knowledge of the security and emergency management environment in Nigeria. 
• Understanding of standard security mitigation features and practices. 
• Familiarity with emergency management concepts, theories, and practices. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint). 

 

 

Competencies:

• Working with others and horizontal leadership 
• Initiative and action-orientation 
• Flexibility and adaptability 
• Focus on quality and detail 
• Sound judgment, integrity, and discretion. 
• Intercultural proficiency

 

 

Abilities: 

• Ability to  analyze, interpret and synthesize information quickly and efficiently. 
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing 
• Ability to organize tasks and work under pressure with a minimum level of supervision.  
• Ability to develop and maintain a network of professional contacts. 

 

 

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.

• Bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution in security, logistics, emergency/crisis management, political risk management, operations management, or a related field. 
• Experience working for a diplomatic mission or international organization in emergency management and/or security. 
• Experience in writing detailed security reports. 
• Experience overseeing a locally hired guard force. 
• Experience in threat analysis, intelligence gathering, and risk assessment  
• Experience in developing and implementing security operating procedures, emergency plans, and best practices. 
• Knowledge of French. 
• Basic knowledge of financial administration. 
• Knowledge of one of the local languages of Nigeria. 

 

 

Operational Requirements:

• Ability to work during the regular business hours of the mission (37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday). 
• Ability and willingness to travel within the country and/or region. 
• Availability for overtime, including periodic evenings and weekends during high workload periods and emergencies. 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

How to Apply

• 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 of 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 LES-E-Recruitment-BRLIN@international.gc.ca prior to the closing date. Failure to do so will result in the application being rejected.

Important Notes

• Only applications submitted in one of the official languages of Canada will be accepted (English or French).
• The language requirement for this position is identified under the essential qualifications (language). In consequence, the assessment process for this vacancy will be conducted in English.
• 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 who succeeded all of the assessments.
• Please note that the High Commission of Canada to Nigeria 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.
• As recently announced by the Government of Canada, the Policy for Mandatory Vaccination: Canada and the Mission Network is suspended as of June 20, 2022. The Government of Canada will continue to assess the need for additional public health measures, including the possible reintroduction of a vaccination mandate at a later date.
• 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 LES-E-Recruitment-BRLIN@international.gc.ca to request specialized accommodation. 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 to Nigeria 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.