Senior FPDS (Foreign Policy and Diplomacy Service) Officer

Summary of Duties:

Under the supervision of the Head of the Foreign Policy and Diplomacy Service (FPDS) Program, the Senior Officer, Political and Public Affairs, is responsible for planning and delivering a significant portion of the FPDS program. This includes diplomacy, public affairs (such as communications strategy, media relations, and events), and cultural affairs (including arts, sports, research, and science). The incumbent supports and participates in the definition of Canadian foreign policy priorities and approaches, and keeps abreast of Canadian, Tunisian, regional and world news. He/she builds and maintains networks with a broad spectrum of interlocutors (representatives of the State, the diplomatic community, civil society organizations (CSOs), the media, and the cultural milieu) and occasionally represents Canada at official events, conferences and/or meetings. He/she conducts research, writes various products (briefing notes, reports, reports, speeches) on social, political, economic and/or strategic issues for a variety of audiences, and orchestrates various activities, events and visits. The incumbent provides analysis, advice and recommendations on Canada-Tunisia bilateral relations, regional and/or international issues, as well as national positions on international issues. Finally, he/she proposes avenues for foreign policy and diplomacy, promotes Canadian interests, and facilitates and maintains access to key interlocutors and potential decision-makers. The incumbent is capable of working under pressure, handling multiple files or projects simultaneously, and meeting tight deadlines

 

Area of Selection:

This position is open to candidates residing in Tunisia and entitled to work in Tunisia as an employee on a permanent basis. It is also open to all employees of the Embassy of Canada in Tunisia in indeterminate or term positions, and to employees hired on temporary contracts, who meet all the essential qualifications and whose applications are received by the closing date. 

Please note that the Embassy of Canada to Tunisia 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.

University Degree (Bachelor’s Degree) from a recognized university in a field relevant to diplomacy and/or public affairs, or equivalent degree with significant experience in the field.

 

Language:

• French - advanced level (oral and written).
• English - intermediate level (oral and written).
• Arabic - intermediate level (oral and written).

 

Experience:

• Significant experience in writing a variety of communications products (social media posts, meeting minutes, briefing notes, event notes, tour scripts, various reports and/or speeches) in a style that is professional, clear, concise, engaging and/or decision oriented.
• Significant experience in researching, analyzing and formulating strategic advice and recommendations on issues related to politics, economics, development and/or international relations.
• Experience in establishing and maintaining a broad network of contacts (representatives of the Tunisian State, local administrations, the diplomatic community, CSOs, NGOs, experts, academics, think tanks and the media, representatives of the cultural milieu, the private sector, etc.).
  
  
  

 

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:

• Knowledge of the Tunisian political context (political system, political and constitutional institutions, political parties, electoral cycles, key figures, international treaties to which Tunisia is a signatory, etc.).
• Knowledge of regional and global geopolitics.
• Knowledge of Canadian foreign policy priorities.
  
  
  

Competencies: 

• Strategic Thinking and Decision Making.
• Planning.
• Focus on Quality and Details.
• Working with Others and Horizontal Leadership.
• Networking and Alliance Building.
• Intercultural Proficiency.
• Resilience and Adaptability.
• Judgement 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 from a recognized university in a field relevant to the duties of the position.
• Experience working in a diplomatic mission.
• Experience in orchestrating diplomatic and/or cultural events.  
• Experience working for a Canadian organization or having studied in Canada.
  
  

 

Operational Requirements:

Willingness and ability to work occasionally outside normal working hours and / or weekends and to travel outside of town and to neighboring countries.

Work schedule: 37.5 hours per 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: 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-BREU@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 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 who succeeded all of the assessments.
• Please note that the Embassy of Canada to Tunisia 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-BREU@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 Embassy of Canada to Tunisia 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.