Senior FPDS Officer - External Relations (Foreign Policy and Regional Security)

Summary of Duties:

The position of the Senior Political Affairs Officer in charge of Foreign Policy and Regional Security is a senior working-level position within the Political section at the Embassy of Canada to the Republic of Korea in Seoul. 
The position reports to the First Secretary (Political), who heads the section’s external relations unit under the direction of the Counsellor (Political/Economic) at the Embassy of Canada. 
As a key member of the political section’s external relations unit, the Senior Political Affairs Officer will be relied upon to offer timely, in-depth analysis and reporting, with strategic foresight, on key issues and developments of interest to Canada, which include but are not limited to: 

 

- South Korea`s foreign and security policy, including relations with the U.S., China, Japan, Russia and the broader Indo-Pacific region;

- Inter-Korean relations and security on the Korean Peninsula;

- Political, economic and foreign policy developments in North Korea, including the human rights situation.

 

This analysis, reporting and strategic advice will serve to further Canadian interests by informing policy making decisions by senior officials both at the Embassy of Canada and at headquarters in Ottawa. 
The Officer will be expected to draw on their extensive network of contacts with government, academia, non-governmental organizations, etc., to gather information, draft situational and analytical reports, provide input for briefing notes for senior officials, support advocacy efforts and/or identify opportunities for closer cooperation. 
The Officer will lead the planning and organization of events held by the unit to promote Canadian interests and achieve its objectives. They will be asked to assist with the planning and organization of visits by senior Canadian officials to South Korea. 

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Area of Selection:

This external competition is open to all applicants eligible to legally work in Korea, who meet all the essential qualifications and whose applications are received by the closing date, including embassy employees and spouses of Canada-based staff.  

Please note that the Embassy of Canada to the Republic of Korea 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.

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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.

• Master’s degree from a recognized university in a discipline related to the job requirements OR an equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience.

 

Language:

• Advanced proficiency in English and Korean (speaking, writing, comprehension and reading).

 

Experience:

• Experience working in an international or multilateral organization, government, non-governmental organization, or academia/think tank;
• Experience monitoring developments, conducting research and providing strategic advice, briefings, and written reports to management and/or clients related to South Korea’s foreign and security policy (particularly its relations with China and with Japan), North Korea (domestic politics, foreign policy, security, economy, human rights, humanitarian,  etc.), inter-Korean relations, and broader regional and global foreign policy and security issues that have an impact on South Korean policies and decisions;
• Experience cultivating and leveraging a diverse network of influential contacts across multiple sectors, including government, non-governmental organizations, media and/or academia, to advance organizational goals;
• Experience building strategic alliances and influencing stakeholders through advocacy campaigns or initiatives;
• Experience organizing high-level events such as conferences, roundtables, or networking events.

*Experience = minimum seven years of relevant work experience (experience for the criteria can be combined for a total of seven years).

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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 South Korea’s foreign and security policy, and its relationships with key countries such as the U.S., China, Japan and Russia; 
• Knowledge of the situation on the Korean Peninsula, including the current state and history of inter-Korean relations, internal developments within North Korea (e.g. regime dynamics, domestic political and economic developments within North Korea, human rights situation, humanitarian situation, etc.);     
• Knowledge of broader regional dynamics, including U.S-China relations, trilateral cooperation (U.S.-South Korea, Japan), Russia-North Korea, China-North Korea, Korea’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, etc;
• Knowledge of bilateral relationship between Canada and South Korea, with focus on foreign and security components;
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office 365 Suite, Microsoft Teams, Microsoft SharePoint, Web-based search engines, computer equipment.

 

Competencies:

• Effective interactive communication skills, both oral and written, in English and in Korean;
• Strong analytical thinking skills to interpret events, developments and decisions, and identify short- and long-term implications, including for Canadian interests;
• Advocacy skills to effectively communicate ideas, influence stakeholders, and shape thinking;
• Effective interpersonal skills and cross-cultural awareness;
• Sound judgement; and
• Initiative.

 

Abilities: 

• Planning and organizational skills, including ability to manage time, complete multiple tasks concurrently, prioritize, and meet deadlines with minimal supervision;
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team

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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.

• Experience working in, or extensively engaging with, a diplomatic mission, foreign ministry or international organization;
• In-depth knowledge of Canada-South Korea relations, including Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy and the Canada-Korea Comprehensive Strategic Partnership;
• Knowledge of Canada’s foreign and security policy priorities; 
• Proficiency in French – both oral and written (other relevant languages such as Chinese or Japanese will also be given consideration);
• Graduate degree (Masters or PhD) with specialization in a field/topic of direct relevance to South Korea’s foreign and security policy, North Korea, or other themes listed above.   

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Operational Requirements:

• Working hours are Monday to Friday, 08:30-17:00;
• Must be available for occasional duties outside normal working hours (i.e., evenings and weekends) and potentially on short notice. 

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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.

 

Special Request from Mission / Additional Comments:

• If candidates meet the factors listed in the asset qualifications, they must also clearly demonstrate how they meet these factors in their covering letter.
• The staffing process will consist of a review of all applications to ensure that applicants meet the essential requirements. Please note that failure to meet any of the essential requirements eliminates candidates from further consideration in the competition. Only those applicants who meet these will be contacted by the Human Resources Section for an interview or other form of assessment of the rated requirements.
• This selection process may be used to create an eligibility list of qualified candidates for this and other similar positions, with various tenures, including indeterminate or term at Embassy of Canada to the Republic of Korea which might arise in the 24 months following the completion of this competition.
• Submit a CV not exceeding three pages. 
• Submit a copy of your degree.
• Applications that do not include the requested documents or information will be rejected.

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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-MANIL@international.gc.ca prior to the closing date. Failure to do so will result in the application being rejected.

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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 Embassy of Canada to the Republic of Korea 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-MANIL@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 the Republic of Korea 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.