Assistant Chief Commissioner

The Canadian Grain Commission is a federal government agency that reports to Parliament through the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. As set out in the Canada Grain Act, the Canadian Grain Commission’s mandate is, in the interests of producers, to establish and maintain standards of quality for Canadian grain and regulate grain handling in Canada to ensure a dependable commodity for domestic and export markets. The chief commissioner is the chief executive officer of the Commission and has supervision over and direction of the work and staff of the Commission.

The assistant chief commissioner may exercise all the powers and perform all the functions of the chief commissioner in the event of the absence or incapacity of the chief commissioner or if the office of the chief commissioner is vacant.

Further details about the organization and its activities can be found on its website.

Diversity and Official Languages

We are committed to providing a healthy and accessible workplace that supports one’s dignity, self-esteem and the ability to work on one’s full potential. With this in mind, all appointees will be expected to take steps to promote and maintain a healthy, respectful, inclusive and harassment-free work environment.

Preference may be given to applicants who are members of one or more of the following groups: women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and members of a visible minority group.

The Government of Canada will consider bilingual proficiency and diversity in assessing applicants. You are therefore encouraged to include in your online profile your ability to speak and understand your second official language.

Education and Experience

• A degree from a recognized university in a relevant field of study or an acceptable combination of equivalent education, job related training, and / or experience;
• Experience in maintaining effective relationships with, and balancing the interests of, multiple stakeholders with divergent views;
• Management experience in private or public sector organizations;
• Demonstrated experience in decision making with respect to sensitive and complex issues; and
• Experience in the production and handling of grain, or experience in dealing with the transportation, marketing and process of grain would be considered an asset.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• An understanding of the business, political, economic, and operational challenges and opportunities facing the Canadian and international grain industry;
• Knowledge of the Commission’s mandate, legislative framework, and activities;
• Knowledge of sound governance principles, strategic planning, monitoring and evaluation of performance;
• An understanding of the structure, roles, and functions of the producer and of the public and private organizations involved in Canada’s grain industry;
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral;
• Ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with senior government officials and with organizations on a national and international level;
• Ability to identify, analyse and define long-range priorities and strategies;
• Ability to anticipate emerging issues and to develop strategies quickly to solve problems and seize opportunities; and
• Ability to reconcile varying interests and values.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

Personal Attributes

• Strategic and innovative leader
• Sound judgement
• High ethical standards and integrity
• Superior interpersonal skills
• Tact and diplomacy

Eligibility Factors and Conditions of Employment

• Appointees must comply with the Ethical and Political Activity Guidelines for Public Office Holders throughout their appointment as a term and condition of employment.
• All appointees are subject to the Conflict of Interest Act. Public office holders appointed on a full-time basis must also submit to the Office of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics within 60 days of appointment, a confidential report in which they disclose all of their assets, liabilities and outside activities.
• Appointees must uphold the highest standards of probity and are expected to demonstrate behaviours in the workplace that afford respect, equality and dignity, to everyone they interact with at work at all times.
• The Canada Grain Act stipulates that the appointee must not, directly or indirectly, as owner, shareholder, director, officer, partner or otherwise, be engaged in commercial dealings in grain or the carriage of grain or have a pecuniary or other interest in grain or the carriage of grain, other than as a producer of grain. (statutory)
• The appointee must devote the whole of their time to the performance of their duties under the Canada Grain Act. (statutory)
• The appointee must reside in, or be willing to relocate to Winnipeg, Manitoba, or to a location within reasonable commuting distance.
• The appointee must be willing and able to travel extensively domestically and abroad at short notice.

A link to this notice will be placed in the Canada Gazette to assist the Governor in Council in identifying qualified candidates. It is not, however, intended to be the sole means of recruitment.

How to Apply

Review of applications will begin on October 28 2024. Candidates should apply online via the Governor in Council Appointments website. Candidates are strongly encouraged to submit their applications by this date. After this date, your application will be retained and may be considered up until an appointment to the position is made. Your cover letter should be addressed to the Director of Selection Processes, Senior Personnel Secretariat, Privy Council Office, and should be sent only through the online application.