SUMMARY OF DUTIES

Canada is navigating a global security environment marked by uncertainty, competition, and rapid change. As Canada and India build a forward-looking partnership, the Canadian Defence Advisor (CDA) is committed to advance Canadian interests through sustained engagement with Indian defence and security institutions and to provide timely and accurate advice and reporting to Canada. The CDA Office develops and maintains a network of contacts relevant to defence and security in India and cross-accredited countries (Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka) to support the defence program. Program areas include support to Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) operations, key leader engagements/visits, implementation of Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy (DIS) in coordination with the Trade Commissioner Service (TCS), conduct of the Canada - India Defence Dialogue, administration of Canada’s Military Training and Cooperation Program (MTCP), and engagement with Department of National Defence (DND)/CAF partners and allies.  

Under the general supervision of the Assistant to the CDA (CDAA), the Program Officer’s major responsibilities include: 

• Develop and maintain a network of contacts and stakeholders with defence forces and industries, partners and allies, and government ministries relevant to defence and security in the host nation and each cross-accredited country to contribute to building, prioritising, and managing relationships; delivering the defence program; and identifying opportunities.  
• Liaise with relevant DND/CAF stakeholder desk officers to update situational awareness and program implementation  progress. 
• Administer MTCP activities with member countries including transmitting course offers and monitoring responses, facilitating student travel, and supporting potential MTCP training in countries of cross-accreditation. 
• Employ a variety of unclassified information sources, including AI tools and mission reporting, to establish and maintain a comprehensive understanding of the political-military environment in the host nation and each cross-accredited country. Draft analyses for reporting on significant developments relevant to DND/CAF defence and security interests.   
• Develop and maintain a close relationship with the TCS defence lead in each accredited country to support CDA responsibilities for DIS implementation. Employ a variety of unclassified information sources, including AI tools, to maintain and enhance understanding of the defence industrial environment.    
• Support DND/CAF operations, training, and key leader engagements/visits through liaison and coordination with relevant host nation authorities to ensure diplomatic clearance and access for personnel and equipment, RCAF aircraft, RCN vessels, and other assets as required.  
• Support planning, coordination, and conduct of CDA engagement and outreach activities. 
• Perform other related duties that support the overall work of the Defence Program.

AREA OF SELECTION

This selection process is open to all applicants, who are residing and legally authorized to work in India, including Embassy employees, Canada-based staff spouses and their dependent children of at least 16 years of age, who meet all the essential qualifications and whose applications are 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 on merit regardless of ethnic origin, religious belief, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability or other factor. 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

All essential qualifications will be assessed. Methods of assessments and screening of candidates may include but are not limited to: verification of credentials, resume and letters of presentation; interviews, exams and practical tests; presentations or other types of assessments. 

Education

This position requires:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in fields related but not limited to defence and strategic studies; international business; public administration; interdisciplinary studies in philosophy, politics, economics, or other humanities. 

Note: Candidates will be required to provide proof of their education

Language

The Following languages and proficiency levels are required for this job. Candidates will be formally assessed or requested to provide proof of certification on these levels. 

Experience

In order to perform the duties relevant to this job, the following experience is required.

Minimum three years of recent* relevant experience working experience in the following areas: 

• Experience in an international organization or company including planning and delivering high-profile visits, international meetings, or networking events;   
• Experience in managing relationships with professional contacts through developing and maintaining a network to support program delivery; 
• Experience managing financial information; 
• Experience in interdisciplinary research, analysis, and synthesis to develop strategic advice, briefings, and written reports to management; and 
• Working with computers, standard Microsoft Office products (Excel, Word, Outlook). 

*Within the last five years 

Competencies

All competencies will be assessed. All competencies must be met prior to appointment. 

*For more information on competencies: Competency Dictionary

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.

• A minimum of 2 years of experience in the past 5 years in work related to the Defence and Security sector.  
• Previous relevant experience working in a similar role with a diplomatic mission. 
• Experience in the use AI tools to support human-driven interdisciplinary research. 
• Ability to speak and write in French. 
• Working level knowledge of Nepali, Bengali, Sinhala, Tamil, and/or Punjabi. 
• Master’s level degree in a related field.  

OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Operational requirements will be assessed on a ``meet/does not meet`` basis and can be used to determine right fit of a candidate for the position.

• Hours of Work: Normal hours of work of work for this position are in accordance with Locally-Engaged Staff regulations of 37.5 hours per week.
• Overtime: Willingness to work overtime on short notice. 
• The position will require travel within India and Canada as per business needs. 
• The High Commission operates a schedule of public holidays according to a combination of Indian and Canadian dates, which means the successful candidate could be required to work on certain Indian public holidays. 

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Conditions of employment must be met or complied with before being appointed to a particular position. They are to be maintained throughout the employment period.

• 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. 
• Other conditions of employment: Candidates will be required to undergo a pre-employment medical examination. 

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:

• Please note that the High Commission of Canada to India 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 High Commission of Canada to India 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 High Commission of Canada to India,  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 labor 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.