Investigator - Ombudsman Act, Access and Privacy, Public Interest Disclosure Act

Government of Manitoba; Winnipeg; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A governmental oversight office in Winnipeg seeks an Investigator to handle complaints regarding administrative decisions, ensure compliance with privacy laws, and conduct investigations. Candidates should have a relevant degree and experience in investigations or audits. Strong analytical and negotiation skills are essential. The role involves report drafting and collaboration within a multidisciplinary team. Competitive pay and a probationary period apply.

Qualifications

• Several years of experience in a related field.
• Experience conducting independent investigations or compliance audits.
• Strong judgement and decision-making capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Investigate complaints under The Ombudsman Act.
• Conduct audits and monitor compliance with FIPPA and PHIA.
• Draft reports with findings and recommendations.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

Post-secondary degree in a relevant discipline

Job description

Overview

The Manitoba Ombudsman is seeking professional, energetic, responsive and forward-thinking individuals to join our team across all three mandates of the Office – Ombudsman Act Investigations, Access and Privacy, and Public Interest Disclosure (Whistleblower Protection). The successful candidate will be passionate about fairness, access to justice, accountability and transparency, and dedicated to helping Manitobans.

The Ombudsman is an independent Officer of the Legislative Assembly with oversight responsibilities under The Ombudsman Act, The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA), The Personal Health Information Act (PHIA), and The Public Interest Disclosure (Whistleblower Protection) Act (PIDA). The Ombudsman resolves or investigates complaints about administrative decisions of provincial departments, agencies, boards and commissions, municipalities, trustees and other public bodies about matters of fairness, access to information and protection of privacy. The Ombudsman receives and investigates disclosures of wrongdoing that may be unlawful, dangerous or injurious to the public interest; and complaints of reprisal from public body employees who have used or cooperated in the PIDA process. The Ombudsman has broad authority to investigate on her own initiative; to identify systemic issues of broad public importance for investigation; to make recommendations for administrative improvements in government; to comment on privacy implications of proposed programs/services; to comment on the administration of the legislation and the policies and procedures to handle wrongdoing disclosures; to conduct audits and monitor compliance with FIPPA/PHIA; and to report publicly on matters in the public interest. The Ombudsman provides information and educational services about the Acts and the role of the office to public bodies, and the Legislative Assembly.

Conditions of Employment

• Must be legally entitled to work in Canada
• Satisfactory Criminal Record Check, Child Abuse and Adult Abuse Registry Checks
• A valid driver’s license, access to a vehicle, and the ability to travel within Manitoba

Qualifications

Essential:

• Post-secondary degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. public or business administration, law, accounting, social work, or other relevant specialized discipline) and several years of experience in a related field. A combination of suitable education and experience may be considered.
• Experience conducting independent investigations or compliance audits, preferably in a public service delivery environment, which may include workplace administration, respectful workplace complaints, employee conduct, privacy concerns, whistleblower concerns, policy analysis, internal professional standards, and/or multi-jurisdictional types of investigations.
• Experience with investigation planning, case-file management, investigative techniques, developing conclusions or recommendations, and writing reports, along with problem-solving and analytical skills to synthesize large volumes of information and draw appropriate conclusions.
• Experience locating, researching, interpreting, and applying legislation, regulations, and applicable policies and administrative processes to investigations.
• Exceptional negotiation skills to effectively resolve complaints and influence actions of public bodies and organizations.
• Demonstrated ability to use good judgement and make sound decisions with integrity, accountability, and transparency, while understanding and applying the principles of procedural fairness.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to work independently and manage a workload with competing priorities, expectations, and deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with ability to interact with staff, the public, and senior officials with tact and diplomacy, along with the ability to communicate effectively among parties of differing interests on matters which are sensitive and complex in nature.

Desired:

• Familiarity with public administration and administrative processes, including an understanding of how organizational decisions are made and governed.
• Working knowledge and understanding of the responsibilities and functions of the Manitoba Ombudsman, and/or previous experience working within one or more of the main pieces of legislation that guides the Ombudsman Mandate (Ombudsman Act, FIPPA, PHIA, PIDA).
• The ability to communicate in French is considered an asset.

Duties

The Investigator will be assigned to work under one of the mandates of the Office, to investigate complaints under The Ombudsman Act, The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA), The Personal Health Information Act (PHIA) or The Public Interest Disclosure (Whistleblower Protection) Act (PIDA). Depending upon the Investigator’s assigned mandate, duties may include highly confidential investigation of wrongdoings under whistleblower legislation; investigate complaints of administrative unfairness by a public body; conducting systemic investigations into matters of broad public importance or systemic maladministration; reviewing, auditing, and monitoring compliance with FIPPA and PHIA by provincial governments and agencies, municipal authorities, educational institutions, and the health care sector; or reviewing public body compliance with PIDA.

The Investigator is responsible for high quality complaint analysis, informal resolution of complaints and conducting investigations, including interviews, complex evidence analysis, legislation, policy and standards interpretation, and drafting comprehensive reports with findings and conclusions. Where appropriate, the Investigator drafts recommendations for the Ombudsman’s consideration. The Investigator ensures confidentiality and procedural fairness within the investigative process. The incumbent works collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary team to support the early resolution of complaints, investigations under other mandates, and may undertake or participate in special projects or initiatives of the Office. The Investigator also performs research, outreach, and public education activities to educate and enhance the public profile of the Office.

Competitive Process

The competition will include a written assessment in addition to a board interview(s). The successful candidate will be subject to a 6-month probationary period.

Apply to

Advertisement # 44579

Manitoba Legislative Assembly

Human Resource Services

302-386 Broadway

Winnipeg MB, R3C 3R6

Phone: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

Applicants may request reasonable accommodation related to the materials or activities used throughout the selection process. When applying to this position, please indicate the advertisement number and position title in the subject line and/or body of your email. Your cover letter, resumé and/or application must clearly indicate how you meet the qualifications.

Please be advised that job competitions for represented positions may be grieved by internal represented applicants. Should a selection grievance be filed, information from the competition file will be provided to the grievor's representative. Personal information irrelevant to the grievance and other information protected under legislation will be redacted.

We thank all who apply and advise that only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.