Officer, Classification

Paralympic; Ottawa; Remote; CAD 60,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Canadian Paralympic Committee is seeking an Officer, Classification to provide expert classification guidance to NSOs, athletes and partners. The role emphasizes programming support, training development and close collaboration with CPC teams to advance classification processes across Canada.

Remote within Canada with travel to Ottawa and other locations; 3–5 years in leadership within sport, and a background in kinesiology or sport management are preferred.

Qualifications

• Experience applying classification codes, policies and processes.
• Ability to educate NSOs, athletes and partners on classification topics.
• Experience working with sport organizations or as an athlete/coach is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Support programming aligned with CPC priorities.
• Provide guidance and education to enhance classification capacity of athletes and stakeholders.
• Develop training resources to address classification gaps.
• Coordinate with NSOs to ensure correct classifications are completed and supported.

Skills

Classification knowledge

Policy understanding

Stakeholder engagement

Paralympics context

Education

Post-secondary in kinesiology or sport management

Job description

JOB POSTING

OFFICER, CLASSIFICATION

About the Canadian Paralympic Committee

The Canadian Paralympic Committee is a private, non-profit organization that works in partnership with 28-member sport organizations to advance the Paralympic movement in Canada and support high-performance athletes with disabilities.

Through the stories, achievements, and leadership of Paralympians, the Canadian Paralympic Committee aim to inspire Canadians to embrace accessibility, challenge perceptions, and create greater opportunities for participation in sport and in society.

Job Summary

The Classification Officer plays a vital role in strengthening the Paralympic System in Canada. Their main objective is to provide classification expertise, guidance, and education to National Sport Organizations (NSO), athletes, and other partners in the Canadian sport system. They will also link closely with teams within the CPC to provide support on any classification-related topics.

The ideal candidate will have experience as a classifier and a clear understanding of classification and the associated codes, policies, and processes. Experience as a Para athlete or Paralympian is considered an asset for this position.

Type: Full-Time

Salary: $60,000-$68,000 annually based on experience plus benefits

Reports To: Senior Manager, Paralympic System and Services

Location: Remote within Canada, with travel to Ottawa and other locations

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Supports the implementation of programming that aligns with the CPC’s strategic priorities.
• Provides guidance, support, and education to enhance the capacity and capability of athletes, stakeholders, members and performance partners in topics related to classification.
• Supports the development of training and resources to address classification gaps identified through surveys and specific strategies such as the Paralympic Summer Sport System Strategy.
• Works closely with NSOs to ensure that athletes have the required classifications completed, guides them through the process, and supports them with any issues that arise.
• Works with the Paralympic performance team, Performance Sciences, Research and Innovation (PSRI) Advisor, Athlete Services team and performance partners (Own The Podium, Sport Canada, Coaching Association of Canada, etc.) to identify gaps related to classification and collaborate in finding evidence-based solutions.
• Liaises with Athlete Services team to ensure classification services and programming provide an athlete-centric approach while driving best-prepared teams.
• Contributes to and implements multi-year classification plans, targets, and budgets.
• Develops rapport, establishes partnerships, and manages relationships with international stakeholders including, but not limited to, International Federations, National Paralympic Committees, officials and volunteers, advisory groups, and IPC departments.

National Priorities

• Lead Canada’s compliance with the IPC Classification Code
• Lead Canada’s involvement in any future reviews of the IPC Athlete Classification Code and related documents
• Lead CPC’s National classification strategy, update where required and prioritize the implementation of recommendations. Examples of priority areas include:
  • Support development of a classification medical expert network to support NSOs and staff on classification needs
  • Support development and implementation of a Visual Impairment (VI) Classification plan for a centrally managed VI Classification system
  • Work with and support NSOs to provide tools and resources to develop national sport-specific strategies that are aligned with International Federations (IFs) and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC)
  • Support the development, refinement, and continuous improvement of Paralympic system classification tools
  • Develop a classification webpage and education materials to support different audiences

International Priorities

• Engage with IPC and IFs to support classification protocols and processes when appropriate
• Engage with IPC and other NPCs to support the review and implementation of the Classification Code
• Work with NSOs and their IFs to host international classifier training in Canada as required
• Work with NSOs and IFs to support athletes’ classification internationally as required
• Maintain effective relationships with other NPCs to share best practices, identify opportunities for collaboration, and identify priority areas aligned with international opportunities.

At Games Priorities

• Coordinate and support the planning and delivery of a Games-specific classification strategy aligned with the NSOs’ plans
• Provide input and advice on classification management at Games when classification is offered, in addition to providing support for emerging issues

Qualifications

Education

• Post-secondary education, preferably in kinesiology or sport management, or equivalent experience in a similar position with a sport organization or as an athlete or a coach.

Experience

• 3–5 years of experience working in aleadership capacity in sport in Canada.
• Experience working in a National Sport Organization.
• Experience working in multi-sport Games environments.
• Experience as a Paralympian isconsidered an asset.

Knowledge and Skills

• Strong sport technical knowledge including an understanding of the Canadian Sport system, theInternational Olympic and Paralympic Sport System, and the roles, responsibilities, and pressures of athletes, coaches, and NSOs.
• Strong understanding of classification
• Strong understanding of the IPC, other National Paralympic Committees, and other countries’ sport systems.
• Strong understanding of the Games environment to best prepare team members to perform during the Paralympic Games and Parapan Am Games.
• Demonstrated ability to understand complex environments and solve problems.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, coordinate, deliver, and review targeted initiatives as well as adapt to a changing environment.
• Demonstrated ability to manage relationships and work effectively and collaboratively with both internal and external colleagues.
• Proficiency with office applications such as email, project planning, databases, word processing, spreadsheets, presentation development, etc.
• Ability to communicate in Canada’s two official languages is considered a strong asset.

Personal Characteristics

• Methodical and organized, able to manage different projects at the same time
• Ability to adapt to a variety of situations, people, environments, and diverse stakeholders
• Self-directed and disciplined
• Innovative
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Analytical
• Results-oriented
• Team player
• Cooperative and collaborative
• Detail-oriented with a thorough approach to problem-solving and work processes

Working Conditions

The CPC will consider applicants from across Canada who are interested in taking on this position remotely. The CPC Head Office is located in Ottawa, ON.

This position requires overnight travel to sites within Canada (e.g., Games, events, partner meetings, etc.).

Staff based outside Ottawa will be expected to travel to Ottawa a few times a year or as the job demands.

Staff will be required to work evenings and weekends during busy periods, including during Games time and other special events.

CPC is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse work environment and is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, record of offences, age, marital status, family status, or disability. We strongly encourage people from underrepresented or marginalized groups to apply.

CPC welcomes and encourages applications from First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, women, and/or 2SLGBTQ+ individuals. Accommodation is available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.