Senior Officer (Events and Advocacy)

Global Affairs Canada Locally Engaged Staff Recruitment; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The Embassy of Canada to the United States seeks a Senior Officer (Events and Advocacy) to lead planning and delivery of its official events program and support high-impact advocacy initiatives. You will review proposals, interpret policies, manage budgets, and coordinate complex logistics with internal teams and external partners.

Based in Washington, the role requires five years of events experience in government or related sectors, with strong project management and stakeholder engagement

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, or an equivalent combination.
• Five years of recent experience managing complex events for government, private sector, or academic audiences.
• Strong knowledge of project management practices and budgeting.

Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver the official events program at the Embassy of Canada and the Official Residence.
• Review event proposals, provide informed recommendations, and apply policies and guidance.
• Manage resources and coordinate complex logistical plans for high-impact advocacy and engagement.
• Cultivate a broad network of stakeholders including partner organizations and vendors.
• Provide strategic guidance on acts and policies governing events, ensuring compliance.

Skills

Event planning

Stakeholder management

Budget management

Logistics coordination

Policy interpretation

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

The mission is seeking to fill a Senior Officer (Events and Advocacy) position for the Public Diplomacy program as well as various officer positions that may arise following this selection process.

Under the direction of the Manager (Protocol, Events and Advocacy), the Senior Officer (Events and Advocacy) works with internal and external clients to manage the planning and successful delivery of the official events program at the Embassy of Canada and the Official Residence. The Senior Officer reviews event proposals, provides informed recommendations, interprets and applies events-related policies and guidance, manages resources, and coordinates complex logistical plans that support high-impact advocacy and engagement.

This Senior Officer cultivates and maintainsa broad network of internal and external stakeholders- including partner organizations; protocol and event management teams across DC-based institutions; local vendors and service providers.The position provides strategic guidance to senior managers on the various acts, policies and procedures governing events at the Embassy, ensuring compliance while enabling flexibility for diverse programming needs.

The Senior Officer establishes and strengthens the systems, processes, and tools that support effective stakeholder engagement and enable high-impact events aligned with strategic objectives. It provides expert advice on maximizing advocacy opportunities through guest list development, guidance on format and program, and identifying opportunities to coordinate initiatives and/or integrate Embassy priorities into existing local programming.

AREA OF SELECTION

This selection process is open to all applicants, who are residing and legally authorized to work in the USA, who meet all the essential qualifications and whose applications are received by the closing date.

Please note that the Embassy of Canada to the United States 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 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 or an equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience.*

*An equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience refers to: three (3) additional years of events experience.

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.

• An advanced proficiency level (reading, writing, comprehension, and speaking) in English.

Experience

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

• Five years recent experience* managing complex events across diverse formats and scales for government, private sector, civil society, and/or academic audiences, including strategic planning, stakeholder and client management, developing and managing budgets, and full event execution.

*Recent experience is defined as within the last ten years.

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

• Knowledge of project management practices, including established processes, procedures and workflow requirements
• Strategic Thinking and Decision Making
• Initiative and Action Orientation
• Planning
• Working with Others and Horizontal Leadership

Preference may be given to candidates who meet the Asset Qualifications. Where applicable, candidates must clearly demonstrate how they meet any asset qualifications.

• Experience leading a team
• The ability to work in French
• Academic training in event management or hospitality
• Project management certification
• Experience working in a diplomatic mission

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 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.
• Location of work:Work is normally performed on-site with limited flexibility for teleworking.

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.

IMPORTANT NOTES

Carefully review the following:

• Please note that the Embassy of Canada to the United States 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 Embassy of Canada to the United States 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 [e-mail] 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 Embassy of Canada to the United States, 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 d oes not negotiate salaries . C ompetitive benefits in line with local practices for each country are also provided in the gross compensation package .