Senior FPDS Officer

Summary of Duties:

Under the general direction of the Political Counsellor, the Senior Political, Advocacy and Public Affairs Officer (Senior FPDS Officer) is responsible for leading on the political file at the Canadian Embassy. S/he is responsible for monitoring, analysing and reporting on political developments and developing, implementing and overseeing the strategy to promote Canadian interests in Lithuania, to raise Canada's profile and to build strategic networks in Lithuania. The officer supports the promotion of Canada and Canadian interests and values through the identification, organization and execution of advocacy initiatives aligned with Government of Canada and Embassy priorities. The Officer proposes and develops appropriate advocacy initiatives and events, media, social media, etc.

DUTIES:

• Establish working relationships with Lithuanian government officials, political parties and staffers, think tanks, academia, civil society, diplomatic missions, cultural institutions, etc. 
• Undertake research, perform analysis, draft reports and develop briefing material for the Embassy and Government of Canada stakeholders. 
• Develop and deliver online and in-presence advocacy initiatives and events.
• Represent the Embassy of Canada at events and conferences.
• Coordinate with other diplomatic missions and/or partake in negotiations in bilateral or multilateral settings. 
• Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability to complete work assignments and to respond to developments. Files assigned to the Senior FPDS officer will vary depending on Government of Canada priorities. 
• The position requires travel. Most travel will be domestic but international travel may also be required. 

Area of Selection:

Open to internal and external applicants who, at the time of application, are eligible to work in Lithuania and are legal residents of Lithuania or one of the European Union (EU) countries that are part of the free mobility agreement, who meet all the essential requirements stated below, and whose applications are received by the closing date.

Please note that the Embassy of Canada to Lithuania does not sponsor work authorizations directly or indirectly.

The Government of Canada is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from diverse sections of the community. Candidates will be considered based on merit. The Government of Canada is committed to employment equity. To achieve a representative workforce, selection may be prioritized based on qualified candidates self-declaring as being a member of one or more of the following groups: Indigenous, persons with disabilities and visible minorities. 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 with accommodation needs to learn and develop their skills and competencies.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

Candidates will initially be screened against the Essential Qualifications relating to education, language* and experience.

Candidates must clearly demonstrate when applying to the position how they meet each of these essential qualifications.

*Language will be assessed further during the process. 

Education:

Candidates will be required to provide proof of the completion of their education.

A degree from a recognized university, or five (5) years equivalent and recent work experience within an embassy or a multilateral institution or development/humanitarian setting or financial institution in leading or contributing to foreign and/or domestic public policy, public advocacy and social media.

Language:

Professional written and oral communication in English and Lithuanian

Experience:

• A minimum of 4 years within the last 8 years analysing, leading or contributing to foreign and/or domestic public policy. 
• Significant experience in research and the preparation of briefing notes, research summaries, presentations or reports.
• Proven experience of collaborative working with stakeholders from diverse groups.
• Proven experience building and maintaining networks to advance interests.

RATED REQUIREMENTS

The Rated Requirements are part of the essential qualifications and are relating to knowledge, abilities and competencies. Methods of assessment for rated requirements may include, but are not limited to, a written examination, an oral interview (online pre-recorded/live or in-person), role-play, practical tests, presentations and/or psychometric assessment.

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of Canadian foreign policy priorities, global issues and challenges to global governance.
• Knowledge of Lithuanian politics and regional issues more generally.
• Experience in establishing multi-disciplinary professional networks.
• Knowledge of social media platforms and advocacy strategies.

Competencies:

• Ability to provide strategic advice and recommendations to senior management (or equivalent) level and above, orally and in writing. 
• Adaptability & Flexibility 
• Initiative and Judgement and organisation skills
• Network/Alliance Building
• Interpersonal Relations & Respect
• Must have strong oral communication, analytical and writing skills, and social media abilities.  

Abilities: 

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.

• First-hand knowledge and/or experience within the public sector (e.g., Canadian and/or Lithuanian Governments, political parties or advocacy organizations).
• Proficiency in the French or Russian language.
• Knowledge of Canadian, Lithuanian and European foreign and domestic policy issues.
• Established network of contacts in the Lithuanian political context.

Organizational Needs: 

Operational Requirements:

• Ability to work overtime with little advance notice – extended hours, late evenings, weekends. 
• Ability to travel when required.

Conditions of Employment:

Conditions of employment must be met or complied with before being appointed to a particular position, and are to be maintained throughout the employment while being the incumbent of this position.

- 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 covering the entire employment period.

- Other conditions of employment:

Special Request from Mission / Additional Comments:

How to Apply

• 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). Please only include information relevant to the vacancy as requested in the job poster.
• You must clearly demonstrate in answering the screening questions how you meet the education and experience factors listed in the essential and asset qualifications. You must provide specific examples to demonstrate clearly how you meet the qualifications. Global Affairs Canada cannot make any assumptions about your studies nor experience. Simply saying you have the required qualifications or listing your current duties will not be sufficient. Instead, you must provide concrete and detailed examples that clearly explain where, when, and how you gained the 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 be used as a secondary source to validate the answers to the screening questions.
• Applications which do not include all of 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 LES-E-Recruitment-LDN @ international.gc.ca prior to the closing date. Failure to do so will result in the application being rejected.

Important Notes

• Only applications submitted in one of the official languages of Canada will be accepted (English or French).
• The language requirement for this position is identified under the essential qualifications (language). In consequence, the assessment process for this vacancy will be conducted in English.
• 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 who succeeded all of the assessments.
• Please note that the Office of the Embassy of Canada in Vilnius 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.
• As recently announced by the Government of Canada, the Policy for Mandatory Vaccination: Canada and the Mission Network is suspended as of June 20, 2022. The Government of Canada will continue to assess the need for additional public health measures, including the possible reintroduction of a vaccination mandate at a later date.
• 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 LES-E-Recruitment-LDN @ international.gc.ca to request specialized accommodation. 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 Office of the Embassy of Canada in Vilnius 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.