About the Canadian Commission for UNESCO and the Canada Council for the Arts

The Canadian Commission for UNESCO (CCUNESCO) is the link between Canadians and the essential work of UNESCO – the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. Through its networks and partners, it promotes UNESCO’s values, priorities, and programs in Canada and ensures that the voice of civil society experts is heard internationally. The United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and other UNESCO priorities guide its activities. CCUNESCO operates under the auspices of the Canada Council for the Arts (CCA).

The Canada Council for the Arts (the "Council") is a dynamic, highly respected federal Crown corporation with a mandate to foster and promote the study and enjoyment of, and production of works in, the arts for the benefit of all Canadians. Through funding programs, initiatives, and strategic partnerships, the Council plays a key role in supporting artists and arts organizations across the country while strengthening Canada’s cultural presence on the global stage.

We offer competitive salaries and a considerable benefits package. Go to www.canadacouncil.ca to get more information about the Canada Council for the arts and to https://en.ccunesco.ca/ to learn more about the CCUNESCO.

This competition may have a hiring priority for Indigenous people, Black people, racialized people, Deaf people, people with disabilities, women, or members of 2SLGBTQI+ and gender diverse communities. Candidates belonging to these equity deserving groups who wish to be considered must self-identify. This initiative is in support of the Council’s employment equity and diversity goals.

This competition is open to members of the public (external competition)

A list of pre-qualified candidates may be established as a result of this recruitment and selection competition. Pre-qualified candidates may be considered for future vacancies for similar positions of the same occupational group and level on a term or casual basis.

About The Role

Under the direct supervision of the Secretary General, Canadian Commission for UNESCO, the incumbent contributes to identifying the strategic direction of the Commission, with a focus on one of the five UNESCO Major Programmes:

S ocial and Human Sciences (including ethical issues related to scientific, technological and social development, strategic research on social and ethical issues, human rights, the fight against racism and discrimination, youth engagement). Natural Sciences (including gender equity in STEM, ocean science, cultural and biological diversity, sustainable development, UNESCO designated sites, as well as any other issues that relate to the interface between science and society). Education (including global citizenship education, climate change/education for sustainable development, and reconciliation through education, coordination of the UNESCO Associated Schools Project network in Canada) Culture (including intangible and tangible cultural heritage, cultural and creative industries, cultural diversity, culture and sustainable development, engagement with Indigenous Peoples). Communications and Information (freedom of the press, safety of journalists, the preservation of documentary heritage and the social, legal and ethical impacts of technologies).

The Incumbent

Contributes to achieving the strategic objectives of the Commission within a specific sector. Develops and coordinates intersectoral initiatives, opportunities and partnerships. Ensures liaison and cooperation with relevant UNESCO sectors, the various networks of the Commission (including those under his/her direct responsibility), professional associations, relevant Canadian federal, provincial and territorial government departments and agencies, as well as civil society organizations and researchers within Canada and internationally. Identifies and implements strategic partnerships that enhance the Commission’s impact and reach. Establishes priority initiatives for the sector and ensures that they are managed appropriately within the context of program planning. Provides briefings, analysis and advice with respect to UNESCO documents and activities. Develops written reports in consultation with federal departments that, when approved by the Permanent Delegation to UNESCO, become the official position of the Government of Canada. Represents the Commission in a wide-range of events both at the domestic and the international level. Conducts consultations. Prepares materials for reports, communications, and public relations initiatives. Supports the preparation, strategic and public interventions from the Secretary-General and the Director of Secretariat in collaboration with the Public Affairs team. reports on the activities of the sector from an outcomes-based (impact) perspective. And performs other related duties.

Education

An undergraduate university degree in a related field or an equivalent combination of education and professional experience related to the responsibilities of the position.

Experience

Five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience in the specific sector. Experience working in partnership with a diversity of stakeholders at the government level (federal / provincial Indigenous) as well as within civil society. Experience in the planning and coordination of events, networks or projects.

Knowledge

Understanding of the Canadian Commission for UNESCO’s role, mandate, activities and programs; its relationship with the Canada Council for the Arts, the Government of Canada, and international organizations within the United Nations system, as well as with civil society organizations in Canada that fall within the specific sector. Knowledge of key issues with respect to specific sectors (within the scope of UNESCO’s mandate) both in Canada and internationally. Knowledge of major conventions, protocols and international agreements affecting Social and Human Sciences.

Skills & Competencies

Diplomacy Sense of initiative Excellent analytical and planning skills Excellent judgement, organizational, communication and interpersonal skills Ability to work as a team Ability to work in and adapt to a fast-paced, changing environment

Bilingual Requirements

This position requires the use of both official languages. The requirements in the second official language are:

An advanced level in reading comprehension (C) An advanced level in writing (C) An advanced level in oral (C) Important: Please submit your resume and a cover letter clearly demonstrating how you meet the above qualifications for Education and Experience. Please note that selection for further consideration will be based solely on the information provided in your cover letter, resume and application.

We are committed to providing a workplace that is inclusive and accessible to all. Should you require accommodation during the recruitment and selection process, please contact the Council directly.

For people who are Deaf, hard of hearing, or TTY users, please use your preferred MRS (Message Relay Service) or IP service to contact us.

The Canada Council for the Arts is committed to building a skilled and diverse workforce that reflects the individuals and communities we serve. We invite applications from individuals with any combination of backgrounds, origins, identities, and forms of self-expression. The Council is committed to enhancing the representation of the following groups within its workforce: Indigenous people, Black people, racialized people, Deaf people, people with disabilities, women, and members of 2SLGBTQI+ and gender-diverse communities.

We encourage you to include information on how you identify in the Voluntary Self-Identification section of the application form. This information is used during the recruitment process to enhance representation of historically underserved and marginalized communities, as per the Employment Equity Act and the Council's ongoing commitment to equity. This information is also used for reporting at an aggregate level.

Please note that all persons requiring accommodation and/or assistance in completing the Canada Council’s Careers application process are welcome to contact the Council for support.