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

OF5 Investigator

Term/full-time

Term - 1 year with the possibility of extension

Office of the Ombudsman

Ombudsman, Access and Privacy and/or Public Interest Disclosure Divisions

Winnipeg MB

Advertisement Number: 45343

Salary(s): OF5 $79,189.00 - $98,386.00 per year

Closing Date: June 1, 2026

The Manitoba government recognizes the importance of building an exemplary public service reflective of the citizens it serves, where diverse abilities, backgrounds, cultures, identities, languages and perspectives drives a high standard of service and innovation. The Manitoba government supports equitable employment practices and promotes representation of designated groups (women, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, visible minorities).

This is a preference competition. All applicants are encouraged to apply, however first consideration for this competition will be given to Indigenous people. Applicants are requested to self-declare at the time of application.

An eligibility list may be used to fill Investigator positions under other mandates of the Ombudsman’s Office.

The Manitoba Ombudsman is seeking a professional, energetic, responsive and forward-thinking individual to join our team as an Investigator**, under Ombudsman, Access and Privacy, and/or Public Interest Disclosure.** The successful incumbent will be dedicated to helping Manitobans and passionate about fairness, access to justice, accountability, transparency, promoting access to information, privacy, and improving public service. Our team members are provided with challenging and meaningful work, ongoing training and development and have the opportunity to participate in a Hybrid Work Program. Join our team and help make a difference.

The Manitoba 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, protection of privacy, and wrongdoing. The Ombudsman has broad authority to investigate on her own initiative; 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.

Under the authority of the Ombudsman, Investigators are delegated the authority to resolve serious problems by conducting impartial investigations. Investigators play a role in making recommendations to improve the delivery of public programs and services and promote compliance with legislative requirements.

This position is covered under a collective bargaining agreement between the Province of Manitoba for employees of the Office of the Ombudsman and The Manitoba Government and General Employees Union Local 457. Under the terms of the agreement, the successful incumbent will be required to pay union membership dues.

Duties:

Reporting to the Manager of Investigations, 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 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.

Qualifications:

Essential:

• Post-secondary degree in public or business administration, law, accounting, social work, or other specialized discipline, with several years of relevant experience. A combination of suitable education and experience may be considered.
• Experience conducting independent investigations, public complaint resolution or performing audits ideally in a public service environment (e.g. workplace complaints, privacy or whistleblower concerns, employee conduct, professional standards and/or similar types of complex, public or multi-jurisdictional investigations).
• Extensive experience with investigation planning, case-file management, investigative techniques, developing conclusions and writing reports.
• Experience researching, interpreting, and applying legislation, regulations and policies in investigations.
• Exceptional negotiation skills to effectively resolve complaints and influence the actions of others.
• Demonstrated ability to make impartial decisions with integrity, accountability and transparency, while 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 the public, stakeholders and senior officials with tact and diplomacy, and communicate sensitive and complex matters effectively among parties of differing interests.

Desired:

• Familiarity with public administration and administrative processes with an understanding of how organizational decisions are made and governed.

• Working knowledge and understanding of the responsibilities and functions of the Manitoba Ombudsman.

• The ability to communicate in French is considered an asset.

The Manitoba Ombudsman is seeking candidates who are willing to meet office demands by working on a flexible schedule and/or travel throughout Manitoba as needed.

Conditions of Employment:

• Must be legally entitled to work in Canada

• Satisfactory Criminal Record Check, Child Abuse and Adult Abuse Registry Checks.

• Valid driver’s license with access to a vehicle and the ability to travel within Manitoba

Apply to:

Advertisement # 45343

Manitoba Legislative Assembly

Human Resource Services

302-386 Broadway

Winnipeg MB, R3C 3R6

Phone: 204-945-7279

Fax: 204-948-3115

Email: hr@legassembly.mb.ca

Competitive Process: The competition will include a written assessment in addition to a board interview. The successful incumbent will be subject to a 6-month probationary period.

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.

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