Education

• A degree from a recognized university in a relevant field of study, or a combination of equivalent education, job-related training and/or experience.

Experience

• Management experience, at the senior executive level, in a private or public sector organization, including managing human and financial resources;
• Demonstrated decision-making experience with respect to sensitive issues;
• Experience in the interpretation and application of legislation, regulations and policies;
• Significant experience dealing with government, preferably with senior government officials, as well as stakeholders and the media.

Knowledge

• Knowledge of the mandate, roles and responsibilities of the Information Commissioner;
• Knowledge of the role of an agent of Parliament and its relationship to Parliament and to the government;
• Knowledge of the legislative and regulatory framework within which the Information Commissioner carries out his or her mandate, in particular the Access to Information Act, the Privacy Act and their regulations;
• Knowledge of seminal case law and relevant government policies on access to information, as well as emerging access to information issues in Canada and their impact on government, individual Canadians and Canadian society at large;
• Knowledge of the Canadian parliamentary system and the work of parliamentary committees;
• Knowledge of access to information regimes in other jurisdictions, provincial or international, would be an asset.

Abilities

• Superior leadership skills;
• Ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with a broad range of stakeholders, policy makers at all levels, the media and the public at large;
• Ability to interpret relevant statutes, regulations and policies and analyse complex situations in order to make equitable decisions and recommendations, while anticipating their short and long-term consequences;
• Ability to think strategically, anticipate trends and act to influence the policy development process;
• Superior communication skills, both written and oral, and ability to act as a spokesperson on access to information issues in dealing with Parliament, the government, the media and other organizations.

Personal Suitability

• Integrity and strong professional ethics
• Sound judgment and objectivity
• Superior interpersonal skills
• Flexibility
• Tact and discretion

Language Requirements

• Proficiency in both official languages is essential. 

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