Job ID: 214508-67

Classification: PAA:$82,101 – $106,576

Job Type: Indeterminate (Permanent) Full-Time

Location: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Closing Date: Wednesday, July 23, 2025

About the Senate

The Senate plays a unique role in shaping our country’s democracy. As members of the upper house of Parliament, senators examine legislation, study public policy, champion causes and conduct interparliamentary diplomacy.As a workplace, the Senate is composed of dynamic people representing our nation’s diverse talents, backgrounds and perspectives. 

We are committed to building and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone is provided full and equal opportunity and access to employment, development and advancement. Build and advance your career by joining a team of dedicated professionals who are committed to excellence in support of senators and the institution.

How will you contribute?

Join the Independent Senators Group in shaping a more thoughtful, inclusive, and responsive Parliament. We are seeking a dedicated and accomplished individual to serve as Parliamentary Affairs Advisor, supporting our mission to advance non-partisan legislative priorities and contribute to informed, principled policymaking.

Reporting to the Deputy Chief of Staff, you will play a central role in tracking and analyzing legislation, preparing strategic communications, and advising Senators on emerging policy issues. Your contributions will help ensure that Independent Senators remain engaged, effective, and attuned to the diverse voices and pressing issues shaping our country.

This is a unique opportunity to work at the heart of Parliament with a dynamic, collaborative team committed to evidence-based decision-making, respectful dialogue, and innovative approaches to public policy.

Core responsibilities:

• Monitor legislative developments and parliamentary proceedings to inform strategic decision-making;
• Prepare high-quality briefing notes, correspondence, and policy recommendations;
• Support Senators in understanding complex policy issues and identifying opportunities for intervention;
• Engage with stakeholders and contribute to a culture of respectful, informed advocacy;
• Assist with correspondence, committee work, and special projects as needed. 

We welcome candidates with a strong interest in public policy and parliamentary affairs, and especially those who bring lived or academic experience with Indigenous issues, equity-seeking communities, or democratic innovation.

If you are passionate about public service and want to contribute meaningfully to Canada's legislative process, we encourage you to apply and help shape a better future through non-partisan leadership and collaborative action.

Open to

The general public, to staff one (1) indeterminate full-time position with the Independent Senators Group (ISG).

Please note that “indeterminate” refers to an employment contract with no specified end date.

The Senate of Canada is committed to building a skilled and diverse workforce that reflects the Canadians we serve, starting with an inclusive and barrier-free hiring process. You can request to be accommodated during any phase of the evaluation process. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential. We promote employment equity and encourage you to indicate if you belong to one of the designated groups when you apply.

Prerequisites

• University degree from a recognized university in political science, law, business or any other field related to the duties of the position and/or an acceptable combination of education, training and experience;
• Recent experience in researching, analyzing and assessing a broad range of information and making recommendations;
• Experience in writing documents such as briefing notes, reports, statements, speeches, committee questions and press releases;
• Experience in providing strategic advice to senior officials on a variety of politically sensitive issues;
• Experience building and maintaining effective relationships with parliamentarians, senior officials and/or other stakeholders, as well as with Indigenous communities and people;
• Extensive experience in using the MS-Office suite;
• Knowledge of communication techniques, methods and practices and the ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing;
• Strategic and organized thinker with the ability to coordinate and multi-task to accomplish a variety of activities with tight timelines;
• Ability to work in both official languages (French and English) is considered an asset;
• Parliamentary work experience or a knowledge of the Senate, its policies and the legislative process is considered an asset;
• Knowledge of the history of Indigenous peoples in Canada, including of present political, economic and social realities, will be considered an asset.

Competencies

Integrity
Respect
Service
Communication
Judgement
Adaptability
Dependability
Teamwork and Cooperation
Action Management
Attention to detail

Organizational Needs

The Senate of Canada is committed to building and maintaining an inclusive workplace where all employees are provided full and equal access to employment, development, and advancement opportunities.

Conditions of Employment

Candidates must consent to supply personal information and obtain a security accreditation in order to be eligible for appointment.

How to apply

Please save a copy of the notice of job opportunity. Once the closing date has passed, these documents will no longer be available.

Relocation and travel expenses incurred during this process are the applicant's responsibility.

Communication for this process will be sent via email. It is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure accurate contact information is provided and updated as required. You must consent to receiving e-mails from our system in your online profile.

The Senate of Canada reserves the right to retain a determined number of candidates who best meet the essential requirements of the position.

The Senate of Canada is a separate and distinct employer from the federal public service and is not subject to the Public Service Employment Act.

We thank all those who apply to this selection process.

The posting closes at 11:59 p.m. EDT on the closing date stated above.