Job Description
The Internal Trade Secretariat (ITS), a federal incorporated not-for-profit organisation, is responsible for supporting the functioning of the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA) in a neutral and independent manner. It supports interprovincial negotiations, administers internal trade disputes, and generally serves the Committee on Internal Trade (CIT), a ministerial group with representatives from the federal, provincial and territorial governments.
The CFTA is an intergovernmental trade agreement that came into force on July 1, 2017. Its objective is to reduce and eliminate, to the extent possible, barriers to the free movement of persons, goods, services and investments within Canada and to establish an open, efficient and stable domestic market. It commits all Parties to a comprehensive set of rules that will help achieve a modern and competitive economic union for all Canadians.
POSITION SUMMARY
This individual is responsible for organizing and providing administrative and logistical support to the Committee on Internal Trade (CIT) and other working groups and committees under the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA). The person also plays a key role to support the Managing Director in various tasks including supervisory tasks of staff when needed.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Supports the Managing Director with the management of the Internal Trade Secretariat (ITS) and acts as a representative when needed (ex: supervision of staff, presence at various meetings)
- Maintains and updates the consolidated version of the CFTA and prepares draft protocols of amendment to the CFTA
- Monitors and tracks disputes under the CFTA, provides logistical support to dispute resolution consultation and Panel meetings and processes
- Prepares and organizes meetings for a variety of working groups and committees, including agenda, support documents and records of decisions
- Maintains and supports the updating of distribution lists of the various working groups and committees
- Supports the Chair/Co-chairs of the various committees and working groups
- Coordinates communications on behalf of the various working groups and committees
- Ensures all information related to the organization and pertinent to the CFTA is properly organized and maintained
- Prepares and updates various reports under the CFTA
- Maintains, updates and disseminates various CFTA related documentation and materials
- Communicates and responds to inquiries from federal, provincial and territorial officials, as well as other organisations and the general public
- Maintains and updates CFTA related websites
- Leads various projects as needed
- Ensures consistent support to the functioning of the CFTA in a neutral and independent manner and with integrity
- Provides superior customer service in all duties
- Supports the managing Director when needed
- Acts with diligence, confidentiality, and loyalty to their employer
- Performs all other related duties as assigned by Managing Director
ESSENTIAL SKILLS OR COMPETENCIES
- Post-secondary degree with a focus on public administration, social sciences or related field and/or an equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered
- Between 3-5 years experience in project management or work experience in a related sector is considered an asset
- Knowledge and awareness of trade issues and understanding of the role of government is considered an asset
- Experience in a supervisory role is desired
- Proficiency in both of Canada’s official languages is strongly desired
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills including the ability to do so in an impartial manner
- Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to exercise political acumen for navigating sensitive and confidential issues with tact and diplomacy
- High level of attention to detail, accuracy and professionalism
- Flexibility and willingness to adapt to changing circumstances in a multi-tasking work environment
- Time management skills and ability to prioritize and multi-task in a fast-paced environment
- Ability to maintain strong internal and external working relationships
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, TEAMS)
- Experience with WordPress and Adobe is an asset
- The work takes place mainly at the Winnipeg, Manitoba office with an adopted hybrid remote work arrangements policy in place
- May be required to work some evenings and weekends
- Must be able to travel throughout Canada periodically
- Must be flexible and able to adapt to various demands and priorities
- Must be able to deal with frequent interruptions at work
OTHER INFORMATION
- Must be able to work independently and in a team environment
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
- ITS offers a comprehensive suite of group insurance benefits provided by Manulife, RRSP matching contributions starting at 6% of gross salary, three weeks of paid vacation leave to start, support for professional development, and flexible working conditions
- ITS is committed to creating a dynamic and inclusive environment where all team members and clients feel respected. We consider all applicants for employment without regard to gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, health status or any other protected status
- ITS welcomes applications from people with disabilities. Applicants may request reasonable accommodation related to the materials or activities used throughout the selection process
- An eligibility list will be created and will remain in effect for 18 months. Open to considering a secondment opportunity for current employees of public sector organizations
- Applications that do not meet all of the essential skills or competencies may still be considered
WORK LOCATION
The work takes place mainly at the Winnipeg, Manitoba office with an adopted hybrid remote work arrangements policy in place.