About the position
DutiesAs the Special Advisor, Operational Compliance and Strategy you will lead the development and implementation of PPS’s operational strategy portfolio—shaping how protective operations are designed, governed, and executed.
In this high-impact role, you will:
• Design and launch key programs such as the Operational Compliance Program, standardized Response Plans, and enhanced Deployment Strategies.
• Build frameworks and governance structures that define how PPS measures readiness, risk, and operational effectiveness.
• Advise senior leadership, including the Chief Operations Officer, on strategic decisions that influence posture, compliance, and capability development.
• Collaborate across sectors—working with Operations Commanders, Deputy Chiefs, and external partners to ensure new programs are threat-informed, sustainable, and mission-ready.
This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of protective operations in Canada’s Parliamentary Precinct, ensuring PPS remains agile, accountable, and prepared to respond to evolving threats.
Work environmentThe Parliamentary Protective Service (PPS) is a separate and distinct organization not subject to the Public Service Employment Act. It has its own classification, compensation system, and staffing regime. Persons appointed to PPS continue to be part of the federal government and will receive the public service pension plan and public service insurance benefits plan.
What we offer:
* Paid Training
* Public service health, dental, and vision care insurance plans
* 35-hour standard work week
* Minimum 4 weeks of paid vacation
* Free on-site fitness facilities
* Employee and Family Assistance Program
* Centrally located in downtown Ottawa
* Proximity to O-Train Parliament Station and most of all main OC Transpo and STO bus lines
Intent of the process
The purpose of this recruitment and selection process is to staff the position of Special Advisor Operational Compliance and Strategy on an indeterminate basis.
Positions to be filled
1
Important messages
Please note that all answers (or cover letters) submitted must be original work; plagiarism of any kind, including responses generated by AI, is strictly prohibited, and may result in disqualification from the application process.
Please visit PPS web site under Careers > Opportunities or at https://pps.parl.ca/ for guides that will help you prepare your application and for an interview.
All communication (screening, assessments, invitations, results) with applicants will be done by e-mail. Ensure that the e-mail address provided is valid, always functional and accepts messages from unknown users.
It is your responsibility, as a candidate, to clearly demonstrate how you meet each qualification (education, experience, and assets) by answering the screening questions in the online application. You must provide concrete specific examples to illustrate how you meet each criterion identified in the questions. Your answers must include where and how you obtained the required experience, as well as the period(s) in which you performed the functions of the position(s). Candidates will not be solicited for incomplete or missing information.
Candidates are entitled to participate in the appointment process in the official language of their choice. Applicants are asked to indicate their preferred official language in their application.
Conditions of employment
You must be eligible to obtain both a Site Access Clearance and Top-Secret clearance. The process involves a background investigation that includes:
* a loyalty assessment;
* law enforcement verifications;
* credit and financial verifications;
* a security interview wherein questions may include (but not limited to), previous employment, online activities, financial situation, alcohol and/or drug use;
* personal references as well as previous employers will also be contacted as part of the security screening process.
* You must also consent to complete a personal history questionnaire, be fingerprinted, and be photographed.
You need (essential for the job)
Your application must clearly explain how you meet the following
EDUCATION:
Graduation with a degree from a recognized post-secondary institution in a field related to the position OR an acceptable combination of education, training and/or experience.
*The educational program must be from an accredited learning institution recognized in Canada. If you completed a program outside of Canada, you will be required to obtain proof of a Canadian equivalency at your expense from an accredited learning institution recognized in Canada.
Learn more about degree equivalency.
EXPERIENCES:
E1 – Recent* and significant** experience in providing strategic advice, briefings and recommendations to senior management (Director or equivalent level and above) on complex corporate and operational issues.
E2 – Experience contributing to the development, implementation and/or evaluation of operational plans and strategies within a security or law enforcement work environment.
E3 – Recent* and significant** experience in reviewing and assessing programs and/or initiatives compliance with legislative, regulatory and/or policy requirements.
E4 – Recent* and significant** experience in establishing and maintaining partnerships, including consultation and collaboration, with internal and external stakeholders to deliver improved business outcomes.
DEFINITIONS:
*Recent means within the five (5) years.
**Significant is defined as the depth and breadth of experience normally associated with having performed a broad range of complex activities related to this task, which are acquired on a full-time basis over a given period of time.
Applied / assessed at a later date
KNOWLEDGE:
K1- Knowledge of legislation, policies, current and emerging issues, principles or practices relevant to the duties of security and physical protection.
K2 – Extensive knowledge of physical protection systems, protective operations, and tactical response principles.
K3 – Broad knowledge of operational compliance frameworks, inspection methodologies, and regulatory enforcement practices.
K4 - Knowledge of threat and risk assessment methods, including the application of Design Basis Threat (DBT) concepts to operational posture and capability development.
CORE COMPETENCIES:
Teamwork and Collaboration
Thinking Skills
Communication
Leadership
Client Service Orientation
OTHER COMPETENCIES:
Integrity and Respect
Vision and Strategy
Accountability
Language requirements (essential for the job)
Applied / assessed at a later date
Bilingual - Imperative (CBC/CBC) - This position requires bilingual (English/French) proficiency. However, if no qualified bilingual candidate is identified, non-imperative staffing may be considered.
What is Non-Imperative Staffing?
Non-imperative staffing allows a candidate who does not meet the language requirements at the time of appointment to be hired, with the understanding that they will meet the required language proficiency within a specified timeframe. Support and resources may be provided to help the candidate achieve this goal.
Self-assessment test in a second language:
To help you decide if you should apply to a bilingual position, an optional self-assessment of your written expression and reading comprehension in your second official language is available for you to take before completing your application.
Try out the self-assessment tests for written expression and reading comprehension by visiting: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-service-commission/services/second-language-testing-public-service/self-assessment-tests.html
Learn more about language requirements.
You may need (asset qualifications)
May be applied / assessed at a later date
ASSET EXPERIENCES:
AE1 – Experience managing HR and financial resources.
AE2 – Experience in leading and managing multi-disciplinary teams or working groups.
AE3 – Significant experience in operational environments, including service with a response force or equivalent protective operations unit.
AE4 – Experience mentoring and transferring knowledge to staff in areas of compliance, inspection, and physical protection principles.
AE5 – Experience in leading compliance inspections, evaluations, and enforcement activities in accordance with legislative and regulatory requirements.
Our commitment
We're committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the hiring process. If you need to be accommodated during any phase of the evaluation process, please contact the hiring organization below to request specialized accommodation. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.
Learn more about assessment accommodation.
Equity, diversity and inclusion
The Public Service of Canada is committed to building a skilled and diverse workforce that reflects the population it serves. We promote employment equity and encourage you to self-declare if you belong to one of the designated employment equity groups when you apply.
Learn more about diversity and inclusion in the public service.
We encourage veterans of the Canadian Armed Forces to self-identify when applying to PPS job opportunities.