Access to Information and Privacy Coordinators support the Department of National Defence in managing requests under the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act. You will be responsible for coordinating the intake, tracking, and processing of access to information and privacy requests from the public, Members of Parliament, and internal stakeholders. This role ensures that DND meets its legal obligations while protecting sensitive information and personal privacy in accordance with federal legislation.
Your day-to-day work involves liaising with multiple departments and business units to locate relevant documents, preparing records for release, drafting briefing materials, and maintaining detailed records of all requests. You will also provide guidance to DND employees on privacy and access obligations, help develop procedures and policies, and may represent the department in meetings with Treasury Board Secretariat and the Office of the Information Commissioner of Canada.
You will work in a collaborative office environment within the Access to Information and Privacy branch, often coordinating across multiple business lines and security classifications. The role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage competing deadlines while handling sensitive and sometimes contentious requests.
Key Responsibilities
Perform access to information and privacy activities per GC IM policies, Manage information assets through their lifecycle, Ensure compliance with access to information and privacy requirements, Support information governance and standards
Required Skills
Records management, ATIP legislation, Information governance, Classification systems, Digital literacy, Technical proficiency, Attention to detail, Collaboration, Continuous learning
Typical Education
Post-secondary education or equivalent experience relevant to the position
Training
You will typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, though many candidates bring post-secondary education in public administration, legal studies, information management, or related fields. Government of Canada experience in administrative or information management roles is valuable.
Once hired, you will receive on-the-job training in Access to Information Act procedures, Privacy Act requirements, ATIP tracking systems, and DND-specific processes. Professional development opportunities include Treasury Board-sponsored ATIP training, certification through professional associations like the Canadian Association of Information Access Professionals, and internal courses on records management and information governance. Many coordinators pursue further education in information management or public administration to advance their careers.
Entry Plans
Most Access to Information and Privacy Coordinator positions are filled through public Service competitions advertised on the Government of Canada's job board (jobs.gc.ca). To apply, you must be a Canadian citizen or have permanent resident status. Competitions typically require you to complete an application form and may include a written assessment and interview.
You may also enter this career through internal Public Service competitions if you are already employed by the federal government, which can provide a faster pathway. The Canadian Armed Forces also runs student programs and co-op placements that can lead to permanent positions. Lateral moves from other administrative or information management roles within DND or other departments are common, as core skills in records management and customer service transfer well to this role.
Security clearance requirements vary by position level but typically require a reliability or secret clearance to access protected information and advice documents.
Part-Time Options
Part-time and flexible work arrangements are generally available for Access to Information and Privacy Coordinator positions, though availability depends on operational needs and the specific work unit. Many coordinators work standard full-time hours (37.5 hours per week), but compressed work weeks, flexible start and end times, and job-sharing arrangements may be negotiated with management.
Remote work options have expanded across the Public Service. Depending on the position and supervisor approval, you may be able to work from home for portions of your week, particularly when performing document review, drafting correspondence, or system-based work. However, some coordination and meetings typically require in-person presence. Discuss specific flexible work options during the hiring process and with your manager once in the role, as arrangements can vary by location and operational requirements.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
