Access to Information and Privacy Officers play a vital role in supporting transparency, accountability, and citizen rights within the Department of National Defence. You will manage and administer the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act, ensuring that the Department meets its legal obligations while protecting sensitive information. Your work directly supports the government's commitment to open governance and protecting personal information.
In this role, you will review and process access to information and privacy requests, provide advice on information management practices, and ensure compliance with federal legislation. You will collaborate with colleagues across the Department to balance transparency requirements with security and privacy considerations. Your work environment includes both office-based duties and interactions with requesters, senior management, and other government institutions.
This position is ideal for detail-oriented professionals who are committed to public service values of transparency and accountability. You will develop expertise in federal legislation and gain insight into how government operations support national defence while serving Canadian citizens.
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
Most candidates possess a bachelor's degree in any discipline, though backgrounds in law, public administration, political science, or communications are advantageous. Strong written and oral communication skills are essential, as you will explain complex legal concepts to diverse audiences.
The Treasury Board Secretariat offers the Foundations in Access to Information and Privacy course, which is valuable professional development. The Canadian Information and Privacy Professionals (CIPP) offers certifications that can enhance your credentials and career prospects. On the job, you will receive training specific to DND systems, processes, and security requirements. Continuing education in privacy law, information management, and government policy is encouraged throughout your career.
Entry Plans
You can enter this career through several pathways within the federal Public Service. Most commonly, positions are advertised through open competitions by the Public Service Commission. These competitions may be public (open to all Canadian citizens) or internal (limited to current federal public servants).
If you are already a federal public servant, you may apply for internal competitions or pursue lateral moves from related positions in information management, communications, or administration. Some departments maintain staffing pools for Access to Information and Privacy positions, which can accelerate the hiring process.
Students and recent graduates may find opportunities through the Federal Student Work Program or the Public Service Commission's recruitment programs. Contract or term positions occasionally become available and can provide entry into the federal public service, potentially leading to permanent employment.
The specific entry requirements and application process are determined by individual competitions. We encourage you to check the Government of Canada's official job board (jobs.gc.ca) regularly for postings and to contact DND's recruitment office for current opportunities.
Part-Time Options
Access to Information and Privacy Officer positions are primarily full-time roles due to the nature of statutory obligations and request deadlines under federal legislation. However, part-time opportunities may occasionally be available depending on operational needs and DND's staffing decisions.
Flexible work arrangements, including telework (remote work), are increasingly available within the federal public service. Many of the administrative and analytical duties of this role can be performed effectively from home, such as reviewing documents, drafting responses, and conducting research. Scheduling flexibility within core business hours may be negotiable with your manager, depending on the demands of the position and the office's operational requirements.
To learn about specific flexible work options for a particular position, we recommend discussing arrangements with the hiring manager during the recruitment process or with your manager once hired. Federal public service collective agreements and Treasury Board policies provide the framework for these arrangements.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
