As a Director of Evaluation at Department of National Defence, you lead evaluation initiatives that assess the effectiveness, efficiency, and impact of DND programs and policies. You provide senior leadership with evidence-based insights to inform strategic decision-making and resource allocation. This role combines analytical rigor with strategic thinking, requiring you to manage complex evaluations while navigating the unique operational and organizational context of Canada's defence institution.
Your responsibilities include directing evaluation teams, developing evaluation frameworks and methodologies, managing evaluation budgets, and communicating findings to senior executives and stakeholders. You ensure evaluations align with Treasury Board Evaluation Policy requirements and departmental priorities. You also foster a culture of evidence-based decision-making across DND and contribute to government-wide evaluation practices.
You will work in a dynamic environment that blends corporate planning with operational realities. You collaborate with program managers, finance teams, and external partners. Your work directly influences how defence resources are deployed and how program effectiveness is measured. This is a role for someone who thrives on turning data into actionable intelligence.
Key Responsibilities
Plan and manage the delivery of evaluation services and programs, Supervise and develop staff within the evaluation team, Monitor performance metrics and report on results, Develop and implement operational plans and procedures, Manage stakeholder relationships and ensure service quality
Required Skills
Analytical skills, Risk assessment, Report writing, Professional skepticism, Data analysis, Team leadership, Operational planning, Stakeholder engagement, Results management
Typical Education
Bachelor's degree or equivalent; significant experience in the relevant discipline with demonstrated leadership
Training
Minimum qualifications typically include a bachelor's degree in public administration, business, economics, statistics, social sciences, or a related discipline. Many successful candidates hold a master's degree in evaluation, public administration, business administration, or a related field.
Professional certifications that strengthen your candidacy include the Canadian Evaluation Society (CES) Credentialed Evaluator (CE) designation or the American Evaluation Association (AEA) certification. Government of Canada training in Treasury Board policies, programme evaluation methods, and federal financial management systems is typically provided on the job.
Ongoing professional development includes participation in evaluation networks, Treasury Board working groups, and training in advanced evaluation methodologies, data analytics, and strategic management. DND supports continuing education to keep evaluation practices current with evolving best practices and emerging technologies.
Entry Plans
Most candidates enter this Director-level role through one of these pathways:
**Advertised Competitions**: DND posts Director – Evaluation positions through public competitions on the Government of Canada Jobs website. These are typically open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents. The selection process includes a written exam, interview, and reference checks.
**From Within the Public Service**: Current federal public servants can apply to internal competitions or mobility programs. Lateral moves from evaluation roles in other departments, or advancement from senior evaluation positions (such as Senior Evaluation Officer or Evaluation Manager) within DND, are common entry routes.
**Executive Development Programs**: Some candidates enter through federal executive recruitment initiatives that identify high-potential managers for senior roles. These programs exist for both current public servants and external candidates with senior government-equivalent experience.
**Pools and Inventories**: Successful candidates from competitions may be placed in talent pools for future staffing actions, allowing faster hiring for similar positions.
Part-Time Options
Part-time arrangements for Director-level positions are uncommon due to the strategic nature of the role and the continuity required for managing evaluation teams and reporting to senior leadership. However, flexible work arrangements may be negotiated on a case-by-case basis.
Remote and hybrid work options have expanded across the federal government, and evaluation work—which is often analysis and communication intensive—can support flexible location arrangements. Many Directors work from hybrid schedules, with specific days on-site for team collaboration and stakeholder meetings, and other days working remotely.
Job sharing at the Director level is rare but not impossible. Any non-standard work arrangement would be determined through discussion with your hiring manager and must support operational requirements and team leadership responsibilities. As a Director, your ability to be present for strategic planning, team development, and executive engagement is important to your success in the role.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
