As a Director of Operations in the General Audit and Evaluation function, you lead and manage audit and evaluation initiatives that support accountability and continuous improvement across the Department of National Defence. You are responsible for overseeing the planning, execution, and reporting of audit and evaluation projects that examine the effectiveness, efficiency, and economy of DND programs and operations. This role requires strategic thinking, strong leadership, and the ability to influence senior decision-makers with evidence-based findings and recommendations.
Your day-to-day responsibilities include developing audit and evaluation strategies aligned with departmental priorities, managing teams of professionals, allocating resources to projects, and ensuring the quality and credibility of audit and evaluation work. You serve as a subject matter expert and provide advice to senior leadership on governance, risk management, and performance measurement. You represent the audit and evaluation function in interdepartmental forums and maintain relationships with external audit organizations, including the Office of the Auditor General of Canada.
You work in a dynamic environment where your decisions directly impact how the Department demonstrates accountability to Parliament and the public. The role demands attention to detail, sound judgment, and the ability to communicate complex findings clearly to audiences at all levels.
Key Responsibilities
Plan and manage the delivery of general audit and evaluation services and programs, Supervise and develop staff within the general audit and 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
To succeed in this role, you typically need a university degree in a relevant field such as accounting, finance, business administration, public administration, or a related discipline. Many directors in this field hold professional accounting designations such as Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA), which is highly valued and often preferred. You may also hold qualifications in internal audit (CIA – Certified Internal Auditor) or evaluation (evaluator certifications through professional associations).
Once in the role, you will have access to professional development opportunities including advanced leadership training, specialized audit and evaluation certifications, and Government of Canada learning programs. The Treasury Board Secretariat and the Institute of Internal Auditors Canada offer courses and conferences relevant to audit and evaluation practice. DND also supports participation in professional associations and continuing education to maintain certifications. Leadership development programs prepare directors for potential advancement to senior executive roles within the department.
Entry Plans
You can enter this career through several pathways within the federal Public Service. The most direct route is to apply for advertised competitions for Director-level positions in audit and evaluation when they become available. These competitions are typically open to current federal public servants with relevant experience, though some may be open to external candidates.
If you are currently employed by DND or another federal department in an audit, evaluation, finance, or related field, you may apply for lateral moves or promotion competitions to this director level. The Public Service uses staffing pools and expression of interest processes to identify qualified candidates for leadership positions. Some directors advance from manager-level audit and evaluation roles within DND or other government organizations.
Students and recent graduates can enter the General Audit and Evaluation career stream through entry-level competitions (typically at the analyst or officer level) and work toward director positions over time. The Federal Student Work Experience Program and Post-Secondary Recruitment campaigns may offer pathways to entry-level positions. Veterans and Indigenous candidates may have access to targeted recruitment initiatives.
DND also considers candidates with specialized expertise from the private sector or other organizations through external competitions, particularly when seeking directors with specific audit or evaluation experience.
Part-Time Options
Director-level positions in DND are typically full-time, permanent positions that require regular on-site presence in Ottawa or other major centres where audit and evaluation functions are located. However, the federal public service has become increasingly flexible regarding work arrangements.
Depending on operational needs and management approval, directors may have opportunities for hybrid work arrangements that combine office and remote work. The ability to work remotely may increase for tasks such as report writing, data analysis, and stakeholder consultations, though leadership responsibilities often require in-person presence for team meetings and departmental engagement.
Part-time director positions are rare in the federal public service due to the continuous nature of leadership responsibilities. However, DND is committed to supporting work-life balance through flexible scheduling options where possible. Discussion of flexible work arrangements should occur between you and your manager based on departmental priorities and operational requirements.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
