As a Director General of Intergovernmental Affairs, you lead strategic relationship management and coordination across federal, provincial, territorial, and Indigenous governments. You develop and implement policies, frameworks, and agreements that enable effective collaboration between levels of government on matters of national importance. Your role is central to ensuring Canada's governments work together seamlessly on shared priorities such as healthcare, infrastructure, environment, and economic development.
In this position, you direct teams of specialists, analysts, and coordinators who manage day-to-day intergovernmental relations, negotiate agreements, and facilitate consultation processes. You represent your department at senior intergovernmental tables, advise ministers and senior leadership on federal-provincial-territorial dynamics, and ensure compliance with constitutional and legislative requirements governing federal-provincial cooperation. You balance competing interests while advancing federal objectives within a collaborative federalism framework.
You work in a dynamic, high-stakes environment where political sensitivity, diplomatic skill, and sound judgment are essential. Your decisions impact government-to-government relationships and have implications for citizens across Canada. You operate within established policy frameworks while exercising significant discretion in navigating complex negotiations and emerging issues.
Key Responsibilities
Perform intergovernmental affairs duties within the relationship management function, Prepare reports and documentation as required, Collaborate with team members and stakeholders, Maintain records and ensure compliance with relevant policies
Education and experience commensurate with the role requirements
Training
Applicants typically hold a master's degree in public administration, political science, law, public policy, or a related discipline, or possess equivalent professional experience. A bachelor's degree combined with substantial relevant experience may be considered. Previous experience in federal-provincial-territorial relations, policy development, government operations, or senior management is highly valued.
Professional certifications such as the Public Service Commission's Executive Development Program or equivalent leadership training strengthen applications. Ongoing professional development is expected, including participation in federal leadership programs, executive coaching, and participation in intergovernmental forums and networks. Bilingualism (English and French) is often required or preferred for this role, particularly for positions involving Quebec or pan-Canadian consultations.
Entry Plans
Director General positions are staffed through executive appointment processes managed by the Public Service Commission. Entry typically occurs through one or more of these pathways:
**Executive Competitions**: Open competitions for DG-level positions where candidates from inside and outside the federal Public Service can apply. These are conducted periodically and announced on the PSC website.
**Lateral Movement**: Federal public servants in senior management positions (EX level or equivalent) may transition into DG roles through internal appointments or competitions. Prior experience in policy, operations, or other government functions provides a foundation for this move.
**External Recruitment**: Candidates with extensive intergovernmental affairs experience from provincial/territorial governments, Indigenous governments, international organizations, or the private sector may be recruited directly through open competitions or targeted recruitment initiatives.
**Student and Early Career Programs**: While DG positions are not entry-level, early-career pathways exist through the Federal Student Work Experience Program, the Post-Secondary Recruitment Campaign, or graduate recruitment programs. These positions allow you to build experience toward senior management roles over time.
Part-Time Options
Director General positions are typically full-time, permanent roles due to the strategic, decision-making nature of the work and responsibility for leading teams and representing the federal government. However, flexible arrangements may be negotiated on a case-by-case basis.
Remote work flexibility has expanded across the federal Public Service, and DG positions may include options to work from home on certain days, provided duties requiring in-person presence—such as intergovernmental meetings, ministerial briefings, and team leadership—are fulfilled. Given the relationship-management focus of this role, regular presence in the national capital region or provincial/territorial capitals may be necessary.
Work hours typically exceed standard 37.5 hours per week due to the executive nature of the position, particularly during major intergovernmental negotiations, federal-provincial-territorial meetings, or emerging crises requiring urgent coordination. Flexibility in scheduling may be available to accommodate personal needs, but the role demands availability and responsiveness to government priorities.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
