As a Director General - Investigation, you will lead a strategic investigation function within the Department of National Defence, providing executive-level oversight and direction for investigation services. You will be responsible for developing policies, procedures, and standards that guide investigative operations across the organization, while ensuring compliance with Treasury Board directives and relevant legislation. This role combines strategic management with technical expertise in investigation practices, requiring you to balance operational effectiveness with governance and accountability requirements.
In this position, you will manage a team of investigation professionals and support staff, overseeing case management systems, resource allocation, and performance metrics. You will work with senior leadership across DND to identify investigative priorities, respond to emerging issues, and ensure investigations are conducted fairly, thoroughly, and within legal frameworks. Your responsibilities will include representing the investigation function at senior management tables, liaising with external partners such as law enforcement agencies, and advising leadership on investigation-related risks and mitigation strategies.
You will operate in a dynamic environment where discretion, integrity, and sound judgment are essential. The role requires balancing competing priorities, managing sensitive and confidential investigations, and maintaining the highest standards of professional conduct. You will work collaboratively across multiple branches and levels of the organization, contributing to DND's mission of maintaining military effectiveness and protecting the integrity of the institution.
Key Responsibilities
Conduct investigation activities per professional standards, Collect and analyze evidence to support findings, Prepare reports and recommendations for management, Monitor implementation of action plans
Required Skills
Analytical skills, Risk assessment, Report writing, Professional skepticism, Data analysis, Relevant technical skills, Communication, Teamwork, Problem-solving
Typical Education
Education and experience commensurate with the role requirements
Training
Candidates for this position typically hold a university degree in business administration, public administration, law, criminology, or a related discipline. Many successful candidates have specialized certifications or credentials relevant to investigation, such as those offered through professional investigative associations or law enforcement training programs.
Professional development is ongoing in this career. You may pursue advanced certifications in investigation management, fraud examination, or forensic investigation through organizations such as the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners or the International Association of Investigators. Many Director Generals also complete executive leadership training through the Canada School of Public Service or equivalent institutions to develop strategic management capabilities.
Experience in investigation, compliance, audit, or related security and integrity functions is essential. Most candidates have progressed through lower-level investigation roles, developing expertise in case management, interviewing, evidence handling, and investigative procedures before reaching this executive level.
Entry Plans
Entry to the Director General - Investigation level typically occurs through competitive staffing processes within the Public Service. Most candidates progress through the investigation career stream, beginning at lower classification levels such as Investigation Officer or Senior Investigation Officer, and advancing through demonstrated performance and increasing responsibility.
The primary pathway is through promotion competitions open to qualified Public Service employees who meet the experience and education requirements. Competitions are conducted by the Public Service Commission and may be advertised as open to the Public Service, the DND, or a specific group of employees. Lateral moves from related fields such as audit, evaluation, or compliance are also possible if candidates possess investigation expertise and management experience.
External candidates with significant investigation experience in law enforcement, military police, or other government agencies may be considered through open competitions, though this is less common at the Director General level. Some candidates may enter the Public Service through management trainee or executive development programs and transition into investigation roles over their career.
Part-Time Options
The Director General - Investigation position is primarily a full-time role due to its executive and strategic nature. However, the Government of Canada does offer flexible work arrangements for eligible employees, which may include telework options, flexible hours, or compressed work weeks, subject to operational requirements and management approval.
Remote work opportunities may be available depending on the specific duties and priorities established by the department. Given the sensitive nature of investigation work and the requirement for in-person collaboration with teams and stakeholders, the degree of remote work flexibility may be more limited than in some other government positions. Part-time work at the Director General level is uncommon in the federal Public Service, as the role requires consistent executive leadership and decision-making presence.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
