As a Manager in Intergovernmental Affairs, you will lead and coordinate relationships between the Department of National Defence and other federal departments, provincial and territorial governments, and Indigenous partners. Your role is critical to ensuring effective collaboration on defence and security matters that require multi-jurisdictional coordination and consultation. You will develop strategies, manage complex negotiations, and ensure DND's interests are represented while building strong working relationships across government.
Your day-to-day responsibilities include overseeing a team of intergovernmental affairs specialists, managing diplomatic correspondence and briefing materials, coordinating consultation processes with provincial and territorial counterparts, and supporting senior leadership in federal-provincial-territorial meetings and forums. You will analyze policy implications of intergovernmental initiatives, prepare strategic recommendations, and ensure alignment with DND objectives and broader government priorities.
You will work in a dynamic, collaborative environment within DND headquarters or regional offices. This role requires strong communication skills, political acumen, and the ability to navigate complex institutional relationships while maintaining confidentiality and managing sensitive information. You may travel periodically to attend meetings and conferences across Canada.
Key Responsibilities
Plan and manage the delivery of intergovernmental affairs services and programs, Supervise and develop staff within the intergovernmental affairs team, Monitor performance metrics and report on results, Develop and implement operational plans and procedures, Manage stakeholder relationships and ensure service quality
Post-secondary education in the relevant field; supervisory and operational management experience
Training
To succeed in this role, you typically need a bachelor's degree in political science, public administration, law, or a related discipline. Many successful candidates hold master's degrees in public policy, international relations, or business administration. Professional certifications in project management (PMP) or change management are valued but not required.
Once hired, you will complete Government of Canada mandatory training including Values and Ethics, Official Languages proficiency requirements, and security clearance protocols. DND provides professional development in defence policy, intergovernmental processes, and leadership management. You are encouraged to pursue ongoing education through the Public Service Learning Portal and professional associations such as the Institute of Public Administration of Canada. Many managers in this role also develop expertise in Indigenous affairs, federal-provincial relations, and national security policy through specialized courses and conferences.
Entry Plans
You can enter this career through several pathways within the Public Service. The most common route is through open competitions advertised on the Government of Canada Jobs website for the Manager (Intergovernmental Affairs) classification, typically at the EX-01 level. These competitions are open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.
If you are already working in the federal Public Service, you may apply through internal competitions or lateral moves from related roles in policy development, government relations, or strategic communications. DND also participates in Public Service exchange programs that allow employees from other departments to gain experience in intergovernmental affairs. Some candidates enter at the Intergovernmental Affairs Officer level and advance to management roles through demonstrated leadership and experience.
You may also enter through targeted recruitment initiatives or pools established by the Treasury Board Secretariat for senior management positions. The Canadian Armed Forces regularly recruits experienced managers with backgrounds in public service, provincial government, or Indigenous affairs to bring diverse perspectives to this role.
Part-Time Options
Part-time opportunities for Manager-level positions in Intergovernmental Affairs are limited, as these roles typically require full-time commitment due to the strategic nature of the work and need for consistent relationship management. However, the Public Service does offer flexible work arrangements including flexible hours, compressed work weeks, and remote work options where operationally feasible.
Remote work is possible for certain aspects of the role, particularly coordination work, policy analysis, and virtual meetings with intergovernmental partners. However, you should expect to work on-site for in-person meetings, negotiations, and team leadership activities. DND supports work-life balance initiatives and encourages managers to discuss flexible arrangements with their supervisors within operational requirements. Telework eligibility depends on your specific position, team needs, and the nature of your responsibilities at the time of hire.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
