As a Manager - Values and Ethics with the Department of National Defence, you will lead the development, implementation, and oversight of values and ethics programs across the organization. You will champion a culture of integrity, accountability, and ethical decision-making while ensuring compliance with Treasury Board policies and DND directives. This role combines strategic planning with hands-on management of teams responsible for ethics training, conflict of interest management, disclosure of wrongdoing processes, and organizational values initiatives.
Your responsibilities will include designing and delivering values and ethics frameworks, managing investigations and inquiries related to ethical concerns, providing advisory services to senior leadership, and developing educational programs for civilian and military personnel. You will work with stakeholders across multiple levels of the organization, from frontline employees to the senior executive team, to foster an environment where ethical conduct is embedded in daily operations and decision-making processes.
This position operates in a dynamic federal government environment where you will navigate complex organizational challenges, support cultural change initiatives, and contribute to DND's reputation as an institution built on strong values. You will have opportunities to influence policy development, mentor team members, and make a meaningful impact on how the organization conducts its business with integrity and transparency.
Key Responsibilities
Plan and manage the delivery of values and ethics services and programs, Supervise and develop staff within the values and ethics team, Monitor performance metrics and report on results, Develop and implement operational plans and procedures, Manage stakeholder relationships and ensure service quality
Required Skills
HR policy interpretation, Interpersonal skills, Staffing and classification, Conflict resolution, Labour relations knowledge, People management, Operational oversight, Quality assurance, Resource coordination
Typical Education
Post-secondary education in the relevant field; supervisory and operational management experience
Training
To be successful in this role, you will typically need a bachelor's degree from a recognized institution, preferably in human resources management, public administration, law, psychology, business administration, or a related discipline. Some positions may accept a diploma from a recognized institution combined with relevant work experience.
Professional certifications in human resources management (such as those offered by the Canadian HR Professionals Association), ethics training, investigation techniques, or conflict resolution are valuable assets. DND and the Public Service will provide specialized training in federal government policies, Treasury Board directives, values and ethics frameworks, and investigation procedures. Many managers in this field pursue ongoing professional development through workshops, conferences, and learning opportunities related to organizational culture, change management, and ethical leadership. Access to Government of Canada learning platforms and professional development funding supports continuous skill enhancement throughout your career.
Entry Plans
You can enter this career path through several routes within the federal Public Service. The primary method is through a staffing competition advertised on the Government of Canada's job board (jobs.gc.ca), where DND posts Manager - Values and Ethics positions. Competitions are open to Canadian citizens, and successful candidates must obtain a security clearance.
If you are already a public servant, you may be able to transition into this role through internal competitions or lateral moves from related Human Resources Management positions, such as HR Advisor or Analyst roles. Some candidates move into Values and Ethics management after gaining experience in other HR functions like recruitment, employee relations, or organizational development.
The Public Service also offers pathways through student programs (such as the Federal Student Work Experience Program or Co-op positions in HR-related roles) that can lead to permanent positions. Individuals with relevant professional experience in the private sector or other levels of government may apply through open competitions, though federal government experience and understanding of Public Service values are significant assets.
Once hired, you may have opportunities to progress to senior management positions within Values and Ethics or to move into broader HR leadership roles across DND or other government departments.
Part-Time Options
Part-time and flexible work arrangements for this role depend on operational needs and are typically available through discussion with your manager and HR services. While Manager - Values and Ethics positions are generally structured as full-time roles due to the strategic and responsive nature of the work, DND has been increasing flexible work options across the civilian workforce.
Many positions in this role offer hybrid or remote work arrangements, particularly for administrative tasks, policy development, and internal consultations. However, some responsibilities—such as conducting investigations, delivering training programs, and attending in-person meetings with leadership—may require on-site presence. The extent of flexibility available will depend on your specific position, the needs of your directorate, and agreements with your manager.
DND encourages managers to work with their teams to accommodate flexible schedules, compressed work weeks, or part-time arrangements where operational requirements allow. If flexible work is important to you, this should be discussed during the recruitment process and with your hiring manager to understand what options are available for your particular position.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
