As a Regulatory Affairs Officer with the Department of National Defence, you will play a critical role in ensuring that DND operations, policies, and activities comply with federal regulations and legislation. You will work within the General Administration job family, providing expert guidance on regulatory requirements, developing compliance frameworks, and advising senior leadership on regulatory risks and obligations. This position requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate complex regulatory concepts to diverse audiences across the department.
Your day-to-day responsibilities will include reviewing and interpreting federal legislation, regulations, and directives relevant to defence operations; developing and updating compliance policies and procedures; conducting regulatory assessments; and providing consultation to program managers and operational teams. You will work collaboratively with other government departments, external stakeholders, and subject matter experts to stay current on evolving regulatory landscapes. Your work directly supports DND's ability to operate effectively while maintaining the highest standards of legal and regulatory compliance.
You will work in a professional office environment, primarily at a DND headquarters or regional office location. The role offers opportunities to engage with senior management, participate in interdepartmental working groups, and contribute to significant defence initiatives. You may occasionally travel to conduct consultations or attend regulatory meetings.
Key Responsibilities
Perform general administration duties in support of departmental operations, Prepare correspondence, reports, and administrative documents, Coordinate schedules, meetings, and logistics, Maintain records and filing systems
Required Skills
Organizational skills, Written and oral communication, MS Office proficiency, Time management, Attention to detail, Technical proficiency, Attention to detail, Collaboration, Continuous learning
Typical Education
Post-secondary education or equivalent experience relevant to the position
Training
To qualify for a Regulatory Affairs Officer position, you typically need a post-secondary diploma or Bachelor's degree in business administration, public administration, law, political science, or a related field. Many successful candidates hold a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Commerce degree. Some positions may require or prefer a law degree (Juris Doctor) or specialized certifications in regulatory compliance or government relations.
Ongoing professional development is encouraged and may include Government of Canada mandatory training (such as ethics and values training), specialized courses in federal legislation and regulatory frameworks, and professional certifications through organizations like the International Association for Professional Compliance Professionals (IACPP) or the Regulatory Affairs Certification (RAC) program. Many officers pursue professional designation as a Certified Compliance and Ethics Professional (CCEP) or equivalent credentials. DND supports employees through tuition reimbursement programs and learning and development opportunities throughout your career.
Entry Plans
You can enter the Regulatory Affairs Officer career stream through several pathways within the federal Public Service. Most positions are filled through advertised competitions posted on the Government of Canada's Job Bank (jobs.gc.ca) and the DND careers website. These competitions are open to Canadian citizens and may require a security clearance, which DND will process as part of the recruitment process.
If you are already working in the Public Service, you may be able to apply through internal competitions or lateral movement opportunities if you meet the qualifications. Some candidates enter through the Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP) or the Post-Secondary Recruitment Campaign (PSRC) if you are a recent graduate. Indeterminate (permanent) positions are typically available, though some initial appointments may be for a specific term. DND also considers candidates from outside government through open competitions, which often include an online assessment and interview process.
Part-Time Options
Part-time and flexible work arrangements are available for Regulatory Affairs Officer positions, subject to operational requirements and management approval. Many DND offices support hybrid work models, allowing you to work remotely for a portion of your week while maintaining in-person collaboration time for meetings and consultations. The nature of regulatory affairs work—which often involves document review, policy development, and correspondence—is well-suited to flexible arrangements.
Sharing and job-sharing arrangements may be available depending on the specific position and organizational needs. To explore part-time, flexible, or remote options, discuss your requirements with the hiring manager during the recruitment process or with your manager once appointed. DND is committed to supporting work-life balance and accommodating diverse working preferences where operationally feasible.
