As a Supervisor in Diversity, Inclusion and Employment Equity, you will lead a team dedicated to creating and maintaining inclusive workplaces across Department of National Defence civilian operations. You will oversee the development and implementation of diversity and employment equity initiatives, policies, and programs that ensure fair treatment and equal opportunities for all employees. Your role is essential in building a workforce that reflects Canada's diversity and meets federal employment equity requirements.
Your day-to-day responsibilities include supervising staff who manage diversity programs, coordinating employment equity initiatives, monitoring compliance with Canadian Human Rights Act requirements, and providing guidance on accommodation and accessibility issues. You will analyze workplace data to identify systemic barriers, develop action plans to address gaps, and collaborate with managers across the organization to embed diversity principles into hiring, retention, and promotion practices.
You will work in a collaborative environment within a Human Resources branch or Diversity and Inclusion office. This role requires strong leadership skills, cultural awareness, and the ability to influence change across the organization. You may work with various DND departments, Treasury Board Secretariat, and external partners to ensure alignment with government-wide diversity and inclusion standards.
Key Responsibilities
Coordinate and oversee daily diversity, inclusion and employment equity operations, Assign work, monitor progress, and provide guidance to team members, Review work products for quality and compliance with standards, Contribute to operational planning and process improvement
Required Skills
HR policy interpretation, Interpersonal skills, Staffing and classification, Conflict resolution, Labour relations knowledge, Team supervision, Work coordination, Quality control, Staff development
Typical Education
Post-secondary diploma or degree; experience in the relevant technical or functional area
Training
To succeed in this role, you typically need a bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Psychology, Social Sciences, or a related field. Some positions may accept equivalent work experience in lieu of formal education. Professional certifications such as Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) or Certified Employee Assistance Professional (CEAP) are valued but not always required.
You should have advanced knowledge of Canadian employment law, the Canadian Human Rights Act, Employment Equity Act, and Treasury Board policies on diversity and inclusion. Many supervisors in this field pursue or maintain professional development in areas such as unconscious bias training, intersectionality, accessibility standards, and change management. The Government of Canada offers learning opportunities through the Canada School of Public Service and internal DND training programs. Ongoing professional development in emerging diversity practices and data analytics tools is encouraged to stay current with evolving best practices.
Entry Plans
You can enter this career through several pathways within the federal Public Service. Most positions are filled through open competitions advertised on the Government of Canada's Job Bank and within internal DND systems. Candidates typically need to have demonstrated experience in human resources, diversity programming, or employment equity roles.
If you are already a federal public servant, you may apply for lateral moves into this supervisory position from related HR roles such as HR Advisor, Employment Equity Advisor, or Equity and Diversity Coordinator. The Public Service Staffing Acts allows for both external recruitment and internal priority placement systems. Some individuals progress into supervisory roles after working in support positions within diversity and inclusion teams.
Federal student programs, such as the Students in Temporary Positions for Youth Employment (STPY) or Post-Secondary Recruitment Campaign (PSRC), may provide entry-level exposure to HR and diversity work. These positions can lead to term or indeterminate employment once you complete your studies. Networking with DND's Human Resources branch and staying informed about advertised competitions is key to advancing into this supervisory role.
Part-Time Options
Supervisor positions in Diversity, Inclusion and Employment Equity typically are offered as full-time, indeterminate positions. However, flexible work arrangements such as flexible hours, compressed work weeks, and telework are often available depending on operational needs and departmental policy.
Remote work options have expanded across the federal government, and many HR supervisory duties can be performed effectively from home or alternative work locations. Supervision responsibilities may require some in-office presence for team meetings and one-on-one coaching. Part-time or job-share arrangements are less common at the supervisory level but may be negotiated on a case-by-case basis depending on the organization's needs and your circumstances.
When you are hired, you can discuss flexible work arrangements with your manager and Human Resources team. The DND is committed to supporting work-life balance and accommodating diverse work preferences where operationally feasible.
