As a Supervisor - Evaluation in the Department of National Defence, you will lead a team of evaluation professionals responsible for assessing the effectiveness, efficiency, and impact of defence programs, policies, and initiatives. You will oversee the planning, design, and execution of evaluations while ensuring compliance with Treasury Board evaluation standards and departmental requirements. Your team will provide evidence-based insights to senior management and stakeholders to support strategic decision-making and resource allocation across the organization.
Your day-to-day responsibilities include managing evaluation projects from initiation through completion, mentoring and developing evaluation staff, conducting complex evaluations using various methodologies, and communicating findings through reports and presentations. You will work collaboratively with program managers, policy experts, and other departments to understand evaluation needs and ensure timely delivery of high-quality analysis. In this role, you combine technical evaluation expertise with people management skills to drive continuous improvement across DND operations.
You will work in a dynamic federal environment within DND's Evaluation Directorate or similar governance structures. This position offers exposure to defence priorities, national security considerations, and the opportunity to influence organizational strategy through rigorous, objective evaluation work. The role typically operates during standard business hours, though some flexibility may be required to meet reporting deadlines and stakeholder needs.
Key Responsibilities
Coordinate and oversee daily evaluation 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
Analytical skills, Risk assessment, Report writing, Professional skepticism, Data analysis, Team supervision, Work coordination, Quality control, Staff development
Typical Education
Post-secondary diploma or degree; experience in the relevant technical or functional area
Training
Minimum qualifications typically include a bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline such as public administration, business, economics, statistics, social sciences, or a related field. Many successful candidates hold master's degrees in public administration, evaluation, policy analysis, or business administration.
Professional certifications valued in this career include the Evaluators Certification Program (ECP) offered through the Canadian Evaluation Society, or equivalent credentials demonstrating competency in evaluation methodology, design, and management. Strong quantitative and qualitative research skills are essential, as is familiarity with evaluation frameworks such as Results-Based Management (RBM) and the Treasury Board Evaluation Policy.
The Government of Canada provides ongoing professional development opportunities including training in advanced evaluation methods, data analysis software, project management, and supervisory skills. DND supports participation in conferences, workshops, and professional association activities through the Canadian Evaluation Society. Many supervisors pursue advanced certifications in specialized evaluation areas such as impact evaluation or performance measurement to enhance their career progression.
Entry Plans
Entry into this career typically occurs through several pathways within the federal Public Service. The most common route is through open competition for the Supervisor - Evaluation position, which may be advertised on the Government of Canada Jobs website and through departmental recruitment channels. Candidates are assessed on evaluation expertise, project management experience, and demonstrated supervisory capabilities.
Many supervisors begin their careers as Evaluation Officers or Evaluators at lower classification levels (such as EV-02 or EV-03), then compete for promotion to supervisory positions after gaining experience and developing their technical and leadership competencies. The Government of Canada also offers student and early-career programs, including the Post-Secondary Recruitment Campaign and the Federal Student Work Experience Program, which can lead to permanent positions.
Lateral moves from related fields such as audit, policy analysis, program management, or research are common entry points, as these roles develop transferable skills in analytical thinking, project delivery, and organizational knowledge. Internal competitions prioritize current federal employees and may include pools of pre-qualified candidates. Individuals with strong evaluation credentials from outside government may compete in open processes, though internal candidates often have advantages through established networks and familiarity with federal systems.
Part-Time Options
Part-time employment in Supervisor - Evaluation positions is limited but may be available on a case-by-case basis, typically for candidates with specific expertise or circumstances. The supervisory nature of the role—requiring consistent team leadership and project oversight—generally necessitates full-time commitment.
Flexible work arrangements, including flexible hours and compressed work weeks, are increasingly available across the federal government. Many DND locations offer the ability to adjust start and end times within departmental guidelines, and some supervisory functions may accommodate split shifts or staggered schedules with appropriate coverage for team support.
Remote work options have expanded significantly in recent years. Evaluation work, which relies heavily on analysis, report writing, and virtual meetings, is well-suited to hybrid or fully remote arrangements. Supervisors may work remotely for portions of the week, particularly for individual analysis and documentation tasks, while maintaining in-person presence for team meetings, mentoring, and stakeholder engagement. Remote work arrangements are subject to departmental requirements, supervisor approval, and business needs. Eligibility and specific terms are determined through discussion with your manager and must align with DND operational requirements and collective agreement provisions.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
