As a Supervisor - Values and Ethics, you will lead a team responsible for developing, implementing, and promoting values and ethics programs across the Department of National Defence. You will provide strategic guidance on ethical conduct, organizational values, and integrity matters while managing day-to-day operations of your team. This role combines human resources expertise with a focus on building a strong ethical culture within the organization.
Your responsibilities will include overseeing the delivery of values and ethics initiatives, managing staff performance and development, coordinating training programs, and serving as a subject matter expert on ethical matters. You will work with senior leadership to align values and ethics strategies with organizational priorities, investigate concerns related to ethical conduct, and develop policies and guidelines that promote integrity across the department.
You will work in a collaborative environment within National Defence Headquarters or regional offices, interacting with managers, employees, and external stakeholders. The role requires strong communication skills, judgment, and the ability to handle sensitive matters with discretion. You will balance strategic initiatives with day-to-day operational demands while promoting a culture where ethical conduct is valued and supported.
Key Responsibilities
Coordinate and oversee daily values and ethics 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 qualify for this position, you typically need a post-secondary education in a related field such as human resources management, business administration, public administration, or a related discipline. Previous experience in values and ethics, human resources, organizational development, or a related area is essential.
Professional certifications that strengthen your candidacy include membership with professional bodies such as the Canadian Council of Human Resources Associations (CCHRA) or completion of ethics-focused certifications. The Government of Canada provides ongoing professional development opportunities including training in conflict resolution, organizational leadership, investigation techniques, and values and ethics frameworks specific to the federal public service.
As a supervisor, you will be expected to participate in leadership development programs, attend workshops on emerging workplace issues, and stay current with Treasury Board policies and federal ethics legislation. The department supports continued learning through access to online courses, professional conferences, and internal training initiatives focused on improving your supervisory and subject matter expertise.
Entry Plans
There are several pathways to enter this role within the federal Public Service. The most common route is through a public competition advertised on the Government of Canada jobs website (jobs.gc.ca), where applicants compete based on their education and experience. These competitions may be open to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and other eligible candidates.
If you are already working in the federal Public Service, you may apply for this position through internal competitions or through deployment processes if your department is reorganizing. Many supervisors in this field come from lateral moves within human resources or related teams, bringing relevant experience from other government departments or agencies.
The federal government also offers student programs such as the Federal Student Work Program and Post-Secondary Recruitment Initiative (PSRI) that can lead to permanent positions. Some candidates begin in related human resources roles and advance to supervisory positions as they gain experience and demonstrate leadership capability. Your Human Resources advisor can guide you on available competitions and your eligibility for different entry pathways.
Part-Time Options
This supervisory role is typically offered on a full-time basis due to the management responsibilities and need for consistent leadership presence. However, flexible work arrangements may be possible depending on operational requirements and departmental policies.
Many positions within the federal Public Service offer telework opportunities, allowing you to work remotely for part of your work week or in a hybrid arrangement. These flexible options are subject to management approval and the needs of your team and department. Remote work may be available for administrative and planning tasks, though regular in-person presence may be required for meetings, team management, and sensitive discussions.
The Government of Canada is committed to supporting work-life balance and may offer options such as flexible hours, compressed work weeks, or job sharing depending on operational needs and union agreements. We encourage you to discuss flexible work arrangements with your manager and Human Resources representative, as availability varies by location and specific position.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.