OFFICE OF THE OMBUD
SENIOR INVESTIGATOR
Pay Band 6 - Full time
Open Competition - Fredericton
ABOUT THE OFFICE
The Office of the Ombud for New Brunswick is seeking individuals to fill the position of Senior Investigator. There is currently one vacancy for a full-time permanent position. The Office will also maintain a list of qualified candidates for future full-time or term positions that may become available.
The Ombud is an independent officer of the Legislative Assembly, who assists people and public sector organizations with their concerns by conducting impartial investigations, making recommendations, and providing guidance to ensure people are treated in a consistent, fair, and reasonable manner and that their rights to information and privacy are protected. The Ombud can investigate complaints involving provincial government departments and other public sector organizations, as well as organizations that may hold personal health information.
The majority of the workload within the office is associated with complaints related to Administrative Fairness (where someone believes they have not been treated fairly by a public sector organization) and complaints related to Information and Privacy (where someone believes a public sector organization has not responded properly to an access to information request or that the privacy of their personal information has not been protected). While employees generally develop expertise and are assigned to specialized teams within one of these areas, they may be called upon to assist in other parts of the Office's mandates from time to time.
ABOUT THE POSITION
The Senior Investigator (SI) is responsible for conducting formal or systemic investigations or audits and monitoring progress on Ombud recommendations stemming from these investigations or audits. Formal or systemic investigations and audits can result in public reports and represent some of the most challenging and publicly visible work of Ombud NB.
The Senior Investigator's main responsibilities are to conduct investigations on behalf of the Ombud, prepare draft reports and recommendations, and conduct monitoring and audits. These functions must be exercised in accordance with the Ombud's responsibility to conduct her work with fairness, impartiality and independence and to ensure confidentiality surrounding the investigative process. To accomplish these responsibilities, the Senior Investigator is required to:
- Conduct research, solicit additional information required, analyze voluminous and complex information, and review legislation, policies, standards and other relevant documentation;
- Develop investigation or audit plans, interview guides and conduct and document interviews;
- Participate in briefings and share the results of investigations with parties or if required;
- Build an effective network and working relationships with management and executive levels within various public sector organizations;
- Identify innovative solutions within the legal and policy framework, as well as the authority of the organizations they are dealing with.
A full list of duties and responsibilities is available by requesting a copy of the work description for this position.
ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS
Applicants must clearly demonstrate in a cover letter the following essential qualifications to be given further consideration.
Education
University degree in social sciences, human rights, law, social work, health, public or business administration, or other field relevant to the work of the Office, and a minimum of five years of related work experience. An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
Experience
- Experience in interpreting legislation and policies, conducting research and analysis, and providing advice or recommendations to senior management
- Experience in drafting briefing notes and reports intended for senior management and/or stakeholders
- Experience in leading multi-faceted projects independently, and as part of a team environment
- Experience working in a fast-paced and deadline-driven environment
ASSET QUALIFICATIONS
Preference may be given to candidates that indicate in a cover letter that they demonstrate one or more of the following asset qualifications, in addition to the essential qualifications:
- Experience working in mediation or conflict resolution
- Experience working in an investigative environment
- Experience working with marginalized individuals
- Experience in conducting fact-finding interviews
SELECTION CRITERIA
As part of the selection process, candidates will be assessed on the following:
Knowledge
- Knowledge of the role, responsibilities and mandates of the Office of the Ombud
Competencies
- Analytical Thinking/Judgment
- Conceptual Thinking
- Effective Interactive Communication
- Flexibility
- Information Seeking
- Relationship / Network Building
- Self-confidence
Abilities
- Ability to analyze information, appropriately interpret legislation and policy, and draw conclusions to solve problems effectively
- Ability to manage time effectively and utilize organizational skills
- Ability to formulate a course of action to meet specific goals and objectives
- Ability to appropriately plan and prioritize responsibilities to ensure performance targets are met, as well as obligations on project teams
- Ability to conduct research including consulting with colleagues in other jurisdictions, subject-matter experts, etc.
- Ability to interview parties who may be very emotionally engaged or extremely reticent and/or cooperative
- Ability to develop well-researched and compelling reasoning and arguments supporting their advice and recommendations that will have a positive impact on the outcome of the issues being investigated
- Ability to write in a clear and concise manner at a language adapted to the reader
LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS
The position requires excellent competence in English and French. Language proficiency will be assessed by administering the Government of NB Language Proficiency Evaluation. Candidates who have recently undergone this evaluation (within the last two years) may provide a copy of their evaluation results.
Candidates must attain the following levels in English and French to be considered for appointment:
- Oral language proficiency: Advanced Plus
- Reading language proficiency: Advanced
- Writing language proficiency: Advanced
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Successful candidates will be required to undergo criminal history and security checks prior to appointment.
Successful candidates will be required to undertake an oath of office related to the specific obligations of the Ombud, namely with regard to impartiality and confidentiality of information.
EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION
Location: The position is located in Fredericton. In certain circumstances, the Office may approve remote work, at their discretion.
Salary: Management and Non-Union Pay Plan, Pay Band 6 ($2,735 to $3,639) biweekly, depending upon education and experience).
HOW TO APPLY
Individuals interested in applying for this position must send a cover letter indicating how they meet the essential qualifications for this position and an updated resume no later than May 26, 2023 by email to: julie.dickison@gnb.ca.
For more information, please contact Julie Dickison at (506) 453-2789 or by email.
We thank all those who apply, however only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.