OFFICE OF THE OMBUD
Deputy Ombud and General Counsel
Full time
Open Competition
Fredericton

The Office of the Ombud for New Brunswick (Ombud NB) is seeking a dynamic and skilled individual for the role of Deputy Ombud and General Counsel. This competition will fill a current vacancy for this position.

WHY YOU SHOULD JOIN US

By joining Ombud NB, you will be part of a dedicated team focused on promoting fairness, transparency and accountability in public administration. You will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact by strengthening the public's trust in the provincial public sector across New Brunswick.

We offer a supportive and rewarding work environment complemented by a comprehensive benefits package. This includes paid vacation and sick leave, a health and dental plan, life insurance, long-term disability coverage, and participation in the Public Service Shared Risk Pension Plan. Employees also have access to an Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP), providing valuable services to support their well-being.

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a respected office that plays a vital role in ensuring fairness, transparency, and accountability in the public sector across New Brunswick – join us today!

ABOUT THE ROLE

As a senior leader within Ombud NB, the Deputy Ombud and General Counsel provides operational leadership and direction in the areas assigned by the Ombud, such as: the advancement and quality of the informal resolution of complaints and/or the conduct of investigations in one or more of the Ombud's mandates; setting and meeting service objectives and standards; or other priority functions and initiatives. The DO provides expert and authoritative advice, guidance and support to the Ombud in the exercise of their responsibilities.

In addition to these responsibilities, the DOGC is responsible for leading and directing the work of other legal counsel within the office, as well as any external counsel. The DOGC is also responsible for overseeing and conducting complex legal research; representing the Ombud in legal proceedings; and providing legal advice to the Ombud related to all legislation under the jurisdiction of the Ombud.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

Applicants must clearly demonstrate in a cover letter the following essential qualifications to be given further consideration.

1. University degree in law and membership in good standing with the Law Society of New Brunswick.
2. Minimum of 10 years of progressively more responsible experience related to the position
3. Experience in management of human and financial resources. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
4. Minimum of 10 years of work experience in one or a combination of the following:
   a. Administrative law and procedure
   b. Interpretation of legislation, regulation and policy
   c. Resolution of disputes of a sensitive and confidential nature using formal and informal conflict resolution approaches
   d. Conducting investigations or audits within a regulatory or legal framework
5. Demonstrated leadership and effective relationship management capability with a variety of clients and stakeholders

ASSET QUALIFICATIONS

Preference may be given to candidates who indicate in their cover letter that they demonstrate one or more of the following asset qualifications, in addition to the essential qualifications:

1. Graduate degree in law, public administration, business administration or other field related to the position
2. Five years or more at the senior executive level with financial and human resources management responsibilities
3. Demonstrated experience in leading and conducting litigation
4. Demonstrated experience in leading and conducting alternative dispute resolution
5. Demonstrated experience in leading and conducting investigations
6. Demonstrated experience in leading and conducting performance or conformity audits
7. Demonstrated experience working in a government or legislative setting and environment

SELECTION CRITERIA
As part of the selection process, candidates will be assessed on the following:

Knowledge

1. Knowledge of the role, responsibilities and mandates of the Office of the Ombud
2. Knowledge of the public environment in which the Office of the Ombud conducts its work, including its key stakeholders

Behavioural Competencies

1. Coaching and Team Development
2. Effective Interactive Communication
3. Organizational Awareness
4. Organizational Commitment
5. Relationship/Network Building
6. Results Orientation
7. Strategic Thinking

Technical Competencies

1. Specialized Knowledge of Relevant Laws, Judicial Process, Procedures and Legal Precedents
2. Financial Management
3. Human Resources Management
4. Planning and Organizing skills

LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

The position requires competency in English. Language proficiency may be assessed by administering the Government of NB Language Proficiency Evaluation. Candidates who have recently undergone this evaluation (within the last five years) may provide a copy of their evaluation results.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Successful candidate will be required to undergo criminal history and security checks prior to appointment.

Successful candidate will be required to undertake an oath of office related to the specific obligations of the Ombud, namely regarding impartiality and confidentiality of information.

EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION
Location: Fredericton, New Brunswick. Consideration may be given to one of the positions being located in Dieppe, New Brunswick, depending on operational requirements.

Salary: Management and Non-Union Pay Plan, $5,284 to $5,814 biweekly (depending upon education and experience).

Employment Equity: We are striving to build a diverse team to represent the population we serve and to better meet the needs of the people of New Brunswick. We encourage applications from Indigenous persons, persons of all races and ethnicities, religions, abilities, sexual orientations and gender identities to apply.

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 December 18, 2024 by email to: [email protected].

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.