WE ARE HIRING!
April 19th 2024
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
The AJC is currently seeking an Executive Director who is interested in working in a dynamic, small team setting that promotes the value and worth of federal public service lawyers and seeks to improve their working conditions.
ABOUT THE AJC
The Association of Justice Counsel (AJC) is the bargaining agent for over 3,100 lawyers who work for the Government of Canada, including counsel with the Department of Justice, Public Prosecution Service of Canada, and numerous federal agencies. For more information about the AJC, please visit our website at www.ajc-ajj.ca.
Our people form the foundation of the services we provide to our members. If you are interested in working with a dynamic, innovative small-team that seeks to improve the working conditions of our members, with the objective of focusing on equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), this may be the opportunity for you.
ABOUT THE POSITION
Reporting to the President, the Executive Director is responsible for providing overall leadership for the AJC and guiding the direction of the AJC by implementing the strategic objectives and policies as determined by the President, the Executive Committee and the Governing Council.
The AJC is committed to building an inclusive and representative workplace where equity and diversity is recognized and valued. All qualified candidates will be considered, however in support of achieving our equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) goals, we encourage candidates to self-identify, and will prioritize Indigenous peoples (Inuit, First Nations, Métis) and Black or racialized persons, to apply for this opportunity.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Leadership:
1. Promote a healthy workplace culture that values diversity, respect, and cooperation. Ensure the creation of a positive work environment for staff through coaching and mentoring.
2. Provide leadership and direction to staff. Ensure the effective integration of the various staff functions within the AJC. Establish objectives and priorities for direct reports and provide advice and direction on the allocation of staff resources.
3. Collaborates with the President, the Executive Committee and the Governing Council, the General Counsel/ Corporate Secretary, and senior management in the on-going development of policy and strategic positions.
4.Report to the Governing Council at meetings on the progress of the organization in achieving stated outcomes by providing written and verbal presentations.
Internal Operations:
1.Oversee and contribute to the development and implementation of annual business plans.
2.Ensure that annual business plans support both the AJC long-term strategy and day-to-day operational needs of members.
3.Contribute to the development and implementation of AJC’s financial plans and policies.
4.Participate in the development and implementation of human resources strategy to meet operational needs.
5.Ensure appropriate management of all matters related to AJC’s administration including events, facilities, properties and equipment and contracting for goods and services.
Outreach:
1.Act as an internal organizational liaison between the President and the Staff.
2.Advise and supports the President, Executive Committee, Governing Council, and various committees and working groups as required by the GC, EC, and President.
3.Support the President, as required, by acting as an external organizational liaison and building partnerships between the AJC and various partners, including partner organizations who represent civil servants,
4.Act as an external organizational representative for lobbying elected and non-elected government officials.
STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
1. Extensive experience and demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, coach, resolve conflicts, and direct staff in a unionized environment and in accordance with the collective agreement.
2. Knowledge of legislation governing labour relations in the federal public service, unionized Ontario workplaces, as well as labour and employment law (including knowledge of the authorities governing employer / employee relations in the federal public service and Ontario provincial jurisdictions).
3. Demonstrated knowledge and experience in implementing EDIA (Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility), Anti-Oppression, and Anti-Racism programs and policies.
4. Demonstrated ability to monitor performance, develop and implement strategies for enhancing performance and resolving performance issues.
5. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with elected officials, members, staff, internal and external clients.
6. Experience in the development and management of strategic, operational and financial plans.
7. Knowledge and understanding of the operations within a non-profit organization serving members nationally through labour relations initiatives and programs.
8. Ability to plan, lead and facilitate meetings with the use technology such as MS teams and/or Zoom is essential.
9. Ability to work in both official languages is essential.
10. The above knowledge, skills, and abilities are typically obtained through the completion of a university degree preferably in Business Administration with at least ten years of extensive and progressive experience in a variety of management functions within an organization, preferably specializing in labour relations, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
11. In addition, the completion of a law degree would be considered as an asset.
DECISION MAKING (COMPLEXITY)
1. Complex judgment and interpretation are needed in developing corporate objectives, broad policies and procedures and long- range strategies which will have an impact on the overall organization.
2. The process is guided by broad corporate objectives, policies and long-range strategies and the employee is expected to be able to show a high degree of original and independent thinking in developing complex ideas to apply to organization-wide long-term objectives.
MANAGEMENT AND SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Sets standards of performance and establishes general policies and procedures to apply to a major function of the organization for Governing Council or Executive Committee approval as may be required from time to time.
2. Provide advice and counsel to employees directly supervised and performs performance appraisals as required.
3. Responsible for the day-to-day management of the organization in accordance with provincial legislation and the collective agreement for unionized staff and for the excluded staff.
4. Provide management direction over several functions of the organization.
INDEPENDENCE OF ACTION
1. Ability to work independently with strong organizational and prioritization skills.
2. Receive guidance through consultation with the President and Governing Council.
CONTACTS
Able to build and maintain productive relationships and negotiate with internal and external stakeholders:
Internal:
1. Internal contacts include the President and all staff at AJC.
2. Contacts include senior levels of management and include dealing with controversial / sensitive negotiation and interpersonal skills.
External:
3. External contacts may include representatives for the Governing Council, AJC Members, Treasury Board, deputy heads, employer contacts, union contacts, National Joint Council, etc.
4. Contact may be complex, with potential for demanding interpersonal situations.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT
1. The Executive Director works in a standard office environment; is required to attend internal and external meetings and on occasion to travel to the regions.
2. The AJC is an employer with flexible work arrangements for its staff.
PHYSICAL/SENSORY EFFORT
1. Work is fast-paced, timelines are tight, and tasks are performed under pressure.
2. Sustained concentration is required.
COMPENSATION AND OTHER BENEFITS
1. COMPETITIVE SALARY COMMENSURATE WITH EXPERIENCE: $150,200 to $183,783
2. GROUP BENEFITS: Health, Dental, Life, Disability
3. PENSION PLAN: CAAT
4. VACATION: 4 weeks/year to start in addition to December holiday season and other paid leave
5. JOB TERM: Indeterminate Full-time (37.5 hours per week)
6. OPPORTUNITY TO TELEWORK SUBJECT TO OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
START DATE: As soon as possible.
Submission deadline: May 8, 2024
APPLICATIONS
Please submit your resume with a cover letter to:
Association of Justice Counsel
Attn: Diana Rodrigues, Director of Corporate Services
drodrigues@ajc-ajj.ca
The AJC embraces diversity and inclusion and encourages members from all equity-seeking groups to apply. Upon request, we will accommodate applicants with disabilities who require accommodation during the recruitment and selection process.
We thank all applicants for their interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
LEGAL COUNSEL/DIRECTOR OF REPRESENTATION SERVICES
The AJC is currently seeking a Legal Counsel/Director of Representation Services who is interested in working in a dynamic, small team setting that promotes the value and worth of federal public service lawyers and seeks to improve their working conditions.
ABOUT THE POSITION
Reporting to the Executive Director, the Legal Counsel/Director of Representation Services leads a team of Labour Relations dedicated to supporting the maintenance, interpretation, and enforcement of the collective agreement for the AJC membership.
The AJC is committed to building an inclusive and representative workplace where equity and diversity is recognized and valued. All qualified candidates will be considered, however in support of achieving our equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) goals, we encourage candidates to self-identify, and will prioritize Indigenous peoples (Inuit, First Nations, Métis) and Black or racialized persons, to apply for this opportunity.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
I. Leads and manages files related to representation, exclusions, grievances, policy grievances, legal and complex labour relations matters. In this capacity, the incumbent works as lead, in consultation with the Representation and Exclusions Committees, the President, the Vice-President Labour Relations, the General Counsel/Corporate Secretary, and/or the Executive Director, as appropriate in the circumstances.
II. Assists the General Counsel/Corporate Secretary with law reform work.
III. Represents members both informally and in formal redress procedures before employer officials, including grievances, complaints, mediations, adjudication, and/or matters before various administrative tribunals.
IV. Provides summary reports on the labour relations portfolio, including the status of representation files to the Governing Council, the Executive Committee, including the President, the Vice-President Labour Relations, General Counsel/Corporate Secretary and Executive Director, as appropriate in the circumstances.
V. Oversees and contributes to legal research, drafts notices, and pleadings, delivers oral and/or written submissions. Maintains quality control and on-time delivery of all assigned projects and commitments.
VI. Coordinates and reports on representation work carried out by external agents and/or counsel as the need arises.
VII. Represents the AJC at certain labour-management meetings such as public service wide labour management committees, national working groups and other national committees and, participates in such other activities that tie into AJC’s representation services generally, including reporting activities.
VIII. Provide mentoring, training, guidance, and coaching to staff under their direction. Participate in staffing and ensure orientation of new Labour Relation Officers. Implement disciplinary and/or corrective measures for all staff under their direction in accordance with the collective agreement.
IX. Manages and participates in coaching, and development of Governing Council representatives, such as union stewards, and staff under their direction.
X. Responsible for the provision of orientation training and the drafting of Governing Council training materials.
XI. Provides back up support to the General Counsel/Corporate Secretary for legal matters when required.
XII. Provides advice to the organization and develops positions on AJC issues relating to representation and exclusions, in consultation with the Representation and Exclusions Committees.
STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
I. Membership in good standing of the bar of Ontario or of another Canadian province or territory and a minimum 8 years’ experience in Ontario and federal labour and employment law, human rights and/or labour relations.
II. Proven experience in leading and managing staff in a unionized environment.
III. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with elected officials, members, staff, internal and external clients.
IV. Demonstrated understanding of the union legal framework and commitment to union principles.
V. Knowledge of legislation and case authorities governing labour relations in the federal public service including Treasury Board and other government policies, directives and processes.
VI. Knowledge and demonstrated expertise in implementing EDIA (Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility), Anti-Oppression, and Anti-Racism principles, practices, programs and policies, including knowledge of those of the Employer and federal public service.
VII. Proven experience with alternative dispute resolution.
VIII. Strong advocacy and relationship building skills.
IX. Demonstrated self-directed approach with an ability to organize, plan, prioritize, and execute at high-level.
X. Ability to plan, lead and facilitate meetings with the use technology such as MS teams and/or Zoom is essential.
XI. Ability to communicate verbally and in writing in both official languages.
DECISION MAKING (COMPLEXITY)
I. Decision-making forms a very large part of the performance of tasks and impacts on processes applying to a single key function of the organization.
II. Procedures and precedents are not well established, and the employee is expected to be able to show original and independent thinking in developing simple methods and procedures to apply to a single key function of the organization.
III. Considerable judgment is required, and complex interpretation is needed in the context of legal representation files.
MANAGEMENT AND SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
I. Provides direct supervision to unionized labour relations including:
a.Senior Labour Relations Officer(s)
b.Labour Relations Officers
II. May be involved in the recruitment and performance management of staff in accordance with the collective agreement.
III. Provides advice and counsel on matters relating to the representation services provided to union members.
INDEPENDENCE OF ACTION
I. Works independently under general supervision and is guided by broad policies and general objectives.
II. Receives guidance through consultation with the President and Governing Council.
CONTACTS
Requires the ability to build and maintain productive relationships and negotiate with internal and external stakeholders.
Internal:
I. Internal contacts include the President, Executive Director, General Counsel/Corporate Secretary and members of the Representations Committee, Exclusions Committee, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee and staff at the AJC for the purpose of exchanging information, preparing recommendations, coordinating responses, influencing others, etc.
II. Contacts include senior levels of management and may include dealing with controversial / sensitive interpersonal skills.
External:
I. External contacts may include representatives for the Governing Council, AJC Members, Treasury Board, Deputy Head, employer contacts, union contacts, National Joint Council, etc.
Working Environment:
I.The Legal Counsel/Director of Representation Services works in a standard office environment.
II.Required to attend internal and external meetings and to travel to the regions.
The AJC is an employer with flexible work arrangements for its staff.
Physical / Sensory Effort:
I. Work is fast-paced, timelines are tight, and tasks are performed under pressure.
II. Sustained concentration is required.
COMPENSATION AND OTHER BENEFITS
1.COMPETITIVE SALARY COMMENSURATE WITH EXPERIENCE: $150,200 to $163,391
2.GROUP BENEFITS: Health, Dental, Life, Disability
3.PENSION PLAN: CAAT
4.VACATION: 4 weeks/year to start in addition to December holiday season and other paid leave
5.JOB TERM: Indeterminate Full-time (37.5 hours per week)
6.OPPORTUNITY TO TELEWORK SUBJECT TO OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
START DATE: As soon as possible.
Submission deadline: May 8, 2024
APPLICATIONS
Please submit your resume with a cover letter to:
Association of Justice Counsel
Attn: Diana Rodrigues, Director of Corporate Services
drodrigues@ajc-ajj.ca
The AJC embraces diversity and inclusion and encourages members from all equity-seeking groups to apply. Upon request, we will accommodate applicants with disabilities who require accommodation during the recruitment and selection process.
We thank all applicants for their interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
LABOUR RELATIONS OFFICER
Date of Posting: April 2024
Team: Representation Services
City: Ottawa, ON (hybrid – requests for telework arrangements considered)
Union: COPE Local 225
Job Term: Indeterminate Full-time (35 hours per week)
Language: English Essential, fluently bilingual (English/French) an asset
Application Deadline: OPEN
Start Date: As soon as possible
ABOUT THE POSITION
In this fast-paced and member-focused position, you will work in collaboration with a small
team to provide AJC members with front-line labour relations advice and interpretation of the
collective agreement. You will represent members both informally and formally before
employer officials, including in disciplinary meetings, complaints, grievances, and mediations.
You will conduct research, draft documents (including informational tools for members and
pleadings), and make oral or written submissions. You will review employer directives, policies,
and processes. You will also attend employer-related meetings as needed.
The AJC is committed to building an inclusive and representative workplace where equity and
diversity is recognized and valued. All qualified candidates will be considered, however in
support of achieving our equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) goals, we encourage candidates
to self-identify, and will prioritize Indigenous peoples (Inuit, First Nations, Métis) and Black or
racialized persons, for this opportunity.
ABOUT YOU
Experienced in labour relations or a related area, you are a collaborative team member with
strong critical thinking, advocacy, and interpersonal skills who is committed to union and equity
principles, and cares deeply about the work we do for our members.
Qualifications
Your skills and experience include:
• A minimum of three (3) years experience in the area of labour relations and/or federal
government employee relations, or a related discipline
• Demonstrated knowledge of, and experience in, interpreting and applying collective
agreements, as well as legislation and case law governing labour relations in the federal
public service, and a union’s duty of fair representation
• Demonstrated experience in providing advice on employment rights and
responsibilities, as well as in representation, advocacy, and dispute resolution
• Demonstrated knowledge of, and experience in human rights, employment equity,
labour and employment law, occupational health and safety government policies,
directives, and processes.
Other Competencies
Your other competencies include:
• Strong communication, advocacy, and dispute resolution skills (oral and written)
• Strong interpersonal, collaborative, and relationship building skills
• Strong initiative, planning and time management skills
• Strong critical thinking, research and writing skills
• Demonstrated understanding and commitment to union and EDI principles
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced environment with multiple shifting
priorities and deadlines
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
Salary: $82,080 to $118,116 (G3 2023)
Group Benefits: Health, Dental, Life, Disability, Pension Plan
Vacation: 4 weeks/year and other paid leave
HOW TO APPLY
Please submit your resume and cover letter by email to:
Association of Justice Counsel
Attn: Diana Rodrigues, Director of Corporate Services
drodrigues@ajc-ajj.ca
The AJC is committed to providing a safe, respectful, harassment and barrier-free work
environment, starting with the hiring process. If you need accommodation during any phase of
this process, we encourage you to submit a request an accommodation. All information
received on accommodations will be kept confidential.
We thank all applicants for their interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.