As a Supervisor of Official Languages at DND, you will lead and manage a team dedicated to promoting and implementing Canada's Official Languages policies across the department. You will oversee the coordination of French and English language services, ensure compliance with the Official Languages Act, and support the development of bilingual capacity within the organization. Your leadership will directly contribute to creating an inclusive workplace where all employees can work in their preferred official language.
Your key responsibilities include supervising and evaluating team members, planning and coordinating official languages programs, managing training initiatives, and providing expert advice on language policy implementation. You will work collaboratively with various DND departments to assess language needs, develop solutions, and monitor program effectiveness. This role requires strong communication skills in both official languages and the ability to manage competing priorities in a dynamic, multi-level organization.
You will work in an office environment at a DND location, typically in Ottawa or other regional centres. This position offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on workplace inclusivity and supports the federal government's commitment to official languages. You will interact regularly with staff at all levels, engage with external stakeholders, and contribute to strategic human resources initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
Coordinate and oversee daily official languages 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 role, you typically need a secondary school diploma or equivalent, with some positions requiring post-secondary education in human resources, management, or a related field. Professional certifications in human resources management, such as those offered by the Canadian Council of Human Resources Associations (CCHRA), are assets. Fluency in both English and French is essential, with the ability to demonstrate proficiency through standardized language tests.
Once hired, you will have access to ongoing professional development opportunities including management and leadership training, official languages policy updates, and specialized courses in human resources practices. DND supports employees pursuing relevant certifications and provides mentorship programs for supervisors. Internal training programs cover departmental policies, conflict resolution, and organizational change management.
Entry Plans
You can enter this career through several pathways within the federal Public Service. The primary route is through open competitions for the Supervisor - Official Languages position, advertised on the Government of Canada's job portal (jobs.gc.ca). These competitions are open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.
If you are already employed within the Public Service, you may apply through internal competitions, which often have lower barriers to entry and faster processing times. Lateral moves from other human resources or supervisory roles within DND or other federal departments are common, particularly if you have relevant experience in official languages or team leadership.
Students and recent graduates can explore opportunities through the Federal Student Work Program or post-secondary recruitment initiatives. Some positions may be filled through Public Service staffing pools established for similar roles across multiple departments. We recommend creating a profile on the Public Service Commission's recruitment portal to stay informed about upcoming opportunities.
Part-Time Options
Part-time work arrangements are available for this supervisory role, though availability may depend on operational needs and team structure. Many positions offer flexible work schedules that can accommodate personal commitments while maintaining supervisory responsibilities.
Remote and hybrid work options have become increasingly standard within DND's HR functions. Depending on your location and specific duties, you may be able to work from home for a portion of your week, with in-person days for team meetings and collaborative work. Telework arrangements are negotiated between the employee and supervisor based on business requirements and the nature of the work.
Job sharing arrangements may be possible for some positions, allowing two part-time employees to share one full-time supervisory role. We encourage candidates to discuss flexible work options during the recruitment process or after hire, as accommodations can often be made to support work-life balance while maintaining service delivery to DND and the Canadian Armed Forces.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
