Honorary Consul of Canada in Portland, Maine
Call for applications
The Consulate General of Canada in Boston is seeking applications from interested parties in serving Canada as Canada’s Honorary Consul in Portland, Maine.
Remuneration: Honorarium*: $20,000 per annum
*an honorarium is an ex gratia payment made to a person in recognition of his or her services for a fixed term
Term Details: Honorary Consul appointments are valid for a period of five years
Date Posted: Wednesday, December 23, 2020
Closing Date: Friday, January 29, 2021 5pm EST
Role of the Honorary Consul
The Honorary Consul will work closely with the Consulate General of Canada in Boston to advance Canadian interests; facilitate contacts; liaise with local business and political leaders, cultural institutions, and other civil society organizations; and communicate Canadian messages on key bilateral issues.
The Honorary Consul will also provide an important local and regional perspective on issues of interest to Canada.
In collaboration with the Consulate General in Boston, the Honorary Consul will:
- Provide access for Canadian officials to key US decision-makers and influencers in the area.
- Meet with major US corporate and political entities in the area for the express purpose of delivering Canadian business development and advocacy messages.
- Provide intelligence and advice on key aspects of Canada-US and Canada-Maine relations as seen from the local perspective and make recommendations on opportunities to advance Canadian objectives.
- Represent the Consulate General, as appropriate, at events that provide an opportunity for Canadian promotion and advocacy.
- Provide information to key clients with respect to Canadian trade, investment, science and technology, and trade policy issues such as the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA)
In order to be considered, your written application must clearly explain how you meet the following (essential qualifications):
Essential qualifications
- A tangible connection to Canada such as education in Canada or work experience / professional affiliation with a Canadian company or organization, etc.
- Sound judgment, a solid reputation and good standing in the local community, validated through a media review, reference checks and a “reliability” security clearance.
- Good professional standing and an extensive local business and political network.
- Reside in Southern Maine / the greater Portland area.
- Good relations with local government authorities.
The following knowledge, skills, and abilities will be applied / assessed at a later date (essential for the job):
- Written Communication in English: Presents and describes concepts and issues in a clear, concise and effective manner.
- Verbal Communication in English: Communicates in a clear and persuasive manner.
- Strategic Thinking: Understands and processes complex information, and exercises sound judgment in considering the issues, key players and intricacies of the situation in order to propose a course of action that furthers the objectives and priorities of the Government of Canada.
- In-depth knowledge of local business and political dynamics.
- Capacity to engage extensive local business and political networks.
- Ability to build positive working relationships with all levels of public officials, particularly at the state and federal levels.
- High ethical standards and integrity.
The following may be applied / assessed at a later date (may be needed for the job):
Asset qualifications
- Proficiency in French.
- Independent means and availability of a suitable location for an office.
- Special consideration may be given to increasing the overall gender parity and diversity of our US network of Honorary Consuls.
Conditions of appointment
- Eligibility for a Government of Canada Reliability Status, which includes a criminal and credit background check.
- Compliance with the Canadian government Ethical and Political Activity Guidelines for Public Office Holders
- Compliance with the Canadian Government Conflict of Interest Act
Consideration will not be given to candidates who:
- Occupy any governmental position in their State of residence
- May be unable to deliver the program due to other commitments
- Are active in politics
- May have a real, apparent or potential conflict of interest
Selection procedure
The selection process will consist of a review of all applications to ensure that candidates meet the essential requirements. Please note that failure to meet any of the essential requirements will eliminate a candidate from further consideration. Only those applicants who meet these will be contacted for an interview or other form of assessment.
The assessment may include an interview, reference checks and other elements that will consist of a series of questions designed to evaluate each candidate’s knowledge, abilities, and personal suitability for the position.
Method of application
Please submit a résumé and a cover letter to BOSTN.Jobs@international.gc.ca by the closing date. It is your responsibility to provide appropriate examples that illustrate how you meet each essential qualification. Failing to do so could result in your application being rejected. All communications relating to this process, including email correspondence, may be used in the assessment of qualifications.
