Commercial Officer (Ontario)

SUMMARY OF DUTIES

Situated in the heart of North America, Ontario is Canada’s economic engine. It is about 2.5 times the size of California, home to nearly 39% of the country’s population, and generates roughly 38% of national GDP.  

Ontario has a highly diversified, future-focused economy. Its globally competitive technology ecosystem is anchored in major hubs such as Toronto, Waterloo, and Ottawa, and the province is home to North America’s second largest financial services centre. 

Ontario offers scale, deep talent, and clean electricity, with strengths in AI, enterprise software, clean technology, life sciences, and advanced manufacturing. It plays a central role in North American trade, integrated supply chains, and cross-border innovation with the United States.  

The Government of Ontario operates a network of International Trade and Investment Offices (TIOs) in key global markets. These offices are co-located in Canadian diplomatic missions abroad and are led by a Canadian diplomat (Consul & Head of Office), supported by locally engaged staff. 

TIOs are results-driven and focused on advancing Ontario’s commercial interests through three core pillars: (1) export promotion, (2) foreign direct investment attraction, and (3) supporting commercial research and development partnerships. They also support inbound and outbound visits by senior officials and executives, as well as business missions and delegations. 

The San Francisco TIO advances Ontario’s interests across the Western United States, including California, Alaska, Arizona, Hawaii, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, and Washington. 

The Commercial Officer (Ontario) is a locally engaged employee of the Government of Canada, working in close collaboration with and reporting to the Head of the Ontario Trade and Investment Office in San Francisco.  

Under the general direction of the Head of Office, the incumbent supports Ontario’s commercial objectives in the Western United States by providing trade and investment advisory services, market intelligence, and business development support. This includes assisting Ontario companies in expanding into the U.S. market, as well as supporting U.S.-based companies in establishing or growing operations in Ontario. 

• Duties may include, but are not limited to: 
• Providing advice and responding to client inquiries on investment attraction, trade opportunities, business environment, and commercial R&D partnerships across key sectors  
• Supporting U.S. companies interested in investing in Ontario, and assisting Ontario-based clients by identifying in-market opportunities, networks, and partners to advance their commercial objectives  
• Conducting research and analysis on market trends, sectors, and commercial opportunities, and preparing reports, briefings, and presentations  
• Building and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders, including industry contacts, partners, and government representatives  
• Supporting the planning and delivery of business events, outreach activities, and high-level visits involving senior officials and executives  
• Contributing to the coordination and implementation of program initiatives, projects, and strategic activities  

The incumbent contributes to the effective delivery of Ontario’s trade and investment priorities while ensuring high standards of client service, professionalism, and collaboration. 

AREA OF SELECTION

This selection process is open to all applicants, who are residing and legally authorized to work in USA, who meet all the essential qualifications and whose applications are received by the closing date.  

Please note that the Consulate General of Canada in San Francisco does not sponsor work authorizations directly or indirectly.

The Government of Canada is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from diverse sections of the community. Candidates will be considered on merit regardless of ethnic origin, religious belief, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability or other factor. Our organization offers an inclusive workplace where respect, teamwork, and collaboration are part of our culture. Canada’s missions abroad are committed to promoting and supporting an environment free from harassment and discrimination, as well as encouraging and supporting employees to learn and develop their skills and competencies.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

All essential qualifications will be assessed. Methods of assessments and screening of candidates may include but are not limited to: verification of credentials, resume and letters of presentation; interviews, exams and practical tests; presentations or other types of assessments. 

Education

This position requires:

• A Bachelor's Degree or Undergraduate diploma from a legally recognized University in Business, economics, finance, commerce, or a related field such as public policy, international relations, engineering, law, or data/analytics. or an equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience.*

* An equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience refers to:  A combination of relevant experience of four years of education, training, and/or experience related to the duties and specific areas of competence required by the position 

Note: Candidates will be required to provide proof of their education

Language

The Following languages and proficiency levels are required for this job. Candidates will be formally assessed or requested to provide proof of certification on these levels. 

Experience

In order to perform the duties relevant to this job, the following experience is required.

• Minimum three years cumulative recent experience in business development or program management, such as client and stakeholder relationship management, business development (including cold outreach), project management (planning, reporting, budgeting), research and analysis, strategic advice, briefing and report writing for senior audiences.

 * Recent is defined as experience acquired within the past ten (10) years.

Competencies

All competencies will be assessed. All competencies must be met prior to appointment. 

*For more information on competencies: Competency Dictionary

ASSET QUALIFICATIONS

Preference may be given to candidates who meet the Asset Qualifications. Where applicable, candidates must clearly demonstrate how they meet any asset qualifications.

• Experience and/or established networks in key sectors relevant to Ontario’s interests in the Western United States, particularly ICT, life sciences, and advanced manufacturing 
• Knowledge of recent economic trends, developments, and priorities in Ontario, California, and/or the broader Western United States  
• Experience and/or established networks in attracting Foreign Direct Investment, facilitating export promotion, or supporting commercial R&D partnerships  
• Experience working in government, a diplomatic mission, or a large international organization 
• Experience using digital tools and technologies to support research, analysis, or program delivery.

OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Operational requirements will be assessed on a ``meet/does not meet`` basis and can be used to determine right fit of a candidate for the position.

• Hours of Work: Normal hours of work of work for this position are in accordance with Locally-Engaged Staff regulations of 37.5 hours per week.
• Overtime: Willingness to work overtime on short notice.
• Location of Work: Work is performed on-site with limited flexibility for hybrid remote work.
• Travel: This position may require limited occasional travel domestically and-or internationally.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Conditions of employment must be met or complied with before being appointed to a particular position. They are to be maintained throughout the employment period.

• Valid work authorization: Ability to obtain and hold a valid work authorization covering the entire employment period.
• Security screening: Obtain and maintain a Reliability Status (security level) which includes a criminal and credit background check from the Government of Canada. 

Additional Comments:

We offer a competitive salary, generous leave, 12 weeks of paid parental leave and a strong benefits package that includes medical, dental, long term disability and a retirement savings plan. Please find a summary of our benefits package and information on employment eligibility at: Jobs at our offices in the United States

Our organization offers an inclusive workplace where respect, teamwork, and collaboration are part of our culture. Canada’s missions abroad are committed to promoting and supporting an environment free from harassment and discrimination, as well as encouraging and supporting employees to learn and develop their skills and competencies. Canada’s strength is diversity and it has played a key role in Canada’s history and development. Because of this, the Consulate General of Canada values diversity, equity and inclusion in our workforce.

HOW TO APPLY

Follow the below instructions to ensure your application can be considered. 

• You must submit your application using the "Apply online" function. Only applications submitted via VidCruiter will be considered, unless a valid reason is presented and accepted prior to the closing date.
• Do not include personal data such as; age, date of birth, gender, marital status, family status, religion or a picture in your application form, CV nor cover letter (as required). Only include information relevant to the vacancy as requested in the above job poster.
• You must clearly demonstrate in answering the screening questions how you meet the qualifications of the vacancy. You must provide concrete and detailed examples that clearly explain where, when, and how you gained the qualification in each question box. Global Affairs Canada cannot make any assumptions about your studies nor experience. No additional information will be sought beyond what you submit in your online application.
• Candidates may be required to upload a CV and/or a cover letter in English or French. These documents may (or may not) be used as a secondary source to validate the answers to the screening questions.
• Applications which do not include all the requested documents or information and/or which are not received by the closing date will be rejected.
• Candidates who are unable to submit their application due to technical difficulties must report these to LES-E-Recruitment-WSHDC@international.gc.ca prior to the closing date. Failure to do so will result in the application being rejected.
• *If you are in a partially or fully qualified pool for a similar position with our mission, please include the process number and all relevant details in your application.

IMPORTANT NOTES

Carefully review the following:

• Please note that the Consulate General of Canada in San Francisco does not sponsor work authorizations directly or indirectly.
• Only applications submitted in one of the official languages of Canada will be accepted (English or French).
• Communication for this process will be sent via email. It is the responsibility of the candidates to ensure accurate contact information is provided and updated as required.
• Candidates must provide an email address that accepts email from unknown users and regularly check their email, including spam folder.
• Reference checks may be sought for candidates.
• Please note that the Consulate General of Canada in San Francisco does not reimburse any travel costs to and from interviews/exams nor does it reimburse any relocation costs.
• Before an offer of employment can be made, successful candidates must provide a local residence address as proof of residence in the specified area of selection. This information is necessary to issue a letter of offer.
• We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the hiring process. If you need to be accommodated (during any phase of the evaluation process, please contact us at LES-E-Recruitment-WSHDC@international.gc.ca to request specialized accommodation (a modification made to the standard assessment conditions, allowing individuals with disabilities to demonstrate their abilities on an assessment by removing barriers related to their specific needs). All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.
• The results of this selection process may also be used to establish one or more pools of fully or partially qualified candidates for similar term, indeterminate, part-time or full-time openings at the Consulate General of Canada in San Francisco,  which might arise following the completion of this selection process.
• For Canadian citizens/residents and Canadian dual nationals, please note that it is your responsibility to enquire with the Canadian Revenue Agency about any possible taxation implications linked to an employment with the Government of Canada.
• The Government of Canada has established a multiple step salary scale as well as Terms and Conditions tailored to each country’s local labor environment. The Government of Canada does not negotiate salaries. Competitive benefits in line with local practices for each country are also provided in the gross compensation package.