Recruitment posting
Alberta Human Rights Commission
Competition #: 846
Ministry : Justice
Opening Date : 2025/03/04
closing Date : 2025/03/31
Role : Chief of the Commission and Tribunals
It is recognized in Alberta as a fundamental principle and as a matter of public policy that all persons are equal. Diversity and inclusion are valued and supported on the boards of Alberta's public agencies.
The Minister of Justice is seeking applications from individuals interested in serving as the Chief of the Commission and Tribunals for the Alberta Human Rights Commission.
The Alberta Human Rights Act establishes the Alberta Human Rights Commission as an independent body that reports through the Ministry of Justice. The Commission has a two-fold mandate: to foster equality and to reduce discrimination. This mandate is fulfilled through public education initiatives and the resolution of human rights complaints made under the Act.
In this senior official role, the Chief of the Commission and Tribunals provides leadership in setting the vision and overall goals of the Commission to ensure the spirit and intent of the Alberta Human Rights Act are met. The role provides jurisprudential leadership through conducting case management sessions, hearings, mediations, and decision writing. As a Tribunal Member, the Chief conducts Tribunal hearings, writes decisions, conducts mediations, and considers appeals from Director’s decisions. As head of the Commission, the Chief will set policy direction, oversee educational programs and keep the Minister informed of emergent human rights issues and trends. While respecting the Director’s independence, the Chief works to ensure that Commission procedures enhance access to justice, and the fair, just and expeditious resolution of human rights complaints. The Chief also works with the Director of Communication, Education and Engagement to set the priorities for that unit, including the development of specific projects and initiatives, including in the area of Indigenous Human Rights, accessibility for persons with disabilities, and linking with community organizations that support equality seeking communities.
The ideal candidates’ background includes:
- Extensive executive management and leadership experience,
- Well-developed skills in an adjudicative setting, and with dispute resolution, obtained through experience in court, or in quasi-judicial or regulatory agencies, boards or tribunals.
- Solid understanding of administrative law and practice and of current and emerging human rights principles and issues is essential.
- Candidates will have well-established credibility in their career and are recognized for demonstrating fairness and personal integrity.
- Excellent communication complemented by strong analytical skills and a proven ability to write clear and sound legal briefs or decisions in an arbitral, judicial or quasi-judicial role. Prior experience in an adjudicative decision-making role is an asset.
- Experience with the Alberta Human Rights Act and related legislation, as well as experience with employment and labour law, is an asset.
A Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or Juris Doctor (JD) is required. Candidates must have a minimum of eleven years executive/legal (Court, or in quasi-judicial or regulatory agencies, boards or tribunals) experience following admission to the bar in a Canadian jurisdiction and be eligible for membership with the Law Society of Alberta.
Final candidates will be asked to undergo a comprehensive background check, disclosure, and conflict of interest screening.
The Chief of the Commission and Tribunals is a full-time position.
The appointment is recommended by the Minister of Justice and made under an Order in Council approved by the Lieutenant Governor in Council. Appointments are for a specified term, and reappointments may be possible to a maximum of 12 years.
Offices are located in both Edmonton and Calgary. Candidates should be available to travel throughout the province as required.
The Chief of the Commission and Tribunals is a designated executive position and listed under Ministerial Order 13-2024, Level 4 ($195,154 - $264,031). The compensation framework for this position is under review.
Travel expenses will be paid in accordance to the Government of Alberta’s Travel, Meal and Hospitality Expenses Policy.
(This field will only show up on the RECRUITMENT POSTING preview page if there is a request to complete documents)
In this section:
- Attach any documents that are required for the screening process: application form, conflict of interest form or other forms as required by the department
- Include the following information: In addition to your cover letter and resume, we require a biography. Click HERE to download the biography form.
Once the forms are completed, save them to your PC. When you click on submit application, you will be prompted to upload additional documents. Drag and drop or upload your completed biography form and others requested into the ‘Drop files below or click to upload’ section
Executive Search, Public Service Commission
Phone: 780-408-8460
Carefully read the Recruitment Posting and the Position Profile to ensure this is an appropriate opportunity for you. Applicants are advised to provide information that clearly and concisely demonstrates how their qualifications meet the advertised requirements.
Online applications are preferred. To apply, click on the 'apply' button, create or sign into your account in the ePAAS system; upload your resume, view the listing under Current Opportunities and click on 'submit application'. The uploaded resume will be automatically attached.
Provide a short 4 line biography using the Biography template found under additional documents section. Your biography should include your name, current work experience, board/committee experience and relevant education. Please note that biographies may be edited for length and clarity.
Once your biography and other required form(s) are completed, save it to your PC. When you hit 'submit application', you will be prompted to upload additional documents. Drag and drop (or upload) your completed cover letter, biography and other form(s) into the 'Drop files below or click to upload' section before clicking the 'apply' button.
If you are unable to apply online, please submit a cover letter and resume, quoting the recruitment posting competition number, to the contact provided on the posting. We thank all applicants for their interest. All applications will be reviewed to assess which candidates' qualifications most closely match the agency's requirements. Only those selected for interviews will be contacted to advance to the next step in the appointment process. You can check the status of each competition on-line at https://www.alberta.ca/public-agencies.cfm.
The personal information in ePAAS is collected pursuant to section 33(c) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. The information will be used to administer and manage recruitment for current and future public agency appointment opportunities. Questions regarding the collection, use, or disclosure of this information, may be directed to the Public Agency Secretariat, Public Service Commission, 3rd Floor, Peace Hills Trust Tower, 10011 109 Street, Edmonton, AB T5J 3S8 or by calling 780-644-3060. Applicants will be required to identify any real or perceived conflicts of interest and may be required to undergo additional screening.
Please Note: Successful applicants will have the following information about them made publicly available on the Public Agency Secretariat Website: name, biography, public agency, and position title.