Deputy Chairperson and Member, Refugee Appeal Division, Immigration and Refugee Board

The Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada is Canada’s largest independent administrative tribunal. It is responsible for making well-reasoned decisions on immigration and refugee matters, efficiently, fairly and in accordance with the law.

The Immigration and Refugee Board is a high-volume, predominantly digital tribunal, and is focused on access to justice and timely decision making.

Reporting to the Immigration and Refugee Board Chairperson, the Deputy Chairperson of the Refugee Appeal Division both drives the work of the division and is a contributing and active member of the Immigration and Refugee Board’s senior executive team.

The Deputy Chairperson provides strategic leadership to the management of the refugee appeal tribunal, ensuring, on an annual basis, that more than 11,000 appeal decisions are made in a timely manner, fairly, efficiently and in accordance with the law. The Deputy Chairperson actively promotes consistency in refugee decision-making across the division’s independent member complement and provides executive leadership to the development of coherent national jurisprudence. Finally, the Deputy Chairperson is an innovative leader capable of delivering a national program, the success of which is measured by defined and ambitious performance metrics.

While leading the Refugee Appeal Division, the Deputy Chairperson also contributes to the overall governance of the Immigration and Refugee Board. On a daily basis, they are required to bring critical thinking and analytical skills to difficult and complex operational and program delivery problems, work with various institutional stakeholders, and respond to the demands of program delivery in a fast-paced, ever-changing work environment.

Diversity and Official Languages

We are committed to providing a healthy and accessible workplace that supports one’s dignity, self-esteem and the ability to work on one’s full potential. With this in mind, all appointees will be expected to take steps to promote and maintain a healthy, respectful, inclusive and harassment-free work environment.

Preference may be given to applicants who are members of one or more of the following groups: women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and members of a visible minority group.

The Government of Canada will consider bilingual proficiency and diversity in assessing applicants. You are therefore encouraged to include in your online profile your ability to speak and understand your second official language.

Education and Experience

• A degree from a recognized university or an acceptable combination of relevant education, job-related training and / or experience;


• Postgraduate or professional degree in a related area (e.g., Bachelor of Laws, Master of Laws, Master of Business Administration, Master of Arts) would be considered an asset;


• Significant management experience in financial management, human resources, and information technology at an executive or senior level, within an institution or organization of similar size;


• Experience in the development, interpretation and application of legislative and regulatory frameworks or policies;


• Experience in gathering and evaluating of complex information to prepare written decisions;


• Member of at least ten years’ standing at the bar of a province or the Chambre des notaires du Québec would be considered an asset;


• Experience in the operation and conduct of an administrative tribunal, an agency or an equivalent would be considered an asset;


• Experience as a decision-maker in an administrative tribunal would be considered an asset;


• Experience in applying the provisions of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act in matters determined by either the Immigration Appeal Division or the Refugee Appeal Division, or in the application of the United Nations Convention relating to the Status of Refugees would be considered an asset; and


• Significant experience in developing and maintaining partnerships and interacting with stakeholders within and outside the Public Service would be considered an asset.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the role and mandate of the Board;


• Knowledge of the legal and administrative principles that guide the management of an independent administrative tribunal and its members;


• Knowledge of the principles of case management in an administrative tribunal;


• Superior organizational and leadership skills, particularly in the context of managing a high-volume workload;


• Superior interpersonal and communication skills;


• Ability to analyze differing opinions and complex situations and respond strategically and reasonably, with a view to making fair and equitable recommendations;


• Ability to manage a wide range of subject matters and make informed and timely decisions based on, at times, incomplete or conflicting information;


• Ability to exercise transparency, probity and accountability in the management of resources; and


• Ability to contribute to and influence corporate policy and program development initiatives.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

• Integrity and high ethical standards


• Prudence, tact and discretion


• Innovative


• Sensitivity to the values of inclusion, diversity, equity, accessibility and anti‑racism

Eligibility Factors and Conditions of Employment

• Appointees must comply with the Ethical and Political Activity Guidelines for Public Office Holders throughout their appointment as a term and condition of employment. The guidelines are available on the Governor in Council Appointments website under the Forms and reference material.


• All appointees are subject to the Conflict of Interest Act. Public office holders appointed on a full-time basis must also submit to the Office of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics within 60 days of appointment, a confidential report in which they disclose all of their assets, liabilities and outside activities. For more information, please visit the Office of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner's website.


• Appointees must uphold the highest standards of probity and are expected to demonstrate behaviours in the workplace that afford respect, equality and dignity, to everyone they interact with at work at all times. The Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector outlines the values and expected behaviours for public servants, including valuing diversity and creating workplaces free from harassment and discrimination. Governor in Council appointees are expected to uphold and respect these values and principles in a positive and active manner.


• If you are appointed, you may not accept or hold any office or employment or carry on any activity inconsistent with your duties and functions under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (statutory).


• If you are appointed, you must devote the whole of your time to the performance of your duties under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (statutory).


• If you are appointed, you must reside in or be willing to relocate to the National Capital Region, or to a location within a reasonable commuting distance.


• If you are appointed, you must be willing to travel across Canada.


• Obtaining and maintaining a Secret security clearance is a condition of employment.

A link to this notice will be placed in the Canada Gazette to assist the Governor in Council in identifying qualified candidates. It is not, however, intended to be the sole means of recruitment.

A list of qualified candidates may be established and may be used for similar opportunities.

How to Apply

Review of applications (more information available here) will begin on February 14, 2024. Candidates should apply online via the Governor in Council Appointments website. Candidates are strongly encouraged to submit their applications by this date. After this date, your application will be retained and may be considered up until an appointment to the position is made. Your cover letter should be addressed to the Director of Selection Processes, Senior Personnel Secretariat, Privy Council Office, and should be sent only through the online application.

Instructions on how to apply for an appointment opportunity can be found on the Governor in Council Appointments website.