Custom Competency Profile by job level

I

(for example, newly hired, recently promoted)

• Effectively uses a variety of information technologyIT software applications
• Applies relevant applicable professional standards in specific assignments
• Is proficient in using Teammate
• Knows how to apply relevant office policies and use office tools

• Demonstrates a basic understanding of technical subject matter and tools
• Knows where to find the relevant standards, administrative practices, policies, guidelines, legislation, and/or technologies, and applies them
• Learns to become proficient in the use of tools

• Adopts an investigative and proactive approach, and draws on sound knowledge of standards and guidelines and other relevant models and policies
• Efficiently identifies, locates, and applies all relevant professional requirements and information when investigating an issue or topic
• Uses relevant technical expertise and knowledge to support a position effectively

• Applies comprehensive knowledge of the technical field to address complex matters in a practical manner
• Develops a logical rationale for findings and the recommendations and conclusions that clearly incorporate all applicable technical knowledge
• Promotes the OAG’s contribution to team members and clients
• Ensures tools and techniques selected are applied in the most effective manner

II

(for example, experienced in role)

• Is proficient in maintaining audit files
• Is aware of the role of Functional Responsibility Leaders (FRL)s at the OAG
• Maintains professional knowledge and skills

• Has a proficient understanding of subject matter
• Relates recent developments, best practices, and other guidance to specific tasks
• Maintains knowledge of and complies with appropriate work-related standards in own field
• Demonstrates knowledge of OAG priorities that impact on team’s work

• Shares knowledge in areas of expertise with other staff
• Helps staff locate relevant technical information and develop their knowledge

• Coaches team members and colleagues in learning and applying methodologies and tools
• Ensures tools and techniques selected are applied in the most effective manner

I

• Performs basic analytical tasks correctly to reach valid conclusions
• Demonstrates sound professional judgement in day-to-day activities and decisions

• Consults with colleagues when sourcing information
• Documents and raises issues with supervisor(s) in a timely manner and, where possible, offers solutions
• Completes quality work in accordance with requirements

• Logically and correctly analyzes information to contribute to findings and conclusions
• Breaks down a problem to its core parts to assess it
• Understands and articulates the issue or problem to the relevant person in a timely manner
• Discusses, challenges, and seeks advice on proposed solutions with supervisors
• Uses evidence and other information to support a point of view, either verbally or in writing

• Develops findings, conclusions, or recommendations with accurate insights drawn from an extrapolation of relevant data
• Identifies multiple causes and implications of a problem across a broad context
• Draws on own and others’ comprehensive experience when analysing alternatives
• Identifies risks, benefits, and major implications of possible alternatives before arriving at a solution
• Shows an understanding of how the team’s work aligns with the OAG priorities, and contributes to achievement of organizational goals
• Reports conclusions by appropriately weighing all relevant facts, providing a balanced and fair assessment

II

• Looks beyond symptoms to uncover causes
• Anticipates potential problems affecting own work
• Identifies linkages between related information, data, and issues

• Effectively identifies less complex issues or potential problems
• Sources relevant evidence to examine identified issues or potential problems

• Offers potential solutions to address issues when they arise
• Understands the OAG’s organizational structure, audit support functions, and decision-making processes
• Critically evaluates the relevance and value of procedures
• Proposes conclusions and solutions that go beyond own work responsibilities

• Develops solutions and makes judgement calls in the absence of perfect information
• Grasps the meanings of trends and relationships between the organization and its environment
• Synthesizes a large amount of complex information into a coherent picture
• Identifies a key issue in a complex situation

I

• Shows respect for team members
• Is polite and personable when engaging with colleagues and stakeholders
• Is friendly and approachable
• Exhibits body language that is conducive to open communication
• Communicates with colleagues in a professional manner

• Demonstrates mindfulness when communicating with stakeholders
• Clearly and sensitively explains why information is needed when requesting it, taking into account the stakeholder’s perspective
• Seeks out the support of supervisor(s) when unsure of the best way to respond to an issue or question
• Actively listens to understand the impact of issues and perspectives of others

• Demonstrates mindfulness of different stakeholder cultures, and acts in accordance with these
• Tactfully raises potential problems and issues with stakeholders
• Politely defers stakeholder questions when unable to offer a definitive response on the spot; follows up with an answer in a timely manner
• Actively listens to understand the impact of issues and perspectives of others

• Builds strong rapport with stakeholders and colleagues
• Effectively manages stakeholders’ and colleagues’ expectations
• Agrees to roles and responsibilities with stakeholders and colleagues
• Builds stakeholder and colleagues’ trust by fostering open sharing of relevant information
• Is tactful and clear when explaining methods, findings, and conclusions to stakeholders and colleagues
• Adapts original view when presented with additional compelling evidence
• Speaks in a compelling manner that holds others’ attention in group and in one-on-one situations
• Actively listens to understand the impact of issues and perspectives of others

II

• Provides opportunities for others to speak
• Chooses appropriate modes of communication

• Recognises different stakeholder and colleague working preferences and cultures, and adapts own style to achieve the required outcome

• Effectively manages project and operational relationships with stakeholders
• Demonstrates understanding of major risk areas and how their work addresses these risks

• Facilitates relationship building between stakeholders, team members, and senior managers (for example, conducting meetings, leading information sessions)

I

• Writes clear, succinct, logically structured memos, letters, and working papers, using appropriate style, spelling, and grammar
• Uses correct grammar, spelling, punctuation, and language
• Writes clear, succinct, logically structured communication material

• Documents work tasks accurately
• Reviews communication material before finalizing to ensure appropriate tone and accurate content
• Clearly explains the nature of work to be done, as well as the work that has already been done, and the results to be achieved

• Follows the appropriate format in writing, and ensures writing is accurate, grammatically correct, well-structured, and easily understood by the intended audience
• Structures communication in a logical manner, which makes it easy for the audience to understand
• Evidences a critical review of own work to ensure it is concise, clear, and relevant
• Writes persuasive conclusions that address objectives and clearly explain findings and their significance

• Sensitively communicates complex messages to stakeholders, referring to relevant evidence where appropriate
• Presents persuasive arguments when presenting findings, conclusions, or recommendations
• Responds positively and persuasively to issues voiced by colleagues and stakeholders
• Speaks in a compelling manner that holds others’ attention in group and one-on-one situations
• Converts technical language and complex messages into easy-to-understand terms for a general audience
• Presents information knowledgeably, logically, and persuasively

II

• Adapts the style and content of written communication for the audience

• Demonstrates understanding of the sender’s message by paraphrasing, repeating key statements, using probing questions, etc.
• Poses clear, specific, and insightful questions to obtain information required

• Clearly explains the nature of any work to be done and results to be achieved
• Demonstrates understanding of senders’ messages by paraphrasing, repeating key statements, using probing questions, etc.
• Writes persuasive conclusions that address objectives and clearly explain findings and their significance

• Clearly explains difficult or complex issues, findings, main messages, and their significance
• Communicates equally effectively at varied organizational levels
• Provides advice and feedback to less experienced colleagues in relation to their written and oral communication

I

• Demonstrates an understanding of audit process and assignment objectives
• Keeps track of own tasks and prioritizes them in a manner that reflects work objectives
• Keeps supervisor informed of progress and looks for guidance at appropriate times

• Monitors and promptly informs supervisor if tasks are finished early or if there is a gap in own workload, or over- commitment
• Raises risks of not meeting deadlines with supervisors or stakeholders as soon as they become apparent
• When needed, requests assistance from more experienced colleagues in a timely manner
• Keeps project team members and supervisor informed of, and involved in, project activities
• Views and promotes learning as a life-long pursuit and embraces opportunities to do so
• Plans and organizes own activities to accomplish pre-determined objectives

• Provides possible solutions to supervisors or stakeholders as soon as potential deadline issues become apparent
• Shows an awareness of the demands on colleagues, and assists where possible
• Effectively manages work or projects
• Communicates updated information to supervisors and stakeholders in a timely way, without prompting
• Follows through on deliverables, even when working across multiple pieces of work
• Looks for opportunities to take on new challenges and responsibilities
• Seeks performance feedback and acts on it

• Accurately defines the scope of a component of work or project, and delegates responsibilities and sets timelines appropriately
• Anticipates and actively manages project and business risks
• Recognizes areas where projects are inappropriately resourced and develops a solution or raises the issue at the right level
• Implements effective corrective action when problems arise
• Seeks performance feedback and acts on it
• Conveys clear expectations, priorities and milestones to team members
• Keeps managers informed of progress, developments, and any constraints to meeting deadlines

II

• Efficiently completes quality work in accordance with requirements

• Suggests appropriate modifications to current assignments
• Changes own work methods to improve performance
• Reviews own work to ensure completeness and accuracy
• Is persistent when faced with obstacles to completing assigned work
• Volunteers for various tasks
• Sets and aligns own priorities with management direction

• Critically evaluates the relevance and value of procedures
• Suggests improvements in approach and procedures for future assignments as knowledge and experience are gained
• Takes personal responsibility for assigned work

• Recognizes and seizes opportunities for team to make a difference
• Assigns tasks to staff according to individual strengths
• Perseveres in seeking opportunities to advance organizational objectives
• Encourages team members to make suggestions and experiment in an effort to improve their work quality
• Creates and maintains team focus and drive toward goals consistent with objectives established by senior managers

I

• Asks questions to clarify requirements
• Listens to and acts on feedback

• Speaks up if expectations are not clear
• Brings a cooperative attitude to the job, participates willingly, supports team decisions, and does his/her share of the work
• Shares knowledge of and experience with the entity with team

• Raises workplace concerns with relevant colleagues and guides junior staff to do so
• Checks in with supervisor to get feedback on development
• Explains the rationale underpinning tasks and approaches when communicating responsibilities and requirements to less experienced colleagues
• Participates fully and constructively in team discussions
• Develops and sustains good working relationships by being supportive, listening to other viewpoints, and understanding difficulties faced by others

• Focuses on self-development by actively seeking out and acting on feedback
• Builds trust with colleagues by having open and honest conversations
• Sensitively delivers regular, specific and appropriate feedback to team members
• Solicits and values team members’ ideas and expertise; expects all team members to contribute
• Coaches team members in becoming effective team players and developing required competencies

II

• Shares information, keeps team members informed, and speaks of team members in positive terms

• Takes responsibility for own career opportunities and development (for example, identifies required training, takes on assignments to allow for personal development)

• Expresses interest in colleagues and the work they are doing
• Proactively approaches supervisor regarding career aspirations and learning opportunities

• Develops others by providing specific and appropriate feedback in a constructive way
• Distinguishes between teaching and coaching styles and uses each appropriately

I

• Maintains professional standing by observing professional codes of conduct; maintains expertise through professional development activities
• Expresses pride and interest in the OAG
• Acts with independence, objectivity, and integrity at all times
• Uses a respectful tone when interacting with others

• Promotes OAG values and demonstrates them through day-to-day behaviours
• Respects the OAG’s decision-making structure and decisions
• Promotes a respectful workplace and the overall best interests of the OAG
• Shows willingness to help colleagues
• Uses a respectful tone when interacting with others
• Demonstrates the OAG values of integrity and respect when interacting with colleagues at all times

• Promotes OAG values and demonstrates them through day-to-day behaviours and work
• Respects the OAG’s decision-making structure and decisions
• Promotes a respectful workplace and the overall best interests of the OAG
• Shares a positive outlook on the OAG with team members
• Helps colleagues exercise judgement
• Uses a respectful tone when interacting with others

• Promotes OAG values and demonstrates them through day-to-day behaviours
• Expresses pride and interest in the OAG
• Promotes a respectful workplace and the overall best interests of the OAG
• Shares a positive outlook on the OAG with team members
• Initiates and actively supports OAG events and activities
• Uses a respectful tone when interacting with others

I

• Is persistent when faced with obstacles to completing assigned work
• Volunteers for various tasks

• Expresses willingness to do things differently
• Displays a positive attitude in the face of ambiguity and change
• Proposes innovative approaches and practices

• Is resilient in the face of change; maintains focus and composure in stressful situations like travel or peak periods
• Displays ability to work on several projects and activities concurrently
• Adapts behaviour to perform effectively under changing or unclear conditions

• Maintains focus and composure in the midst of problems or stressful situations related to change
• Expresses willingness to do things differently
• Understands and recognizes the value of other points of view and ways of doing things
• Displays a positive attitude in the face of ambiguity and change
• Adapts own behaviour or approach to suit situations
• Sets and aligns own priorities with management direction
• Adapts behaviour to perform effectively under changing or unclear conditions

II

• Understands and recognizes the value of other points of view and ways of doing things

• Is tolerant of change in the workplace
• Is able to work on several projects and activities concurrently

• Proposes and implements innovative approaches and practices
• Suggests improvements in approach and procedures for future assignments

• Adapts to new ideas and initiatives across a wide variety of issues or situations
• Supports and adapts to major changes that challenge traditional ways of operating
• Adapts interpersonal style as appropriate for highly diverse individuals and groups in a range of situations
• Anticipates change and adapts own plans and priorities accordingly
• Actively looks for and contributes to opportunities to improve workplace processes

• Provides technical guidance to colleagues on complex and ambiguous problems, particularly where there is no clear and definitive course of action
• Coaches and mentors others to share specific technical expertise with the broader OAG community and, where applicable, the profession
• Identifies the impact of new standards, tools, and practices on functional and office work
• Creates and maintains team’s awareness of how its work is aligned with OAG priorities and goals
• Communicates knowledge of OAG and government priorities and initiatives to others and encourages discussion of their impact on the OAG
• Understands and applies knowledge of OAG priorities when setting work plans and expectations

• Keeps abreast of new trends and developments and shares these with team members and colleagues
• Provides strategic input and challenge at key audit stages
• Works with directors and others to ensure team products and relationships remain consistent with the OAG’s mission, values, and goals
• Champions the vision of an answerable, honest, and productive government
• Develops and communicates vision for team consistent with OAG mission
• Makes decisions based on knowledge of current government priorities and major policy initiatives

• Addresses issues of compliance with office standards
• Resolves complex issues at the product line and corporate levels
• Monitors the consistent application of standards and methodology office-wide
• Provides input on risks and mitigation strategies

• Considers the long-term, broad implications of proposed solutions
• Reaches decisions under conditions of high risk, uncertainty, or complexity
• Draws on experience to make effective judgements in response to complex problems
• Helps staff develop capacity to deal with complex problems
• Informs analysis with a thorough understanding of the environment
• Engages others to translate implementation strategies into concrete objectives
• Contributes expertise and insight to the development of organizational strategies
• Implements strategies that respond to organizational priorities that improve outcomes for the OAG
• Pulls ideas, issues, and observations into a single concept or clear presentation
• Works with senior managers and others to ensure that team services, practices, and relationships remain consistent with the OAG’s mission, values, and goals

• Interprets context and identifies implications of key issues in the environment
• Engages others to secure commitment to implementation objectives
• Contributes expertise and insight to the development of organizational priorities and strategies
• Articulates vision and priorities with clarity and conviction
• Establishes strategies that respond to organizational priorities that improve outcomes for Canada and Canadians
• Grasps the meanings of trends and relationships between the organization and its environment
• Promotes the OAG’s priorities and overall contribution to external priorities

• Frames emerging issues and provides advice that reflects a thorough understanding of the environment
• Engages others to develop clear, concise, and viable strategies for implementation
• Contributes expertise and insight to the development of the departmental vision and strategy
• Establishes and communicates organizational priorities aligned with the department’s vision and goals
• Commits to implementing strategies that improve outcomes for Canada and Canadians

• Quickly develops an understanding of stakeholders’ work habits and relationship dynamics and structures, and interacts with them accordingly
• Is tactful and clear when explaining methods, findings, and conclusions to senior managers
• Uses persuasive communication to generate positive solutions with colleagues and stakeholders
• Builds and nurtures effective and collaborative networks and relationships with communities of practice, colleagues, and stakeholders
• Engages others to support horizontal initiatives
• Actively listens to understand the impacts of issues and the perspectives of others
• Implements strategies that enhance collaboration
• Acknowledges others’ contributions in achieving objectives
• Recognizes interdependencies, seeks common ground, and develops respectful long-term relationships
• Establishes trustful relationships with stakeholders through demonstrated independence, objectivity, and integrity

• Builds and nurtures effective, collaborative relationships
• Seeks opportunities to advance strategic alliances with partners and stakeholders
• Engages colleagues to contribute to horizontal initiatives
• Actively listens to understand the impact of issues and the perspectives of others
• Identifies opportunities and develops strategies for collaboration
• Acknowledges others’ contributions in achieving objectives
• Maintains credibility and trust so that advice is sought, valued and respected, including relations with parliamentary committees
• Deals with difficult situations or personalities quickly and effectively
• Monitors changing interests and needs of stakeholder groups
• Develops effective partnerships through commitment, trust, and open communications

• Builds and nurtures effective and collaborative relationships
• Seeks and forms strategic alliances with partners and stakeholders to continuously improve upon results
• Engages colleagues to deliver on horizontal initiatives
• Actively listens to understand the impact of issues and the perspectives of others
• Generates support from partners and stakeholders through influence and negotiation
• Acknowledges others’ contributions in achieving objectives

• Develops the writing ability of less experienced colleagues by providing detailed feedback
• Confidently presents complex information, recommendations, or conclusions to senior managers and stakeholders
• Firmly and respectfully explains positions, where appropriate, even when exposed to strong resistance
• Uses persuasive communication to generate positive solutions with colleagues and stakeholders
• Clearly explains difficult or complex issues, findings, main messages, and their significance
• Runs effective meetings by setting the agenda, clarifying the purpose and roles, opening and closing the meeting, managing meeting time, etc.

• Conveys the OAG’s views on major issues and other matters to stakeholders and others effectively
• Presents complex issues with credibility and impact in widely varied situations; gains acceptance and commitment for action
• Establishes a climate of open two-way communication with stakeholders and others
• Promotes the OAG’s messages, products, and services in a purposeful and timely manner that gains and sustains interest and support
• Observes OAG communications policies and guidelines when speaking to journalists or members of the public
• Collaborates with OAG Communications to develop effective communication strategies for product messages, anticipating entity reaction and contingencies

• Conveys the OAG’s strategic direction and priorities to stakeholders and others effectively

• Aligns people, work, and systems to achieve results
• Quantifies, monitors, and controls resources and costs
• Sets and revises goals and plans to reflect changing priorities or conditions
• Delegates responsibility and accountability to appropriate levels
• Informs decision-making with sound understanding of context, data, and evidence
• Demonstrates and promotes stewardship of financial and organizational resources
• Makes challenging decisions and takes action at the opportune time
• Takes ownership and acknowledges the impacts and outcomes of decisions

• Implements strategies to align people, work, and systems to improve outcomes and maximize results
• Ensures that the pace, scope, and cost of initiatives are planned, monitored, and controlled
• Delegates responsibility and accountability to appropriate levels
• Informs decision-making with sound understanding of context, data, and evidence
• Demonstrates and promotes stewardship of financial and organizational resources
• Makes challenging decisions and takes action at opportune times
• Takes ownership and acknowledges the impacts and outcomes of decisions

• Develops strategies to maximize the effectiveness of resources and improve outcomes and results
• Ensures rigorous planning and implementation to deliver on priorities
• Delegates responsibility and accountability to appropriate levels
• Informs decision-making with sound understanding of context, data, and evidence
• Sets high expectations by exemplifying stewardship of financial and organizational resources
• Makes challenging decisions and takes actions at opportune times
• Takes ownership and acknowledges the impacts and outcomes of decisions

• Creates a sense of common purpose and direction in the organization and among colleagues
• Sets clear expectations; monitors and evaluates performance
• Invests time and resources to support continuous learning
• Gives honest feedback, recognizes performance, and manages non-performance
• Engages employees to gather ideas and input to build cohesive teams
• Sets challenging goals for themselves and models dedication and high performance
• Coaches team members in developing effective relationships and sound professional judgement

• Creates a sense of common purpose and direction in the organization and among colleagues
• Sets clear expectations and oversees performance management practices
• Commits to the development of organizational and individual talent
• Gives honest feedback, recognizes performance, and manages non-performance
• Creates opportunities for open and constructive dialogue
• Sets challenging goals for themselves and models dedication and high performance

• Sets and communicates clear performance expectations and exercises rigorous oversight
• Identifies, manages, and supports collective and individual talent
• Cultivates an environment of continuous learning and professional development
• Creates a positive environment to encourage open and constructive dialogue
• Sets challenging goals for self and models dedication and high performance
• Considers the team’s competencies, interests, and concerns in establishing team structures, roles, and responsibilities