Innovation design strategist
Important
Do not discuss your application with others (including on social media) besides your partner, or close family members - who should also be reminded about the need to be discreet.
| Closing Date | 2025-11-14 |
|---|---|
| Reference Number | 25-968-08-089 |
| Job Category | Subject Matter Expert |
| Who Can Apply | Canadian Citizens |
| Location | Ottawa, Ontario |
|---|---|
| Salary Range | $99,392 - $120,917 |
| Status | Indeterminate (permanent) |
| Language Requirement | Bilingual BBB/BBB |
Job Summary
The Innovation Design Strategist works with decision makers and cross-functional teams to solve complex challenges using innovation design methods to accelerate changes and create new opportunities for experimentation, leading to deliverables that improve operations.
This role is an important member of the Innovation Centre, which enables a transformational culture across the organization by partnering with cross functional employee teams and executive sponsors to design, test, and scale innovative approaches to service delivery improvements, organizational changes, and cultural renewal. This role advances the Service’s commitment to its strategic imperatives by fostering adaptability, accountability, collaboration, and responsible risk-taking.
Major responsibilities:
- Assess proposed innovation initiatives/submissions to determine if they align with the organizational plans and priorities and provide recommendations on which initiatives to undertake.
- Determine client requirements, the source of the problem, and which stakeholders to engage, and develop design plans for problem solving innovation initiatives using a mix of human-centered design methodologies.
- Design and adapt detailed sequence of collaborative activities based on client feedback, research, new information and emerging priorities.
- Facilitate design sessions with clients and key contributors to support the creation of prototypes and solutions, while developing and documenting recommandations and plans for senior executives to effect changes.
- Apply a variety of group facilitation techniques to facilitate idea generation, encourage collaboration, and improve group dynamics, improving the quality and quantity of viable options for decision-making.
- Navigate discussions and deescalate conflicts to cultivate an environment of civility and ensure productive and respectful meetings.
- Coach, mentor and train other practitioners and managers on the application of innovation strategies, frameworks, and methodologies.
- Measure extent and value of impacts / outcome of the innovation design service, and intervene with appropriate advice and tools.
- Research leading practices in innovation methodologies to identify areas for improvement of the innovation process and provide recommendation to management on the frameworks and methodologies to be used within the Service.
- Foster stakeholder support and cooperation on each intervention to ensure commitment to the objectives, processes and actions.
Education
- Undergraduate Bachelor’s degree and 3 years of experience*, or
- College diploma and 5 years of experience*.
The Undergraduate degree/College Diploma must be in field of studies needed for the position. It must be obtained from an accredited learning institution recognized in Canada. If you completed a program outside of Canada you will be required to obtain proof of a Canadian equivalency at your expense from an accredited learning institution recognized in Canada.
Any higher level of education (i.e.: Masters, Doctorate) in a related field of study such as Design, Strategic Foresight and Innovation, Social Innovation, or Innovation Management, Business could be recognized as experience.
Experience
*Experience is defined as
- Significant** experience in facilitating diverse cross-functional groups in order to uncover innovative solutions. This includes advanced facilitation techniques for idea generation or divergent thinking as well as facilitating a group towards convergent thinking, in order to determine viable options for prototyping or decision-making.
- Significant** experience developing design plans for problem solving/creative opportunities by using a mix of various design, sense-making and problem solving methodologies (i.e.: , Design Thinking, Human-Centered Design, Lean Start-up,Service Design, Design Sprints, Double Diamond Design, Agile, Systems Thinking, PESTEL, Future Scaping, Skateholder Analysis, etc. )
Candidates must also possess:
- Experience working with clients to understand their requirements, analysing the presenting challenges and opportunities, and integrating feedback to improve the approaches recommended based on needs.
- Experience coaching, mentoring or training other practitioners, cross-functional teams or managers on the application of innovation strategies, frameworks, tools or methodologies.
- Experience prodiving advice and recommendations to senior management, including on the application of innovation strategies, frameworks, tools and on assessment methodologies.
**Significant is defined as the depth and breadth of experience that would normally be acquired by a person in a position where the performance of these duties constitutes their main functions over that period.
Knowledge
- Knowledge of design methodologies, tools and approaches.
Competencies
- Adaptability / Flexibility
- Ability to Provide Advice
- Analytical Skills
- Collaboration
- Communication
- Innovation, Creativity, Ingenuity
Assets
An asset qualification is a qualification which can enhance the ability to perform the work based on current and future business requirements, but which is not strictly required. Assets can help determine right fit in certain circumstances.
- Certification or advanced Degree (Master or Doctorate) in a related field, such as Social Innovation, Organizational Development, Education, Change Management, Design Thinking, Strategic Forsight, etc.
- Experience working with defence, security or intelligence related organization.
- Experience designing and facilitating executive level (from EX-01 to EX-05) sessions.
- Experience leading large or complexe change, innovation, modernization and/or transformational enterprise projects.
- Experience working in a Innovation hub or equivalent.
Official Language (OL) Proficiency
The immediate need is to staff one (1) positions with a linguistic profile of BBB/BBB.
This selection process may be used to staff anticipated vacancies or other similar positions with various language requirements. Therefore, we encourage all interested candidates to apply. Second language evaluations will be administrated to candidates.
Notes
While we continue to explore opportunities for flexible work arrangements, the majority of work in our organization must be done in the office and cannot be performed at home.
If you need accommodations during the recruitment process, please mention it to the HR representative.
Reference Links
Assessment Process
Written Exam
A written exam will be administered and will serve to evaluate candidates’ following competencies: communication, analytical skills, and ability to provide advice. Additionally, the knowledge listed previously will also be evaluated.
The written exam will be used as part of the overall assessment combined with the competency based interview.
Competency Based Interview
The Competency Based Interview will assess candidates’ experience, knowledge, and the competencies listed in the section above.
Reference Checks
Reference checks may be conducted as part of the assessment process
How To Apply
You are invited to visit Canada.ca for tips on how to submit a powerful application: www.canada.ca/en/security-intelligence-service/corporate/csis-jobs/how-to-submit-a-powerful-application
Security Requirements
Others
Important
Applicants must clearly demonstrate in their application how they meet each Education and Experience criteria. Failure to do so will result in the applicant being screened out of the career opportunity.
CSIS is a separate employer and is not subject to the Public Service Employment Act (PSEA). CSIS has its own classification, compensation system, and a different staffing regime. As such, we use a different staffing process and terminology.
CSIS is committed to building a workforce that is truly representative of the Canadians it serves by cultivating a diverse and inclusive workplace environment. This will be achieved by increasing employment equity group representation (including persons with disabilities, visible minorities, Indigenous peoples, and women) at all levels within the organization through hiring and talent management practices. We will also ensure that appropriate accommodations are made (e.g., specialized equipment, changes to physical workspace) to provide employment opportunities for all qualified candidates. In support of achieving a greater, diverse and skilled workforce, we strongly encourage those individuals who belong to one or more of the employment equity groups to self-identify when applying.
Should you require accommodation in relation to a disability, please tell us at the beginning of the selection process. This information will be kept confidential.
CSIS Offices in Canada are located on various ancestral and traditional lands. In the spirit of reconciliation, we acknowledge all Indigenous People across Canada and their connection to these lands.
The personal information provided in your application is protected under the Privacy Act and will be held in Personal Information Bank SIS/P-PU-025.