Office of the Ombudsman

Manitoba Legislative Assembly 

Winnipeg, MB 

Advertisement Number: 44309

Salary(s): OF7 $81,704 - $101,998 per year

Closing Date: June 22, 2025

 

 

 

 

The Ombudsman is an independent Officer of the Legislative Assembly with oversight responsibilities under The Ombudsman Act, The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA), The Personal Health Information Act (PHIA), and The Public Interest Disclosure (Whistleblower Protection) Act (PIDA). The Ombudsman resolves or investigates complaints about administrative decisions of provincial departments, agencies, boards and commissions, municipalities, trustees and other public bodies about matters of fairness, access to information and protection of privacy.  The Ombudsman receives and investigates disclosures of wrongdoing that may be unlawful, dangerous or injurious to the public interest; and complaints of reprisal from public body employees who have used or cooperated in the PIDA process. 

 

The Ombudsman has broad authority to investigate on her own initiative; to identify systemic issues of broad public importance for investigation; to make recommendations for administrative improvements in government; to comment on privacy implications of proposed programs/services; to comment on the administration of the legislation and the policies and procedures to handle wrongdoing disclosures; to conduct audits and monitor compliance with FIPPA/PHIA; and to report publicly on matters in the public interest.  The Ombudsman provides information and educational services about the Acts and the role of the office to public bodies, and the Legislative Assembly.

 

The Manitoba Ombudsman is looking for candidates with significant experience in conducting and managing complex investigations, and who are willing to work on a flexible schedule to cover office demands and when travelling for work-related purposes.

·        Must be legally entitled to work in Canada

·        Satisfactory Criminal Record Check, Child Abuse and Adult Abuse Registry Checks.

·        A valid driver’s license, access to a vehicle, and the ability to travel within Manitoba

 

·        Post-secondary degree (e.g. public or business administration, law, accounting/finance, or a relevant specialized discipline) and several years of experience in a related field.  A combination of suitable education and experience may be considered.       

·        Demonstrated experience conducting or leading complex independent investigations, with advanced skills and knowledge in investigation planning, casefile management, investigative techniques, developing conclusions or recommendations, and writing complex reports.  

·        Demonstrated experience with workplace investigations, including workplace administration, respectful workplace complaints, employee conduct, harassment, human resource management, policy analysis, internal professional standards, and/or multi-jurisdictional types of investigations.  

·        Problem-solving and analytical skills to synthesize large volumes of information and draw appropriate conclusions.

·        Exceptional negotiation skills to effectively resolve complaints and influence actions of public bodies and organizations.

·        Expert knowledge of principles of natural justice and procedural fairness, and the ability to apply these principles to individual investigations.

·        Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor or coach others.

·        Demonstrated ability to use good judgement and make sound decisions with integrity, accountability, and transparency.

·        Advanced experience locating, researching, interpreting, and applying legislation, regulation and applicable policies and administrative processes to investigations.

·        Working knowledge and understanding of the responsibilities and functions of the Manitoba Ombudsman.

·        Demonstrated experience with public administration and advanced knowledge of administrative processes, decision making and governance.

·        Strong organizational skills with the ability to coordinate the necessary resources to lead systemic investigations, audit teams, and manage a workload with competing priorities, expectations, and deadlines.

·        Excellent interpersonal skills with ability to interact with staff, the public and senior officials with tact and diplomacy is crucial.

·        Ability to communicate effectively on matters which are sensitive and frequently complex in nature with parties of differing backgrounds and interests.

 

 

·        Strong financial acumen and demonstrated experience working in financial reviews or compliance audits.

·        Experience in developing, delivering and evaluating public programs and services in the public sector, non-profit sector, or Indigenous communities.

·        The ability to communicate in French is considered an asset. 

 

 

 

Duties:  

Reporting to the Manager of PIDA Investigations, the Senior Investigator is responsible for conducting complex and sensitive investigations or reviews into allegations of wrongdoing that have the potential to damage reputation and public trust.  This involves investigation plans, collection of evidence, analysis of issues, determination of findings, and completion of final reports.  The Senior Investigator ensures investigations are thorough, complete, unbiased, and conducted in a timely fashion, while maintaining and protecting the confidentiality of disclosures and witnesses during the investigative process.  The Senior Investigator is a key component in the mentorship, guidance, coaching, and development of other investigators.

 

A significant component of this responsibility will be follow-up on actions and decisions of public authorities to implement recommendations made under Public Interest Disclosure Act or Ombudsman Act, to analyze trends in the recommendations that are made, and determine if public systems are responding to the recommendations in a way that achieves the change contemplated by the recommendation.  This may result in identification of systemic issues that warrant for further review or investigation by the office.  

 

 

Apply to: 

Advertisement No. 44309

Human Resource Services 

302-386 Broadway 

Winnipeg MB, R3C 3R6 

Phone: 204-945-7279

Fax: 204-948-3115

Email: [email protected]