Programs

University Relations Strategy

Public Servant-in-Residence Program

The Public Servant in Residence program (PSIR) places high-performing public servants (EX-01 and above or similar responsibility) in Canadian universities to conduct research and/or teach in areas linked to departmental objectives and broader public service priorities for a period of 6 months to 2 years.

Objectives

The objectives of PSIR are to:

• advance individual leadership
• build knowledge within the federal Public Service
• promote research related to departmental and public service priorities
• encourage stronger linkages and greater collaboration with Canadian universities
• facilitate federal public service recruitment and renewal

Benefits

PSIR offers participants an opportunity to:

• access leading-edge thinkers
• build their knowledge and expertise
• work on key issues facing the federal Public Service
• contribute to Public Service Renewal and recruitment activities on campus

PSIR offers Canadian universities an opportunity to:

• strengthen their relations with the federal Public Service
• enhance their public management and public policy research and education
• gain access to senior practitioners who have a wealth of practical experience and knowledge
• help build a strong and vibrant federal public service

Assignments

Residents are expected to be active members within the academic communities they join.

While the issues explored on assignment must be linked to departmental and/or federal public service priorities, residents have much flexibility in shaping their assignments. They are also encouraged to engage in a wide variety of activities while on campus, including: delivering lectures, conducting research, working on collaborative projects with faculty, supporting the Deputy Minister University Champion on campus (if applicable), helping create new programs and courses, supporting on campus recruitment activities, and mentoring students.

Upon completion of the program, participants are expected to bring the knowledge gained back to their department and the broader Public Service.

Application Procedure: Participants

Applications must be accepted by April 30, 2012 via registered mail, email or facsimile. All applicants are advised to contact the Canada School of Public Service prior to contacting a potential destination university or developing their proposed work plan.

In addition to an application form (DOC Version,  182 kb / PDF Version, 185 kb), applicants are required to submit a:

• Deputy Minister Nomination Letter: must include a commitment to pay the applicant's salary and benefits and reasonable moving expenses while on assignment and a commitment to support the candidate's reintegration back into the federal Public Service following the assignment;
• Curriculum Vitae: must demonstrate the applicant's likely success in an academic environment.

While applicants can contact any university to develop a proposal, they may wish to consider assignment opportunities submitted to the Canada School of Public Service from Canadian universities.

Application Procedure: Universities

Applications can be submitted to the Canada School of Public Service throughout the year via registered mail, email, or facsimile.

Interested universities are required to complete an application form (DOC Version, 145 kb / PDF Version, 114 kb), which sets out the scope of the proposed assignment.

This information will be posted on the Canada School of Public Service's website for review by public servants interested in the program.

Selection Process

Public servants in residence are selected by a committee of senior federal government officials chaired by the Deputy Minister/President of the Canada School of Public Service, which includes deputy ministers and current/former participants of the program.

Additional Information

For more information on the program and to apply for participation in it, please contact:

Jeffrey Outram
Lead Analyst
Canada School of Public Service
373 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, ON K1N 6Z2
Canada
Telephone: 613-943-6580
Facsimile: 613-943-4312
jeffrey.outram@csps-efpc.gc.ca

Resources

• Participant Application Form (DOC Version,  182 kb / PDF Version, 185 kb)
• University Application Form (DOC Version, 145 kb / PDF Version, 114 kb)
• Assignment Opportunities
• Suggested Timeframe for Completing Applications
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Testimonials

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