Career Assignment Program

The Career Assignment Program (CAP), delivered by the Office of the Chief Human Resources Officer (OCHRO), is being phased out as a central initiative. Departments and agencies have the responsibility for employee development at this level.

The Career Assignment Program of the Government of Canada (CAP) aims to accelerate leadership development and advancement by recruiting public servants with demonstrated executive potential.

During a three-year placement, CAP participants take part in a combination of hands-on work experience and training sessions that will prepare them for taking on more senior positions.

CAP is one in a suite of leadership development programs designed to develop managerial and leadership know-how in the public service. The program is committed to employment equity.

Who qualifies?

CAP is for employees with experience at up to three levels below the Executive Group (IS-05 or AS-06, for example), or as an EX equivalent. Applicants must have:

a university degree or an acceptable equivalent in education and experience
management experience, which may include project management or team supervisory experience
a consistently high level of work performance and proven track record
a CBC/CBC language profile or a demonstrated aptitude and willingness to obtain the required profile
a willingness to be assigned, change jobs or relocate
a demonstrated capacity to function at the EX-01 level within the three-year time period of the program
a minimum security authorization of "enhanced reliability".

What role do organizations play?

CAP participants are chosen through a competitive process run at the organizational level, using the Agency’s assessment tools and the key leadership competencies profile.

The Career Assignment Program is a cost-sharing arrangement involving OCHRO, the home organization and the host organization.

Before undertaking the CAP recruitment process, interested organizations should answer the following questions:

To what extent does CAP respond to our human resources planning needs?
Can we offer participants a position at the end of the program?
What support framework do we have for participants?
How many participants do we plan to support?
How will we use the program to help meet our employment equity objectives?

For more information, contact your CAP organizational coordinator or OCHRO