National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2016 Version 1.0

4 - Occupations in education, law and social, community and government services

Occupations in this category are concerned with law, teaching, counselling, conducting social science research, developing government policy, and administering government and other programs. Occupations providing religious services and leadership are included in this category. These occupations usually require completion of a related post-secondary program. Individuals who work as paralegals, social service workers or educators and instructors who are not part of the elementary, secondary or post-secondary school system are usually required to complete additional formal education to progress to professional occupations.

41 - Professional occupations in law and social, community and government services

This major group comprises professional occupations in law and social, community and government services. It includes judges, lawyers, Quebec notaries, psychologists, social workers and counsellors; as well as policy researchers, consultants and program officers in a variety of fields; and certain other professional occupations in the social sciences.

416 - Policy and program researchers, consultants and officers

This minor group includes policy researchers, analysts, consultants, and program officers in a variety of fields and certain other professional occupations in social science not elsewhere classified. They are employed by federal, provincial and municipal governments, and government agencies; universities, educational institutions, and school boards; research, international, non-government, and environmental and conservation organizations; consulting, marketing, and investment companies; banks; unions, and professional and business associations; recreation, sports, and fitness facilities; hospitals, health care facilities, retirement homes, and community centres and agencies; and in industry and manufacturing; or they may be self-employed.

4168 - Program officers unique to government

Program officers in this unit group are primarily concerned with the administration and operation of government institutions, such as Parliament, and activities unique to the operations of government, such as international relations, federal-provincial affairs, elections and tribunals.

• Illustrative example(s)

  • attaché
  • elections officer
  • federal-provincial relations officer
  • foreign service officer
  • intergovernmental affairs officer
  • office of the Speaker officer
  • protocol officer
  • returning officer
  • royal commission officer
  • standing or select committee officer
  • tribunal officer

  All examples

• Exclusion(s)

  • Administrative officers (See 1221 Administrative officers)
  • Court officers and justices of the peace (See 1227 Court officers and justices of the peace)
  • Economists and economic policy researchers and analysts (See 4162 Economists and economic policy researchers and analysts)
  • Employment insurance, immigration, border services and revenue officers (See 1228 Employment insurance, immigration, border services and revenue officers)
  • Executive assistants (See 1222 Executive assistants)
  • Social policy researchers, consultants and program officers (See 4164 Social policy researchers, consultants and program officers)

• Main duties

  Program officers unique to government perform some or all of the following duties:

  • Advise politicians or diplomats on the social, economic and political effects of government decisions on other governments in Canada or abroad
  • Explain Canadian foreign and domestic policies to governments and nationals of foreign countries, and act on behalf of Canada abroad
  • Collect, monitor and analyze international pressures, issues and communications and brief on intelligence and security matters
  • Plan intergovernmental meetings and conferences with officers of other municipal, provincial or federal governments
  • Co-ordinate the logistics and administration of elections within constituencies and ensure that electoral and voting procedures are followed
  • Co-ordinate administrative support services for legislative committees, royal commissions or tribunals
  • Participate as a member of a board or tribunal
  • Plan logistics and oversee diplomatic protocol of official visits to Canada by foreign politicians and dignitaries.

• Employment requirements

  • A bachelor's degree is usually required.
  • A master's degree may be required.
  • Several years of experience as a researcher, consultant or program administrator may be required.
  • Foreign service officers are accepted on the basis of competitive examination.