Public Affairs Officer

Overview

The public affairs function is a vital element of the operational success of Canadian Forces (CF) missions and everyday work. You will help "tell the CF story," and help others tell it. You will be expected to provide sound advice during domestic and international operations.

What They Do

Please consult your local recruiter to verify the availability of this Reserve occupation in your area, as well as element-specific information.

Public Affairs is that management command function that communicates information about an organization to the public. Implicit in this function is the requirement to evaluate public attitudes, to identify the policies and the procedures of the organization with the public interest, and to execute a program of action to keep the public informed, which may include media relations.

PAOs are specialized in the development and implementation of communication approaches that ensure the transparency of DND/CF and support the public understanding of its mandates, choices and activities.

As a Public Affairs Officer, you will be required to plan, organize, direct, implement, and later evaluate public affairs programs designed to keep the public informed of the activities, programs, objectives and policies of the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Forces. You will analyse and evaluate attitudes, contribute to policy formulation and execution, gather and disseminate information to both internal and external agencies on the Department of National Defence (DND) and the Canadian Forces (CF), and develop and maintain effective communications with representatives of the media mass-communication agencies, special interest groups and individuals, in order to facilitate the flow of information to the public.