Get a change of pace at work: Job Swap and Shadowing applications now open

Professional Development

Jun 18, 2019

Have you always wanted to know what it’s like to work in another department or another area of finance? Are you looking to make connections in new places, both in and outside the FI Community? Do you want to gain a fresh perspective on your current role and improve yourself as a professional?

The Comptrollership Training Centre (CTC) housed under ACFO-ACAF is proud to open applications for the Job Swap pilot and Job Shadowing programs. These programs are part of the Joint Career Development Program (JCDP) and strongly supported by the Office of the Comptroller General. Taking place over this fiscal year, both programs will provide FIs with the unique opportunity to experience a new and different role within the FI Community within their city. There is no cost or travel component to either program and they are available for FIs in the regions (based on demand).

Job Shadowing program

The Job Shadowing will allow FIs to shadow and/or host FIs in their department. Scheduling of shadowing dates is flexible and will be arranged following the grouping of candidates.

FIs looking to host and shadow: You will be grouped with two other FIs of similar level to you in their department and you will rotate between shadowing (two days) and hosting (one day). You must have been in your position for a minimum of 3 consecutive years to host.

FIs looking to host only: You will be grouped with two other FIs who will visit you in your department and shadow you for one day. You must have been in your position for a minimum of 3 consecutive years to host.

FIs looking to shadow only: You will be grouped with two other FIs, one of which will shadow another FI with you and one who will host you in their department for one day.

Intragroup Job Swap program pilot

Participants will be able to go on a three-to-twenty-four-month job swap with another FI in the same group and at the same level in a different department. This is your opportunity to get an in-depth look at another FI’s world and help you determine your career path as an FI.

Criteria for selection for the pilot can be found below.

Comparing the Job Shadowing vs Job Swap programs

	Job Shadowing	Intragroup Job Swap
Summary	FIs either host or shadow another FI in their workplace for one day	FIs switch jobs for a pre-determined period
Applicant criteria	Hosts: must have been in the same job for the last 3 consecutive years Shadows: none	Must have been in the federal government for the last 5 years Must have had the same job for the last 3 consecutive years Have received a performance assessment of “succeed” or better in the past 3 years
Number of FIs participating	Select number of applicants who meet criteria and confirm managerial approval, 3 per group	Select number of applicants who meet criteria and confirm managerial approval, 2 per pairing
Period	One day for each activity before March 31, 2020	Recommended 3 to 24 months (flexible and participants may choose) with a start date before March 31, 2020
Responsibility of applicant	Confirming availability for job shadowing between September 2019 – March 2020 Discussing program with supervisor prior to applying Completing the application form Committing to completing the full assignment Hosts: Preparing one day of activities in advance for shadows Maintaining ongoing communication with group Completing a short survey at the end of the program	Confirming availability to begin job swap between September 2019 – March 2020 Discussing program with supervisor prior to applying Completing the application form Arranging a meeting with your supervisor and your swap partner prior to swapping Committing to completing the full assignment Preparing onboarding documentation to assist new job swap partner Maintaining ongoing communication with job swap partner Completing a short survey at the end of the assignment
Management approval	Your supervisor must agree to let you participate and/or host, but no formal documentation is required	Your supervisor must agree to let you participate, you and your supervisor must sign a MOA for you to participate
Timelines	June: Applications due July: Social mixer and matching August: Scheduling your shadowing September: Shadowing begins	June: Applications due July: Social mixer and pairing August: Scheduling and approval process September: Swap begins