About Nunavut

Officially founded in 1999, Nunavut exists where tradition meets progress. Much of the territory has inherited millennia of Inuit history and culture. Rooted in this rich tradition, the Government of Nunavut (GN) is preparing for a prosperous future by investing in high-quality education, healthcare, culture, environmental protection, and sustainable economic growth.

About the opportunity

The Government of Nunavut is looking for an exceptional Deputy Minister to step into a highly influential leadership role. Working in close partnership with the Minister and aligned with the department’s vision, the Deputy Minister will play a pivotal role in shaping direction, driving results, and delivering an ambitious and meaningful mandate for Nunavummiut.

Guided by the values of service excellence, sustainability, and corporate excellence, the Deputy Minister will be a trusted advisor to the Minister, supporting both collective andindividual ministerial responsibilities and advancing accountability to Cabinet. In this senior leadership role, the Deputy Minister will provide strategic oversight and direction across policy and legislative development, communications, budget coordination, capital planning, financial management, human resource development, and systems support. They will also lead and coordinate regional service delivery and champion overall departmental quality assurance, ensuring programs and services are responsive, effective, and aligned with Nunavut’s unique priorities.

The successful candidate will be a systems thinker and enterprise leader, able to look beyond any single program area to advance whole-of-government priorities and outcomes for Nunavummiut.

Key Qualifications

Senior executive leadership experience in a complex, multi-stakeholder public-sector or comparable environment

• Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply legislation, uphold professional & ethical standards, and exercise strong public-sector stewardship
• Strategic, service-oriented leader with a proven ability to lead change, build high-performing teams, and navigate ambiguity and competing priorities
• Deep commitment to citizen-centred service and to fostering a multilingual, inclusive, and respectful workplace culture
• Strong relationship-builder with experience working collaboratively with communities, partners, and government counterparts
• Proven capacity to align people, resources, and funding to deliver on government and community priorities

This is an extraordinary opportunity to lead at the highest levels of government, make a lasting impact, and help shape the future of the territory through visionary leadership, supported by a competitive compensation package that reflects the significance of the role.

To apply for this key role, submit fill out the application below.

All applications will be reviewed and assessed by experienced Phelps search professionals; we do not use artificial intelligence tools to screen candidates.

Qualified candidates may be placed on an eligibility list for consideration for future opportunities.

The Government of Nunavut is committed to creating a representative workforce; therefore, priority will be given to Nunavut Inuit who self-identify as being enrolled under the Nunavut Agreement in accordance with the Priority Hiring Policy