Director, Legal Affairs and Submissions on Enforcement Matters (SEM)
This is a full-time, two-year position with possibility of renewal, based at the CEC Secretariat in Montreal.
Overview
The Secretariat of the Commission for Environmental Cooperation of North America (CEC), headquartered in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, is seeking a very seasoned professional to fill a staff position as Director, Legal Affairs and SEM.
This is a full-time, two-year position with possibility of renewal, based at the CEC Secretariat in Montreal.
The CUSMA provides for a process allowing a person or entity to make a written assertion (“submission’) that a CUSMA country (“Party”) is failing to effectively enforce its environmental law(s). This process is known as the “Submissions on Enforcement Matters” or “SEM” process and was established to provide the North American public with timely and relevant information regarding the enforcement of domestic environmental law.
The Director of Legal Affairs and SEM shall manage the SEM process and is responsible for ensuring the timely receipt, analysis, and administration of individual submissions, and for the preparation and submission to the CEC Council of any required determinations or resulting factual records.
In addition, the Director provides legal advice in the following areas:
- Issues relating to the privileges, immunities and independence of the CEC Secretariat under CUSMA, the ECA, Canadian law, and international law.
- the operations of an international organization, including matters related to contracts, personnel, grants, ethics, and human resources.
- Advice to the Executive Director and other Secretariat personnel on the cooperative work program of the Parties under the ECA.
Requirements
- You should apply if you possess a law degree from an accredited law school and are a member of a bar of a jurisdiction within one of the Parties to the CUSMA.
- All candidates must be citizens of one of the Parties.
- Fluency in English and Spanish, both spoken and written. Good knowledge of French (one of the Commission’s three official languages) is considered an asset.
Key Responsibilities
The ideal candidate will be expected to achieve the following:
- Develop and maintain close work relationships with environmental law experts, distinguished professors and attorneys from the three Parties;
- Administer the division’s budget and evaluate and report on progress, identifying modifications, as appropriate.
- Provide leadership of SEM staff and resources. Engage, motivate and enable SEM staff to achieve the goals and objectives of the CEC and its work program.
- Enhance the overall capacity of the CEC Secretariat to achieve its goals through participation in the management team.
- Assist the Executive Director in communicating its work to the Parties and external stakeholders, including public, governmental and national advisory committees, policy makers, NGOs, the business community, universities, and media.
Attributes and qualifications
- Substantial practical experience (i.e., at least 10 years) in environmental law, with considerable management experience.
- Varied legal experience and knowledge regarding North American environmental issues at the national and the sub-national level.
- Considerable experience in drafting complex legal opinions and in undertaking research.
- Excellent analytical and communication skills.
- Strong case-management skills, including a proven ability to deliver work products in a timely fashion while managing multiple complex legal files.
- Professional experience in a government agency, law firm with an environmental practice, non-government organization or judicial experience is desirable.
- International law knowledge and experience with an international organization is also highly desirable.
The annual estimated salary after deductions for this position ranges from C$110,000 to C$130,000 based on a weekly schedule of 37.5 hours.
You will also receive benefits representing 25% of your annual salary, as provided in our benefits package, which also includes healthcare coverage.
The CEC promotes employment equity and encourages diversity.
Please submit your résumé and cover letter by e-mail at semdirector@cec.org by 14 August 2026.
No phone calls or email message inquiries will be accepted.
We value diversity and inclusion
The CEC is committed to a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates.
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Opportunity at a glance
Status
Active
Deadline
August 14, 2026 5:00pm
Salary
The annual estimated salary after deductions for this position ranges from C$ 110,000 to C$ 130,000 based on a weekly schedule of 37.5 hours.
Location
The CEC’s Headquarters Office in Montreal, Canada.
About the CEC and SEM Process
The CEC Submissions on Enforcement Matters (SEM) process supports public participation in effective enforcement of environmental law in North America. If you have reason to believe that an environmental law is not being effectively enforced by Canada, Mexico or the United States, the SEM process may help address your concerns.
As of 1 July 2020, the CEC’s SEM process is governed by Articles 24.27 and 24.28 of the Environment Chapter of the free trade agreement between Canada, Mexico and the United States.
Want to learn more about the SEM process? Watch this short video about how to file a submission.
Be sure to sign up for CEC media releases and newsletters for the latest developments on Submissions on Enforcement Matters.