Board Profile - International Development Research Centre

International Development Research Centre

GENERIC PROFILE OF A BOARD MEMBER

I. Corporation Mandate

The IDRC ACT Sec. 4 (1) states:

The objects of the Centre are to initiate, encourage, support and conduct research into the problems of the developing regions of the world and into the means for applying and adapting scientific, technical and other knowledge to the economic and social advancement of those regions and, in carrying out those objects,

  1. to enlist the talents of natural and social scientists and technologists in Canada and other countries;
  2. to assist the developing regions to build up the research capabilities, the innovative skills and the institutions required to solve their problems;
  3. to encourage generally the coordination of international development research; and
  4. to foster cooperation in research on development between the developed and developing regions for their mutual benefit.

II. Roles and Responsibilities

The Board of Governors, its committees and members establish the strategic program directions of the Centre; review and approve the Centre's financial objectives, plans and actions; review Human Resources management plans; assess and manage risks associated with the Centre's business; ensure the integrity of the corporations internal control and management information systems; monitor corporate performance against strategic and business plans; assess its own responsibilities in fulfilling Board responsibilities; and develop indicators to measure and monitor the CEO's performance.

III. Core Attributes, Competencies and Experience

The Board should comprise a range of people from academia, public or private organizations and agencies, and the business and scientific communities with knowledge of international development and foreign policy. Board members must be capable of providing informed judgement and thoughtful counsel to Centre management on a wide variety of issues pertaining to the Centre's mandate.

Governors are expected to demonstrate high ethical standards and integrity; to be accountable for board decisions; to meet the accountabilities outlined in the IDRC Act and by-laws and to serve the interests of the Centre.

Governors must be fluent in either English or French.

IV. **Specific Skills, Knowledge and Experience

In accordance with the IDRC Act:

Governors must have experience in the field of international development or experience or training in the natural or social sciences or technology.

In addition to the requirements listed above, the Board should also have governors with experience: at senior levels in the public and private sector; in public policy formulation; in finance and resource management; and in the application/utilization of scientific research and technology for human development.

An analysis of existing skills, knowledge and experience of current Board members indicates that the following skills, knowledge and experience are required at the present time:

V. **Representation

In accordance with the IDRC Act:

The Chairman, Vice-Chairman and 9 other governors must be Canadian citizens. The 10 international governors should include at least 7 governors from developing countries. Any retiring governor is eligible for re-appointment to the Board in the same or another capacity.

Two of the governors who are Canadian Citizens, other than the Chairman and the Vice-Chairman, may be appointed from among the members of the Senate or the House of Commons.

The regions of Canada and the world must be represented and a gender balance must be maintained.

VI. Working Conditions

Candidates should be able to attend three meetings per year of two days each and have time to give adequate attention to the documentation which is prepared for each meeting (estimated requirement is one day preparation per meeting).

The committees of the Board also meet quarterly by teleconference, usually in advance of the full meeting of the Board. (Estimated requirements - one half day of preparation).

Field visits (1 - 2 weeks in duration) to project sites in developing countries are regularly organized for small groups of governors. Though not compulsory, governors are expected to participate in these activities. Travel conditions may be difficult and could include varying standards of accommodation and service.

** Additional information on specific needs to be provided when submitting nominations for specific vacancies.