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Board Governor, International Development Research Centre,

APPOINTMENT OPPORTUNITY

We know that our country is stronger – and our government more effective – when decision-makers reflect Canada’s diversity. Moving forward, the Government of Canada will use an appointment process that is transparent and merit-based, strives for gender parity, and ensures that Indigenous Canadians and minority groups are properly represented in positions of leadership. We will continue to search for Canadians who reflect the values that we all embrace: inclusion, honesty, fiscal prudence, and generosity of spirit. Together, we will build a government as diverse as Canada.

The overarching goal of the Minister of International Development and La Francophonie is to lead Canada’s efforts to provide humanitarian assistance to help reduce poverty and inequality in the world.

The Government of Canada is currently seeking applications from diverse and talented Canadians from across the country who are interested in the position of:

Board Governor (part-time position)

International Development Research Centre

The International Development Research Centre (IDRC) is one of the world’s leading institutions in the generation and application of new knowledge to meet the challenges facing developing countries. IDRC funds applied research by researchers from developing countries on the problems they identify as crucial to their communities. IDRC’s core mission supports Canada’s policy goals and strengthens Canadian research and development support for international development. It also provides technical support to those researchers. IDRC is a Crown corporation that is accountable to the Parliament of Canada, reporting through the Minister of International Development and La Francophonie.

A Governor assists in establishing strategic direction of IDRC, reviews and approves the budget, annual reports, business plans and financial statements, and tracks corporate performance against strategic and business plans. A Governor ensures that systems are in place to provide guidance on risks associated with IDRC business and ensures the integrity of IDRC internal control and management information systems. He or she also monitors the performance of the President and Chief Executive Officer as well as assessing the Board of Governor’s own performance in fulfilling its responsibilities.

Further details about the organization and its activities can be found on its website.

Candidates must apply online by May 2, 2016 via the Governor in Council website. English and French appointment opportunities will be produced in an alternative format upon request.

Official Languages and Diversity

The Government of Canada will consider bilingual proficiency and diversity in assessing candidates for this position. You are therefore encouraged to include in your online profile your ability to speak and understand your second official language. Preference may be given to candidates who are members of one or more of the following groups: women, Indigenous peoples, disabled persons, and members of visible minorities.

To be considered for this position, please provide examples from your career that clearly demonstrate how you meet the following requirements in your application:

Education and Experience

  • A degree from a recognized university in a relevant field of study or an acceptable combination of education, job-related training, and/or experience;
  • A professional financial designation would be considered an asset;
  • Experience serving as a member of a board of directors of a government/Crown, non-profit, and/or private sector organization;
  • Experience in the field of international development, or experience or training in the natural or social sciences or technology; (statutory)
  • Experience in managing financial and human resources and/or labour relations matters;
  • Experience in public policy formulation and the policy priorities of the Government of Canada, with particular focus on poverty and inequality reduction in the international development context; and
  • Experience in research or research management, in dealing with private sector investment in innovation, in delivering solutions at scale, and in transferring knowledge into the marketplace, would be considered an asset.

If you are selected for an interview, the following criteria will be assessed:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Knowledge of the mandate and activities of the IDRC and strategic corporate planning, monitoring and the evaluation of corporate performance;
  • Knowledge of the roles and responsibilities of the Board of Governors;
  • Knowledge of government, and corporate governance principles and best practices;
  • Knowledge of international development and foreign and development policy;
  • Knowledge of the following international development issues and priorities: poverty eradication, inclusive and accountable governance, peaceful pluralism, respect for diversity and human rights, with a particular focus on the rights of women and refugees; maternal, newborn and child health; climate change and its destabilizing effects at a national and global level, and aid innovation and effectiveness;
  • Financial literacy and knowledge of best practices with regard to accountability and reporting for Crown held corporations would be an asset;
  • Leadership and managerial skills to contribute to the Board of Governors conducting its work effectively including monitoring and evaluating progress towards achieving objectives;
  • Ability to set priorities and support the corporate vision needed to fulfill the IDRC’s mandate and attain its objectives;
  • Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with other governors, IDRC’s partners, and stakeholders, and actively participate in debate and discussions among board governors;
  • Ability to recognize and address emerging issues, to seize opportunities, and to advance ideas and innovation; and
  • Superior communication skills, both written and oral.

If you move on to the next stage of the selection process, we will contact your references to verify how you have demonstrated the Experience requirements and the following Personal Attributes in your current and recently held positions:

  • Leadership and sound judgment
  • High ethical standards and integrity
  • Superior interpersonal skills
  • Tact and diplomacy
  • Initiative

Eligibility Factors and Conditions of Employment

In your application, it will be important that you confirm you meet the following requirements:

  • The successful candidate may be a Canadian citizen or may be a citizen of another country who has the right to travel to Canada. At least six board governors (in addition to the President and the Chairperson) must be Canadian citizens. (statutory)
  • Two of the governors who are Canadian citizens, other than the Chairperson and the Vice-Chairperson, may be appointed from among the members of the Senate or the House of Commons. (statutory)
  • The successful candidate must be willing to participate in Board and Committee meetings in Canada, which occur at least two times per year.
  • You are willing to travel across Canada and internationally, if required.

If you are appointed to this position:

You must comply with the Ethical and Political Activity Guidelines for Public Office Holders throughout your appointment as a term and condition of employment. The guidelines are available on the Governor in Council Appointments Web site, under "Reference Material".

You will be subject to the Conflict of Interest Act. For more information, please visit the Office of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner’s website.

A roster of qualified candidates may be established and may be used for similar opportunities.

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