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Chairperson, Standards Council of Canada,

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 Innovation, Science and Economic Development is to help Canadian businesses grow, innovate and export so that they can create good quality jobs and wealth for Canadians.

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

Chairperson (part-time position)

Standards Council of Canada

Canada needs standards; they protect our health and safety, as well as the environment. Many products and services Canadians rely on every day work properly and safely because of standards — from products like hair dryers or microwaves, to the cars we drive or the mobile devices we use. In addition, they help fuel a more competitive and innovative Canadian economy. In fact, developing and adopting standards is essential if Canada wants to remain competitive and to prosper in the years to come.

The Standards Council of Canada is a federal Crown corporation with a mission to enhance Canada’s competitiveness and social well-being by facilitating the development and use of national and international standards and by providing accreditation services. As the leader of Canada's standardization network, the Standards Council of Canada has been working to ensure that governments, industry and consumers understand the role that standards play in our lives and our economy. The Standards Council of Canada collaborates with standardization partners across the country and around the world to deliver value to Canada by developing and implementing innovative standardization solutions that promote trade, drive innovation, support sustainable development and boost our economy. If Canada wants to continue to compete and grow, it needs to remain an international standardization leader. Over the past year, Standards Council of Canada has worked hard to make this happen, doing its part to help protect Canadians and unlock opportunities for growth.

The Standards Council of Canada coordinates Canadian participation on international standardization committees and in international conformity assessment bodies. In order for Canada to capitalize on opportunities for growth, it has to have the right experts sitting on the right international committees. Under Standards Council of Canada leadership, participation in international standardization committees has increased over the last year. The invaluable contribution of the Canadian experts who volunteer their time and expertise to advance the work of standards development and conformity assessment is critical to securing a competitive advantage for Canada.

A 13-member governing council, consisting of representatives from the federal, provincial and territorial governments and a range of public and private interests, including consumer representatives, governs the Standards Council of Canada.

The Chairperson’s primary role is to provide leadership and direction to Standards Council of Canada’s governing Council in carrying out its responsibilities, to act in an advisory capacity to the Chief Executive Officer, and to serve as the key link between Standards Council of Canada and the Minister. The Chairperson is responsible for the proper conduct of Board meetings to ensure that Council carries out its mandate and objectives effectively. He/she provides governance leadership to Standards Council of Canada’s Council and ensures that the Board operates in a prudent and effective manner, consistent with the law and government policy.

Further details about the organization and its activities can be found on the Standards Council of Canada's website.

Applicants who have already submitted their application earlier this year need not apply again.

Candidates must apply online by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on July 17, 2017, via the Governor in Council Appointments website. Your cover letter should be addressed to the Assistant Secretary to the Cabinet (Senior Personnel), Privy Council Office, and should be sent only through the online application.

Per diem: $490 - $575

Annual retainer: $6,400 - $7,500

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 Canadians, persons with disabilities, 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;
• Experience serving as a member of a board of directors of a public and/or private organization, preferably as Chairperson;
• Experience in managing human and financial resources in the public and/or private sectors, preferably at a senior level;
• Experience in dealing with government, preferably with senior government officials;
• Experience in international relations and/or working with international organizations; and
• Experience in dealing with complex policy issues in relation to standardization, 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 Standards Council of Canada’s mandate, business activities and governing legislation, including the Standards Council of Canada Act;
• Knowledge of the roles and responsibilities of the Chairperson, the Board, and the Chief Executive Officer;
• Knowledge of the federal government and public policy environments;
• Knowledge of strategic corporate planning, monitoring and evaluation of corporate performance;
• Knowledge of global trends related to standardization;
• Strong leadership and managerial skills to ensure the Board conducts its work effectively;
• Ability to anticipate emerging issues and develop strategies to enable the Board to seize opportunities and solve problems;
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with management, government officials, and stakeholders;
• Ability to effectively foster debate and discussions among Board members, facilitate consensus and manage conflicts, should they arise; and
• Superior communication skills, both written and oral, and ability to manage communications with a variety of stakeholders.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

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:

• Superior interpersonal skills
• Sound judgement
• High ethical standards and integrity
• 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:

• You must be available for approximately 20 days per year for Board and related activities and travel.
• You are willing to travel across Canada, as 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 website, under Forms and 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 link to this notice will be placed in the Canada Gazette to assist the Governor in Council in identifying qualified candidates for this position. It is not, however, intended to be the sole means of recruitment.

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