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President, National Research Council of Canada

Appointment Opportunity

We know that our country is stronger — and our government more effective — when decision-makers reflect Canada’s diversity. The Government of Canada has implemented an appointment process that is transparent and merit-based, strives for gender parity, and ensures that Indigenous peoples and minority groups are properly represented in positions of leadership. We 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 businesses grow, innovate and export so that they can create good quality jobs and wealth for Canadians.

The overarching goal of the Minister of Science is to support scientific research and the integration of scientific considerations in our investment and policy choices.

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

President (full-time position)

National Research Council Canada

The National Research Council Canada (National Research Council of Canada) plays a unique role in Canada's science, technology and innovation system, undertaking large-scale, outcome-oriented and collaborative research programs that address science and innovation needs and opportunities for the country. The NRC is a significant asset for Canada, providing a national network of 3,700 professional and expert staff and a national system of research centers and associated equipment that deliver research excellence and innovative applications of science and technology. The NRC’s Industrial Research Assistance Program is an internationally-recognized program that supports thousands of small and medium-sized enterprises a year with advice and financial assistance for commercialization. The NRC has a rich 100-year history that includes the work of many Nobel Laureates and countless technology success stories. The effective stewardship of the organization requires knowledge of science and experience in the management of scientists and multidisciplinary partnerships with industry and other governments.

The President is the chief executive officer of the Council and has supervision over and direction of the work of the Council and of the officers, technical and otherwise, appointed for the purpose of carrying on the work of the Council. The President works closely with the NRC Council on its strategic advice to the organization. The President’s broad responsibilities include building and maintaining effective collaborations with industrial, university and government partners to develop and exploit key technologies for Canada, providing strategic analysis and leadership to integrate key players in Canada’s system of innovation to improve the welfare of Canadians as well as support regional and national economic performance. The President must ensure the NRC is operating as an effective, efficient, economical and ethical organization, focused on client success with an outstanding workforce and an excellent work environment. This role requires knowledge of, and experience in, collaborative research activities, and the support of strong science and innovation ecosystems in Canada. It also benefits from knowledge of the workings of the science and innovation agendas of the Government of Canada and provinces.

Further details about the organization and its activities can be found on National Research Council Canada’s website.

Review of applications will begin on May 3, 2018. Candidates must apply online via the Governor in Council Appointments website. Candidates are strongly encouraged to submit their applications by this date. After this date, your application will be retained and may be considered up until an appointment to the position is made. Your cover letter should be addressed to the Deputy Director of Selection Processes, Senior Personnel Secretariat, Privy Council Office, and should be sent only through the online application.

Salary Range: $259,900 - $305,700

Position Location: National Capital Region

Official Languages and Diversity

The Government of Canada will consider bilingual proficiency and diversity in assessing applicants. 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 applicants who are members of one or more of the following groups: women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and members of a visible minority group.

To be considered, please ensure that the information provided in your curriculum vitae and cover letter clearly demonstrates how you meet the following requirements:

Education and Experience

  • A degree from a recognized university in a relevant field of study, such as science or engineering, or an acceptable combination of education, job-related training and/or experience;
  • An advanced degree in science or engineering would be considered an asset;
  • Extensive executive level management experience involving the development and implementation of strategic initiatives, ideally acquired within a large, diversified scientific or technological, private or public sector organization;
  • Experience leading and/or supporting transitions or transformational change in an organization;
  • A demonstrated career of research management experience in academia, industry or the government;
  • Demonstrated experience in managing financial and human resources as well as experience in strategic management, organizational change and management techniques which promote and improve organizational performance and accountability;
  • Experience in developing and maintaining successful relationships and partnerships, including internationally in terms of science activity and multidisciplinary international collaborations; and
  • Experience in dealing with government, preferably with senior government officials.

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

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Knowledge of the mandate, programs, legislative framework and activities of the NRC;
  • Knowledge of the federal government and public policy environments;
  • Knowledge of Canada’s economic and social fabric, the role of its science and technology infrastructure and the research and development challenges facing the nation;
  • Knowledge and understanding of the principles of sound governance and business practices, including human resources and financial management, strategic corporate planning, monitoring, reporting, and evaluation of corporate performance;
  • A broad understanding of the challenges facing Canada’s innovation system and the Government of Canada’s science and innovation agenda;
  • Ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with government and industry partners as well as with stakeholders, to support ecosystems across the country and multidisciplinary research; and
  • Superior communication skills, both written and oral, and ability to manage communications with a variety of stakeholders, including the media, ministers, parliamentary committees, other government representatives, the public, the research community, and the private sector.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

If you move on the next stage of the selection process, we will contact your references to confirm that you meet the above selection criteria and that you possess the following Personal Attributes:

  • Strategic and innovative thinker
  • Leadership and sound judgement
  • A collaborator across disciplines
  • Effective manager of a large organization
  • Superior interpersonal skills
  • Open-mindedness and impartiality
  • High ethical standards and integrity
  • Tact and discretion

Eligibility Factors and Conditions of Employment

  • If you are appointed to this position, you must reside in or be willing to relocate to the National Capital Region, or to a location within a reasonable commuting distance.
  • Appointees must comply with the Ethical and Political Activity Guidelines for Public Office Holders throughout their appointment as a term and condition of employment. The guidelines are available on the Governor in Council Appointments website, under Forms and reference material.
  • All appointees will be subject to the Conflict of Interest Act. Public office holders appointed on a full–time basis must also submit to the Office of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner, within 60 days of appointment, a confidential report in which they disclose all of their assets, liabilities and outside activities. 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.

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