Archived Opportunities

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Vice-Chairperson and Member, 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. 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 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 positions:

Vice-Chairperson (part-time position)

Members (part-time positions)

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, the 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.

One member of the governing council may be designated by the Governor in Council to serve as Vice-Chairperson of Council. If the Chairperson of the Council is absent or position is vacant, the Vice-Chairperson of the Council will act as Chairperson. If both the Chairperson of the Council and the Vice-Chairperson of the Council are absent or if both positions are vacant, a member designated by the members of the Council shall act as Chairperson.

The primary role of Council members is to provide organizational stewardship and governance leadership by setting the Standards Council of Canada's strategic direction, overseeing the development and implementation of the organization's corporate plan, providing relevant policy direction, and periodically reviewing the Standards Council of Canada's legislated mandate to ensure the organization's continuing relevance.

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

Candidates must apply online by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on March 26, 2018, via the Governor in Council Appointments website. 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. If you applied between February 9 and August, 2017, you do not need to re-apply to be considered for these positions.

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 or an acceptable combination of education, job-related training or experience;
• Experience serving as a member of a board of directors for a public or private sector organization, or as a senior executive answerable to stakeholders in the public or private sector;
• Experience in implementing modern corporate governance principles and best practices in a culture of accountability and transparency;
• A professional financial designation would be considered an asset;
• Experience serving as the Chairperson of a board of directors or of a board committee would be considered an asset;
• Experience in international relations and/or working with international organizations would be considered and asset; 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 to the following

• 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 global trends related to standardization would be considered an asset;
• Ability to contribute effectively to strategic and corporate planning;
• Ability to anticipate emerging issues;
• Ability to develop effective working relationships with other Board members and stakeholders; and
• Superior communication skills, both written and oral.

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:

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

Eligibility Factors and Conditions of Employment

• No officer or employee of the Standards Council of Canada or any of its affiliates, other than the chief executive officer, shall be a director of the Standards Council of Canada (statutory).
• The members of the Standards Council of Canada must be representative of a broad spectrum of interests in the private sector and have the knowledge or experience necessary to assist the Council in the fulfilment of its mandate (statutory).
• You must be available for approximately 10 days per year for Board and related activities and travel.
• You are willing to travel across Canada, as required.
• 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. 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.