Archived Opportunities

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Members, Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council,

Appointment Opportunities

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 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 positions:

Members (part-time positions)

Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council

The Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council is the federal research funding agency that promotes and supports post-secondary-based research and research training in the humanities and social sciences. By focusing on developing talent, generating insights and forging connections across campuses and communities, the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council strategically supports world-leading initiatives that reflect a commitment to ensuring a better future for Canada and the world.

The Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council helps support a vibrant, dynamic research community across Canada that comprises more than 24,000 professors; 64,000 graduate students; and many others. The Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council invests over $350 million annually, supporting more than 8,000 graduate students and nearly 14,000 researchers. There are 3,000 ongoing partners from the academic, government, private and not-for-profit sectors, including 138 international partners contributing more than $15 million.

Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council-supported research in the social sciences and humanities enhances our understanding of modern social, cultural, technological, environmental, economic, and wellness issues. It raises profound questions about who we are as human beings, what we need in order to thrive in complex and challenging times, and where we are headed in the new millennium.

The Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council has a governing council consisting of the President and not more than 18 other members. The members are distinguished representatives from the academic, not-for-profit, public, and private sectors, appointed by the Governor in Council on the recommendation of the Minister of Science. The functions of the Council are to promote and assist research and scholarship in the social sciences and humanities; and to advise the Minister in respect of such matters relating to such research as the Minister may refer to the Council for its consideration.

The Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council's governing council offers a broad view of Canada's needs and opportunities and advises the president on strategy, risk management, performance management and stakeholder relations with the goal of ensuring that the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council's priorities and programs support high quality research, training and knowledge mobilization. The Council works to achieve the greatest strategic impact for Canada from the expenditure of public funds, and ensures that public funds are allocated in a manner that maximizes research outcomes to enable a strong, vibrant research community in the social sciences and humanities. Council members represent the Canadian public and rely upon their knowledge of current issues and trends in the social sciences and humanities research community to strengthen the President's ability to lead the organization with the conviction that comes from independent advice and, with the support of Council, to confidently account to the Minister and to Parliament for the decisions made, the resources expended, and the results achieved.

Further details about the organization and its activities can be found on the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council's website.

Candidates must apply online by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on June 5, 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.

Remuneration: Nil; however, reasonable travel and other expenses incurred while absent from your ordinary place of residence in the course of your duties will be paid (statutory).

Official Languages and Diversity

The Government of Canada will consider bilingual proficiency and diversity in assessing candidates for these positions. 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 visible minorities.

To be considered for one of these positions, please provide examples from your career that clearly demonstrate how you meet the following requirements in your application:

Education and Experience

• A graduate degree from a recognized university, or an acceptable combination of education, job-related training and/or experience;
• National or international experience in research or research management within the academic, private, not-for-profit, or public sector;
• Experience developing, implementing and managing strategic initiatives within the post-secondary sector, or other private, not-for-profit or public sector organizations;
• Experience serving as a member of a board of directors for an academic, private, not-for-profit, or public sector organization would be considered an asset; and
• Experience in public policy development with a particular focus on the academic research community 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 Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council's mandate, business activities and governing legislation, including the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council Act;
• Knowledge of Canada's academic community, including knowledge of the post-secondary education system, an understanding of funding for post-secondary students and researchers, and challenges and opportunities related to generating knowledge, developing talented leaders, and facilitating knowledge-sharing and collaboration across research disciplines, post-secondary institutions, and all sectors of society;
• Knowledge of the current challenges and opportunities related to social sciences and humanities research;
• Knowledge of the Government of Canada's structure and operations, and its relationship with the research funding agencies;
• Knowledge of corporate governance and risk management;
• Ability to recognize and address emerging issues;
• Ability to provide strategic guidance on how to efficiently and appropriately develop and implement activities that support the mission and strategic objectives of the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council;
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with other council members and stakeholders; and
• Ability to understand, interpret and evaluate financial statements and budgets would be considered an asset.

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 judgment
• High ethical standards and integrity
• Tact and diplomacy
• Initiative

Eligibility Factors and Conditions of Appointment

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

• You must be willing to participate in Council and committee meetings in Canada, which occur at least twice a year (statutory).

If you are appointed to one of these positions:

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.