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Directors, Canada Foundation for Innovation,

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 will use 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 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:

Directors (part-time positions)

Canada Foundation for Innovation

Created by the Government of Canada in 1997, the Canada Foundation for Innovation strives to build our nation’s capacity to undertake world-class research and technology development to benefit Canadians. Thanks to Canada Foundation for Innovation investment in state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, Canadian universities, colleges, research hospitals and non-profit research institutions are attracting and retaining the world’s top talent, training the next generation of researchers, supporting private-sector innovation and creating high-quality jobs that strengthen Canada’s position in today’s knowledge economy.

The Board of Directors is made up of 13 individuals – six of whom are appointed by the Government of Canada – from a variety of backgrounds, each with a unique perspective and an understanding of the research world. The Board of Directors makes final decisions on projects to be funded and sets strategic objectives in the context of the funding agreements between the Canada Foundation for Innovation and the Government of Canada. The Board of Directors approves annual plans and objectives, and reviews the outcomes of these objectives each year. It regularly reviews issues from a risk-assessment perspective – determining what risks are acceptable and ensuring that appropriate mitigation steps are in place.

The Directors are primarily responsible for the appointment of Officers, including the President and Chief Executive Officer, the approval of awards to recipients, general oversight of management, the operating budget, investment performance, human resources capability and the communications strategy.

Further details about the organization and its activities can be found on the Canada Foundation for Innovation's website.

Candidates must apply online by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on December 10, 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 on-line application. If you applied between June 19 and August 8, 2017, you do not need to re-apply to be considered for this position.

Per Diem: $750

Annual Retainer: $5,000

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 peoples, persons with disabilities, and members of 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 degree from a recognized university in a relevant field of study. Preference may be given to candidates with graduate degrees;
  • Experience serving as a member of a Board of Directors of a public and/or private organization;
  • Experience in managing human and financial resources at a senior level in the public and/or private sector(s);
  • Experience in implementing modern corporate governance principles and best practices;
  • Experience in dealing with government; and
  • Significant accomplishments in business, government, academia or not-for-profit activities related to research or research management 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 Canada Foundation for Innovation, as well as the role it plays in the research ecosystem;
  • Knowledge of the roles and responsibilities of the Chairperson, the Board of Directors, the Members, and the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Foundation;
  • Knowledge of the operation and decision-making processes of the federal government and public policy environments;
  • 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 other Board members;
  • Superior communication skills, both written and oral;
  • Knowledge and understanding of Canada’s research and post-secondary environments, including the federal policies, programs and funding instruments supporting post-secondary research would be considered an asset; and
  • Knowledge of merit-based assessment processes and evaluation criteria for capital and infrastructure investment opportunities as they pertain to research would also 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:

  • 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:

Statutory:

  • The successful candidate must be a resident of Canada;
  • The successful candidate must be at least 18 years of age;
  • The successful candidate must not be an individual who is of unsound mind who has been so found by a court in Canada or elsewhere;
  • The successful candidate must be an individual (i.e., a corporation cannot be a Director); and
  • The successful candidate must not be in bankrupt status.

Other:

  • The successful candidate must be available for approximately 20 days per year for Board and related activities and travel; and you are willing to travel across Canada, as required.

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 these positions. 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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