Archived Opportunities

Closed

Chairperson, International Development Research Centre,

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 International Development and La Francophonie is to lead Canada’s efforts to provide humanitarian assistance to help reduce poverty and inequality in the world.

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)

International Development Research Centre

The International Development Research Centre (IDRC) is one of the world’s leading institutions in the generation and application of new knowledge to meet the challenges faced by developing countries. The IDRC funds applied research by researchers from developing countries on the problems they identify as crucial to their communities. The IDRC’s core mission supports Canada’s policy goals and strengthens Canadian research and development support for international development. It also provides technical support to those researchers. The IDRC is a Crown corporation that is accountable to the Parliament of Canada, reporting through the Minister of International Development and La Francophonie.

The Chairperson fulfills three broad roles: managing the Board, working with management and representing the IDRC. The Chairperson provides leadership to the Board as it reviews and monitors the implementation of the strategy and the direction of the IDRC and the achievement of its objectives, ensures that the Board has sufficient knowledge to permit it to make major decisions when required, and fosters constructive and harmonious relationships between the Board and management, while maintaining the independence of the Board. The Chairperson plays a critical role in representing the IDRC to the Minister, Parliament, other governments around the world and key stakeholders.

Further details about the organization and its activities can be found on its website.

Candidates must apply online by May 2, 2016 via the Governor in Council website. English and French appointment opportunities will be produced in an alternative format upon request.

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 peoples, disabled persons, 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 at the senior executive level;
  • Experience dealing with government, preferably senior government officials and in implementing modern corporate governance principles and best practices;
  • Experience in the field of international development or experience or training in the natural or social sciences or technology; and
  • Experience in research or research management, in dealing with private sector investment in innovation and in transferring knowledge into the marketplace, 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 IDRC, its related public policy issues and the legislative framework within which it operates;
  • Knowledge of the roles and responsibilities of the Chairperson, the Board of Governors and the President and Chief Executive Officer;
  • Financial literacy and knowledge of the federal government’s expectations with regard to accountability and reporting;
  • Knowledge of strategic corporate planning, monitoring and the evaluation of corporate performance;
  • Knowledge of international development, and foreign policy;
  • Strong leadership and managerial skills to ensure the Board of Governors conducts its work effectively including monitoring and evaluating progress towards achieving objectives;
  • Ability to set priorities, provide the corporate vision needed to fulfill the IDRC’s mandate and attain its objectives;
  • Ability to foster debate and discussion among board governors, facilitate consensus and manage conflicts;
  • Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with the Minister and his or her office, the Deputy Minister, and the IDRC’s partners and stakeholders;
  • Ability to anticipate and address emerging issues and conflicts, and develop strategies to enable the Board of Governors to seize opportunities and resolve problems that may arise; and
  • Superior communication skills, both written and oral.

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:

  • Leadership and 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:

  • You must be a Canadian citizen. (statutory)
  • You mut be willing to participate in Board and Committee meetings across Canada, which occur at least two times per year.
  • You must be willing to travel across Canada and internationally, if 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 Web site, under "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.

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.

Report a problem on this page
Date modified: