Vice-Chairperson, Invest in Canada Hub

In order to enhance Canada’s capacity to compete on the international stage and to increase its share of foreign direct investment, the Government of Canada has established the Invest in Canada Agency [Invest in Canada Hub] designed to strategically attract significant international companies that will contribute to existing and new Canadian clusters of innovation and excellence across a broad range of economic sectors. The Agency is developing a cohesive foreign direct investment strategy to align with the country’s overall economic growth strategy, promote Canada as a premier investment destination, provide a single-window investor support framework and deliver world-class investment aftercare, retention and reinvestment services.

The Agency is providing a seamless concierge service among all levels of government to make Canada a top-of-mind destination for potential global investors, to create good paying jobs and grow the middle class. Increased foreign direct investment into Canada connects Canadian industries to global value chains. It facilitates the transfer of knowledge and technology, increases our competitiveness, stimulates innovation, and promotes the prosperity of Canadians.

Upon its formal creation in 2018, a Board of Directors was established to consist of not more than 11 directors including a Chairperson and a Vice-Chairperson for this new Departmental Corporation. A Chairperson and 6 Directors were appointed in June. The position of Vice-Chair is an exciting opportunity for an individual who wants to make an impact on Canada’s ability to attract foreign direct investment from around the world that enhances innovation and creates high-paying jobs for Canadians.

The Board plays an advisory role in ensuring that the Agency develops and implements its own general administrative policy (contracting, communications, travel, hospitality, etc.), human resources management and financial policies in line with public policy objectives, and that they are met in the most effective manner. The Board is responsible for reviewing and approving the Agency’s annual business plan, annual report on results, and monitoring the Agency’s performance in achieving its results. The Board also monitors the performance and effectiveness of the Chief Executive Officer and senior management and assesses its own effectiveness in fulfilling its responsibilities.

The Chairperson leads the Board of Directors comprised of the Deputy Minister of International Trade (ex-officio) and members from the private and public sector to oversee the activities of the Invest in Canada Agency. Under the direction of the Chairperson, the Board advises the corporation and advises the Minister of International Trade and the CEO on priorities, strategies and initiatives. The Vice-Chairperson acts as a replacement for the Chair, presiding over meetings when the Chair is unable to attend. Normally, this is the only additional responsibility of the Vice-Chairperson.

Diversity and Official Languages

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.

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 an international business and/or private sector organization, a financial institution or a government/Crown Corporation. Experience serving as a chair or vice-chair would be an asset;
  


• Experience in governance principles and best practices in a culture of accountability and transparency;
  


• Experience dealing with different levels of government, preferably with senior officials and Ministers;
  


• Experience in managing financial and human resources;
  


• Experience in the field of foreign direct investment and / or international trade would be considered an asset; and
  


• A professional financial designation would be considered an asset.
  

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the mandate and activities related to the attraction of foreign direct investment;
  


• Knowledge of corporate planning, monitoring and the evaluation of corporate performance;
  


• Knowledge of the roles and responsibilities of the Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer and corporate governance principles and best practices including fundamental accountabilities to the Government of Canada as Shareholder;
  


• Knowledge of government and public policy;
  


• Knowledge of international affairs, the international trade and investment environment and a general understanding of the legislative environment in which it operates and the global economy;
  


• Knowledge and experience in sound financial and risk management of an enterprise and corporate social responsibility;
  


• Knowledge and experience in large national and trans-national corporations to small and medium sized businesses and of Canada’s diverse industry sectors;
  


• Knowledge of best practices with regard to accountability and reporting for Departmental Corporations would be an asset;
  


• Ability to set priorities and support the corporate vision needed to fulfil the Agency’s mandate and attain its objectives;
  


• Ability to implement modern corporate governance principles and best practices, including fostering debate, forging consensus and managing conflicts, would be considered an asset; and
  


• Ability to understand the impact of the differing needs and agenda of multiple stakeholders.
  

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

• Informed Judgment
  


• Integrity and Accountability
  


• Impact and Influence
  


• Sound management
  


• Trust and commitment
  

Eligibility Factors and Conditions of Employment

• 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 the Forms and reference material.


• All appointees are subject to the Conflicts 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 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.


• Appointees must uphold the highest standards of probity and are expected to demonstrate behaviours in the workplace that afford respect, equality and dignity, to everyone they interact with at work at all times. The Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector outlines the values and expected behaviours for public servants, including valuing diversity and creating workplaces free from harassment and discrimination. Governor in Council appointees are expected to uphold and respect these values and principles in a positive and active manner.
  

• The successful candidate must be willing to participate in Board and Committee meetings with up to four meetings held per year in various Canadian cities. Additional Board meetings may be held for strategic planning purposes or in special circumstances, as may be necessary from time to time.

A link to this notice will be placed in the Canada Gazette to assist the Governor in Council in identifying qualified candidates. It is not, however, intended to be the sole means of recruitment.
A list of qualified candidates may be established and may be used for similar opportunities.

How to Apply

Review of applications will begin on February 5, 2019. 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.

Instructions on how to apply for an appointment opportunity can be found on the Governor in Council Appointments website.