Member - AMENDMENT, Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council

**If you applied between June 8, 2020 and July 2, 2020 you do not need to re-apply to be considered for this position.

The Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) is the federal research funding agency that promotes and supports postsecondary-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, SSHRC 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; 81,000 graduate students; and many others. The Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council invests over $420 million annually, supporting more than 9,000 graduate students and nearly 24,000 researchers. There are 4,000 ongoing partners from the academic, government, private and not-for-profit sectors, including 208 international partners contributing more than $13 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 Innovation, Science and Industry. 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, and enable a strong, vibrant research community in the social sciences and humanities.

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.

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 graduate degree from a recognized university, or an acceptable combination of education, job-related training and/or experience;


• National or international experience involving research, research management or the application of research results 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; and


• Experience serving as a member of a board of directors for a private, not-for-profit, or public sector organization would be considered an asset.

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;


• Knowledge of the current challenges and opportunities related to social sciences and humanities research, including impacts of major crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic on the domestic and global science, research and innovation ecosystems;


• Knowledge of corporate governance and risk management;


• 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, and on designing and implementing appropriate near and longer term measures to respond to such fast-breaking priorities as the COVID-19 pandemic;


• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with other council members and stakeholders;


• Ability to understand, interpret and evaluate financial statements and budgets would be considered an asset; and


• Superior communication skills, both oral and written.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

• Superior interpersonal skills


• Sound judgment


• High ethical standards and integrity


• Tact and diplomacy


• Initiative

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.


• If you are appointed to one of these positions, you must be willing to participate in Council and committee meetings in Canada, which occur two to four times a year in person, and one to four times via teleconference.


• You are willing to commit up to 15 days per year to Council business.

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 July 20, 2020. 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 must demonstrate that you meet the requirements of this position and should be addressed to the Deputy Director of Selection Processes, Senior Personnel Secretariat, Privy Council Office, and should be sent through the online application.