Governor - AMENDMENT, International Development Research Centre

**If you have applied between March 15, 2021 and March 29, 2021, you do not need to re-apply to be considered for this position.

AMENDMENT – ANNUAL RETAINER
Governors, other than the President and the Chairperson, serving as Chairperson of the Finance and Audit Committee, Chairperson of the Human Resources Committee or Chairperson of the Strategy, Program Performance and Learning Committee receive an annual retainer within the range ($4,600 - $5,400), in addition to the above-mentioned per diem amount.

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 facing developing countries. IDRC invests in knowledge, innovation and solutions by researchers in developing countries in order to address problems they identify as crucial to their communities. IDRC’s core mission supports Canada’s international policy goals and strengthens Canadian research and development support for international development. IDRC is a Crown corporation that is accountable to the Parliament of Canada, reporting through the Minister of International Development.

A Governor assists in establishing strategic direction of IDRC; reviews and approves the budget, annual reports, business plans and financial statements; and tracks corporate performance against strategic and business plans. A Governor ensures that systems are in place to provide guidance on risks associated with IDRC business and ensures the integrity of IDRC internal control and management information systems. He or she also monitors the performance of the President and Chief Executive Officer, as well as assessing the Board of Governor’s own performance in fulfilling its responsibilities.

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

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;


• A professional financial and/or accounting designation, would be considered an asset;


• Experience serving as a member of a board of directors of a government/Crown, non-profit, and/or private sector organization and experience in managing financial and/or human resources matters;


• Experience in the field of international development; in the natural or social sciences or technology fields;


• Experience in public policy formulation and the policy priorities of the Government of Canada, with a focus on poverty reduction and sustainable development in the international development context;


• Experience in applied research or research management would be considered an asset;


• Experience in private sector and development, sustainable inclusive economies, and education would be considered an asset; and


• Experience serving as a member or Chair of an audit committee and working with internal and external auditors, would be considered an asset.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the mandate and activities of the IDRC and strategic corporate planning, monitoring and the evaluation of corporate performance;


• Knowledge of the roles and responsibilities of the Board of Governors;


• Knowledge of government, and corporate governance principles and best practices;


• Knowledge of international development and foreign and development policy;


• Knowledge of one or more of the following international development issues and priorities: poverty reduction; inclusive and sustainable growth; global health including maternal, newborn and child health; climate change, food security and food systems; quality education and science systems; inclusive and accountable governance; gender equality and women’s economic empowerment; private sector and development; and/or development finance;


• Leadership and managerial skills to contribute to the Board of Governors conducting its work effectively, including monitoring and evaluating progress towards achieving objectives;


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


• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with other Governors, senior management, and IDRC’s partners, and stakeholders, and the ability to actively participate in constructive debate and discussions among Board Governors;


• Ability to recognize and address emerging issues, to seize opportunities, and to advance ideas and innovation; and


• Financial literacy and knowledge of best practices with regard to accountability and reporting for Crown held corporations in Canada would be considered an asset.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

• High ethical standards and integrity


• Leadership and sound judgment


• Superior interpersonal skills


• 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.


• As per the International Development Research Centre Act the Chairperson, the Vice-chairperson and at least six other governors must be Canadian citizens. For the current recruitment process, the successful candidate may be a Canadian citizen or may be a citizen of another country who has the right to travel to Canada. (statutory)


• At least eight of the governors must have experience in the field of international development or experience or training in the natural or social sciences or technology. (statutory).


• The successful candidate must be willing to participate in Board and Committee meetings in Canada, which occur at least three times per year, when travel opportunities resume.


• You are willing to travel across Canada and internationally, as required, when travel opportunities resume.

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 (more information available here) will begin on April 7, 2021. Candidates should 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.