Chairperson and Director, Atomic Energy of Canada Limited

As a federal Crown corporation, Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) is mandated to enable nuclear science and technology and to protect the environment by fulfilling the government of Canada’s radioactive waste and decommissioning responsibilities. AECL receives federal funding to deliver on its mandate and reports to Parliament through the Minister of Natural Resources. It also leverages the unique capabilities at its sites to support industry and other third parties on commercial terms.

AECL operates according to a Government-owned, Contractor-operated (GoCo) model whereby a private-sector organization, Canadian Nuclear Laboratories, is responsible for managing and operating AECL’s sites. AECL’s objectives under the GoCo model include accelerating the environmental stewardship program, managing the Federal Nuclear Science and Technology Work Plan for nuclear science and technology in support of government priorities and needs, and building a world-class nuclear laboratory that fulfills government requirements and grows commercial revenues while reducing or containing costs and risks to Canada.

Directors are primarily responsible for fostering the long-term success of AECL through (i) the provision of guidance on, and oversight of, the management of the businesses, activities, and other affairs of the corporation and (ii) the ongoing assessment of the Chief Executive Officer’s performance.

Directors are responsible for participating in meetings of the Board of Directors and in any committee of the Board to which they have been appointed. They are also responsible for reviewing Board materials in preparation for meetings and bringing their nuclear, technical, contract management, human resources, legal, communications or financial experience and expertise to bear on the issues before the Board of Directors.

Per Diem: $470 - $555
Annual Retainer: $6,100 - $7,200

The Chairperson is primarily responsible for facilitating highly effective Board performance by, among other things, providing leadership in the management of the Board’s operations and the application of sound governance practices. The Chair is also responsible for communication and reporting on behalf of the Board, including serving as the liaison between the Board and Chief Executive Officer, and providing advice and guidance to the Chief Executive Officer.

Per Diem: $470 - $555
Annual Retainer: $12,200 - $14,300

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 or an acceptable combination of education, job-related training and/or experience;


• A degree in business/commerce, economics, accounting, engineering, human resources, communications, finance, public administration, or law would be considered an asset;


• Management experience at the senior executive level in a private or public sector organization, including a board of directors, or acceptable equivalent experience;


• Experience in a highly regulated or high-hazard industry with a broad and complex set of stakeholders; and


• Experience in one or more of the following would be considered an asset:
  
  
  
  1. Experience with the development, oversight, or implementation of a highly incentivized, large, complex, multi-year, high-value contracts requiring the use of significant commercial/business judgment to, among other things, secure value for money;
  
  
  2. Experience in the development, oversight, or implementation of Government-owned, Contractor-operated type arrangement;
  
  
  3. Experience working with or in government, Crown corporations and/or regulatory agencies;
  
  
  4. Experience building relationships, promoting partnerships, and working with Indigenous Peoples and communities, as well as other stakeholder groups to support and/or shape decision-making processes.
  
  
  
  

• Significant experience as a board member and board committee member of a company of similar size and complexity to AECL and its contractor, Canadian Nuclear Laboratories;


• Experience in the Canadian or international nuclear sector;


• Experience as a Chair of a Board or a Board Committee would be considered a significant asset.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the mandate and activities of AECL, as well as the legislative, regulatory and business environments within which it operates;


• Knowledge of the structure and operation of the Canadian nuclear industry;


• Knowledge and understanding of the principles of sound governance and business practices, including human resources and financial management;


• Knowledge of the rights of Indigenous Peoples (Section 35 of the Constitution Act), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, the principles respecting the government of Canada’s relationship with Indigenous Peoples, and awareness of the concerns and priorities of Indigenous Peoples as they relate to development, environmental assessment and/or environmental protection would be considered an asset;


• Financial literacy or the ability to become financially literate within a reasonable time;


• Ability to oversee and make decisions on complex financial matters, as well as highly technical issues;


• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with senior industry stakeholders, senior government officials, as well as non-government and community officials and the media;


• Ability to analyze significant amounts of complex technical information and make effective, unbiased decisions; and


• Ability to advance comprehensive and proactive communications strategies, including public outreach, media and networking activities.

• Knowledge of strategic corporate planning, monitoring, reporting, and evaluation of corporate performance;


• Ability to lead a highly specialized board of directors, to seek the input of members, to foster discussion and debate, to facilitate consensus, to identify risks, to manage conflicts (should they arise), and to ensure buy-in for final decisions; and


• Ability to oversee the management of a public institution with diverse responsibilities, to ensure that it is able to carry out its mandate and achieve its objectives in accordance with the Financial Administration Act and other relevant law within which it operates.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

• High ethical standards, integrity and impartiality


• Sound judgment


• Superior interpersonal and communication skills


• Tact and diplomacy


• Leadership and collegiality

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.


• You shall not, directly or indirectly, engage in any activity, have any interest in a business or accept or engage in any office or employment that is inconsistent with the member’s duties (statutory).


• You must be willing to travel to Ottawa, Chalk River, and Port Hope, Ontario as well as Pinawa, Manitoba to attend Board and committee meetings on a regular basis throughout the year (monthly or more).

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 April 22, 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.