Chairperson (joint federal Governor in Council and provincial Lieutenant Governor appointment), Office of the Taxpayers' Ombudsperson

We are looking for a Chairperson of the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board. The Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board is an independent joint agency of the Governments of Canada and Nova Scotia, responsible for the regulation of oil and gas activities in the Canada-Nova Scotia offshore area. The board carries out its oversight in a way that affirms the principles of worker safety, environmental protection and safety, effective management of land tenure, maximum hydrocarbon recovery and value, and Canada-Nova Scotia benefits. The board consists of a chairperson and four part-time members, as well as one potential alternate member for each government (currently, one provincial alternate member). Members are appointed for a period of six years and spend 60 to 85 days each year on board matters. Meetings take place in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

The principal role of the Chairperson is to assure development of the strategic direction for the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board, and to promote the Board’s mission and objectives to the public. Moreover, the Chairperson acts as the liaison between the Members of the Board and the organization’s staff, along with the two governments, and stakeholders.

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. You are likewise encouraged to indicate your ability to communicate in Indigenous languages. 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 degree in engineering, environmental science, oceans / fisheries management, public administration, communications, finance or law would be considered an asset;


• A recognized designation in corporate governance would be considered an asset;


• Management experience in a private or public sector organization, including human and financial resources at the senior executive level;


• Significant experience as a member of a board, preferably as a chairperson;


• Experience with the development of strategies, objectives, plans and best practices, and the development and/or application of legislative and regulatory frameworks, or policies;


• Experience in the oil and gas sector, including environmental protection and safety;


• Experience building relationships, promoting partnerships and working with government, Indigenous peoples and communities, industry or other stakeholder groups in Canada; and


• Experience in any of the following would be considered an asset:
  
  
  
  1. Experience in leading change management efforts;
  
  
  2. Experience in the marine renewable energy technology sector, including an understanding of relevant regulatory frameworks (e.g., permitting, environmental assessments); and
  
  
  3. Exposure to the assessment/management of climate-related risks.
  
  
  
  

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the mandate and activities of the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board, and the application of the legislation under which it operates;


• Knowledge of offshore oil and gas activities in the Canada-Nova Scotia offshore area, and the structure and operation of the international petroleum industry and Canada’s position in an international context, and current and emerging issues in that context;


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


• Knowledge of the operations and challenges of working with both the federal and provincial governments;


• Financial literacy and knowledge of the federal and provincial governments’ expectations with regard to accounting and reporting;


• Knowledge of the rights of First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and the Principles respecting the Government of Canada's relationship with Indigenous peoples;


• Ability to provide leadership, vision, and strategic direction, to lead and manage change, manage and motivate an organization, and ensure that the Board can carry out its mandate and achieve its objectives;


• Ability to understand and acknowledge divergent stakeholder positions and communicate a compelling vision, taking into account associated economic, social and environmental implications, including domestic and international obligations;


• Ability to anticipate emerging issues and develop strategies to enable the board to seize opportunities and solve problems;


• Ability to negotiate with stakeholders with divergent positions and reach positive outcomes on complex, highly technical issues, taking into account environmental, economic and social implications; and


• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with stakeholders, including Indigenous peoples, senior government officials, non-government and community officials, and the media.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred. You are therefore encouraged to include in your online profile your ability to speak and understand your second official language. You are likewise encouraged to indicate your ability to communicate in Indigenous languages.

• High ethical standards, integrity and impartiality


• Sound judgment


• Tact and diplomacy


• Strong interpersonal and communications skills


• Leadership and collegiality

Eligibility Factors and Conditions of Employment

• The Chairperson shall be subject to conflict of interest guidelines established jointly by the Federal Minister and Provincial Minister, pursuant to the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Resources Accord Implementation Act.


• During the person’s term of office as Chairperson, the person cannot be a public servant.


• If you are appointed to this position, you must be willing to travel to Halifax, Nova Scotia for board and committee meetings, three to six times per year, and be available for teleconference calls from time to time.


• If you are appointed to this position, you must be prepared to travel domestically and internationally to represent the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board.

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 26, 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.