Chairperson, Asia-Pacific Foundation of Canada

The Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to strengthening ties between Canada and Asia with a focus on expanding economic relations through trade, investment and innovation; promoting Canada’s expertise in offering solutions to Asia’s climate change, energy, food security and natural resource management challenges; building Asia skills and competencies among Canadians, including young Canadians; and improving Canadians’ general understanding of Asia and its growing global influence.

The Foundation is well known for its annual national opinion polls of Canadian attitudes regarding relations with Asia, including Asian foreign investment in Canada and Canada’s trade with Asia.

The Foundation places an emphasis on China, India, Japan and South Korea while also developing expertise in emerging markets in the region, particularly economies in Southeast Asia.

The Asia Pacific Foundation is governed by a Board of Directors comprising the Chairperson and up to four Directors appointed by the Governor in Council on the recommendation of the Minister of Foreign Affairs; up to eighteen directors appointed by the Board; and its President, who is appointed by the Board. All Board members including the Chairperson are appointed for a term not exceeding three years and may be appointed for a maximum of three terms. The Chairperson presides at meetings of the Board, which is responsible for setting the strategic directions of the Foundation, managing the endowment fund, appointing the President, and has ultimate responsibility for all the Foundation’s activities.

The Board meets a minimum of twice each year, with at least one meeting held at the Foundation’s principal office in Vancouver.

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 a combination of equivalent education, job-related training and/or experience;


• Experience or expertise concerning relations between Canada and Asia in any sector or area;


• Demonstrated leadership and decision-making experience with a national or global organization in the private sector, government, non-profit or academic sector, preferably with an Asia focus;


• Experience serving as a member of a Board of Directors for a public or private sector organisation, preferably as Chairperson; and


• Experience maintaining productive and effective relationships with a variety of stakeholders and partners including government, non-profit or private sector organizations.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the mandate, objectives and mission of the Foundation, as well as the legislative framework within which it operates;


• Knowledge of Canadian economic and political priorities and how they relate to the Asia Pacific Foundation;


• Some knowledge of the operations of the federal government;


• Knowledge of corporate governance and management best practices, investment management, and principles of auditing and evaluation;


• Leadership and other skills to contribute to the setting of priorities and achievement of the Foundation’s organizational vision and mandate;


• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with other Board members, Foundation executives, and staff; as well as other governments and non-governmental organizations; and


• Superior communication skills.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

• High ethical standards and integrity


• Tact and Diplomacy


• Superior interpersonal skills


• Strategic thinker and innovative leader


• Impact and influence


• Sound judgment and accountability

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.


• A person is not eligible to be appointed to the Board if the person is a member of the Senate or the House of Commons.


• The successful candidate must be a Canadian citizen or a Permanent Resident of Canada.


• The successful candidate must be willing to travel in Canada to chair the Foundation’s Board meetings, which occur at least twice each year, one in Vancouver and the second in another Canadian city. Each regular meeting will have a duration of two days.


• In addition to Board meetings, the Chairperson will engage regularly with the President between Board meetings as well as with other Board members and Foundation management in connection with matters on which the Chairperson’s advice is sought.

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

How to Apply

Review of applications will begin on January 25, 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.