Chairperson, National Research Council of Canada

The National Research Council Canada (NRC) plays a unique role in Canada's science, technology and innovation system, undertaking large-scale, outcome-oriented and collaborative research programs that address science and innovation needs and opportunities for the country. The NRC is a significant asset for Canada, providing a national network of expert staff and a national system of well-developed research facilities and associated equipment that deliver world-class applied research and commercialization capacity in diverse areas of research and technology development. The NRC’s Industrial Research Assistance Program is an internationally-known program that supports thousands of small and medium-sized enterprises a year with innovation advice and financial assistance for commercialization. The NRC has a rich 100-year history that includes the work of many Nobel Laureates and countless great technology success stories.

The Governing Council (the “Council"), comprising the Chairperson, the President (CEO), and up to 10 other members, provides strategic advice to the NRC President and senior management. While being mindful of the national interest and drawing upon their expert knowledge and diverse perspectives, members help shape and influence the important work of the NRC. Specifically, the Council advises on strategic directions, annual budgets, financial statements, the appointment of senior officers and stakeholder engagement as appropriate.

The Chairperson provides leadership to the Council for all matters pertaining to the organization and functioning of Council meetings. This includes presiding over meetings, ensuring the Council functions within the terms of the National Research Council Act, and advising the President on matters relevant to the role of the Council. The Chairperson also acts as a link between the Council, the business community and the Ministers responsible for the NRC on matters pertaining to the functioning and role of the Council.

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;


• An advanced degree in science or engineering would be considered an asset;


• Significant leadership experience at the CEO or senior executive level of a major national or international enterprise;


• Experience in managing human and financial resources in the public and/or private sectors, preferably at a senior level;


• Significant experience serving as a member of a board of directors of a public and/or private organization, preferably as Chairperson;


• Experience in engaging and establishing collaborative partnerships with representatives from the private sector and from provincial and federal governments and/or a variety of corporate stakeholders from across Canada; and


• Experience in contributing to strategic planning initiatives for an organization to achieve its identified priorities, and significant experience in one or more of the following areas:
  
  
  
  • Conducting and publishing peer-reviewed research;
  
  
  • Conducting commercial research and development activities;
  
  
  • Leading and managing within a public or private research organization;
  
  
  • Leading and managing within organizations operating in key industrial sectors of the Canadian economy with which NRC is engaged (e.g. agriculture, biotechnology, health, ICT, manufacturing and natural resources);
  
  
  • Leading an entrepreneurial enterprise or leading a financial management function in an innovative business; or
  
  
  • Developing and coordinating science and innovation policy advice.
  
  
  
  

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the mandate and activities of the NRC;


• Knowledge of public policy and of the federal government’s policies and priorities that relate to NRC and best practices including the policy-science interface;


• Knowledge of the industrial sectors with which NRC is engaged (e.g. agriculture, biotechnology, health, ICT, manufacturing and natural resources);


• Knowledge of corporate governance principles and best practices;


• A broad understanding of the challenges facing Canada’s innovation system;


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


• Ability to think creatively and with a strategic vision;


• Ability to analyze and assess strategies, plans and financial information;


• Ability to regard sectoral or regional issues from a national perspective; and


• Superior communication skills, both written and oral.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

• Strategic and innovative thinker


• Leadership and sound judgement


• Superior interpersonal skills


• Open-mindedness and impartiality


• High ethical standards and integrity


• Tact and discretion

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 this position, you must be available for approximately 15 days per year for Board meetings and related activities and travel.


• If you are appointed to this position, you must be willing to travel across Canada and internationally.

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 October 8, 2018. 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.