Chairperson, Canadian Institutes of Health Research

The Canadian Institutes of Health Research was created under the Canadian Institutes of Health Research Act, which came into force on June 7, 2000. The Canadian Institutes of Health Research is Canada’s federal funding agency for health research. Composed of 13 Institutes, it collaborates with partners and researchers, and its mission is to create new scientific knowledge and to enable its translation into improved health, more effective health services and products, and a strengthened Canadian health care system. The Canadian Institutes of Health Research is led by the President and a Governing Council consisting of the Chairperson, the President, the Deputy Minister of Health, and up to 15 members appointed by the Governor in Council to represent the highest standards of scientific excellence and a range of relevant backgrounds and disciplines. The Governing Council is also assisted by various Standing and Advisory Committees.

The Chairperson of the Governing Council is responsible for leading the Governing Council, providing governance for the organization, assisting in strategic planning and developing policies and procedures to ensure that the organization fulfills its mandate. The Chairperson will preside at meetings of the Governing Council and shall have such other duties as the Act prescribes. The Chairperson of the Governing Council is appointed to hold office during pleasure for a term of not more than five years and is eligible for reappointment.

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;
  


• Significant experience serving as a member of a board of directors of a large public, private or non-profit organization, preferably as Chairperson;
  


• Experience in strategic management, organizational change and implementing modern corporate governance principles and best practices within complex organizations;
  


• Experience in managing relationships with a CEO (or President) on behalf of a competency-based board;
  


• Experience in representing an organization to various levels of government, stakeholders and the media; and
  


• Experience in building, fostering, integrating and maintaining strategic partnerships amongst a diverse range of stakeholders.
  

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge and understanding of the Government of Canada, its institutions and processes, especially as they relate to the development of health research, and science and technology policies;
  


• Financial literacy and knowledge of the principles and practices of sound management, risk management, financial sustainability and corporate governance;
  


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


• Knowledge and understanding of workplace wellness issues, including mental health, and of risk identification and management;
  


• Knowledge of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research’s mandate, business activities and public policy issues, and ability to provide the corporate vision and leadership needed to achieve the organization’s mandate, realize its strategic directions and identify, analyze and define long-range priorities and strategies to ensure Canada remains a world leader in health research;
  


• Knowledge of the Canadian health care system and the current and potential contribution of research to sustaining the Canadian health care system and improving access for Canadians to quality care;
  


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


• Ability to work effectively within the context of the Government of Canada’s requirements for accountability and transparency, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research Act, and within the Canadian Institutes of Health Research’s budget; and
  


• Ability to integrate the varied and complex requirements and expectations which originate from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research’s partners, the scientific community, clients, government and the private sector.
  

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

• Exemplary and inspiring leadership skills
  


• High ethical standards, integrity and clear sense of accountability
  


• Strategic thinker and high-level advisor
  


• Strong and effective people management, interpersonal and negotiating skills
  


• Tact and diplomacy
  


• Calm under pressure, emotional intelligence
  


• Sound judgment
  

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 able to contribute to the achievement of the objective of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research in the overall interests of Canadians (statutory).
  


• If you are appointed to this position, you must be able to develop an effective working relationship with the President of CIHR.
  


• If you are appointed to this position, you must be prepared to attend regular meetings of the Governing Council in the National Capital Region as well as several teleconference meetings of the Governing Council and the Executive Committee.
  

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 5, 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.