Member, 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.

Governing Council members develop the strategic directions, goals and policies of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR); they evaluate CIHR’s overall performance, including with respect to the achievement of its objectives; approve CIHR’s budget; and are responsible for establishing the mandate and evaluating the performance of the Institutes. As such, they appoint Scientific Directors and Institutes Advisory Boards members.

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;
  


• Experience in one or more related fields such as:
  
  
  
  • research and development;
    
  
  
  • life sciences industry (e.g., pharmaceutical/medical devices/biotechnology);
    
  
  
  • healthcare delivery or administration;
    
  
  
  • community and not-for-profit organizations;
    
  
  
  • business community in fields such as information technology, communications, and finance;
    
  
  
  • governance (including ethics and law);
    
  
  
  • Indigenous health and traditional knowledge; and,
    
  
  
  • global health.
    
  
  
  
  


• Experience serving on one or more boards of complex organizations.
  

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the mandate and activities of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research;
  


• Understanding of health research organizations and familiarity with current health research issues;
  


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


• Financial literacy and knowledge of the federal government’s expectations with regard to accountability and reporting;
  


• Ability to make strategic decisions;
  


• Ability to identify matters that could pose a significant risk to the organization;
  


• Ability to engage in discussion with other board members; and
  


• Informed judgement and superior communications skills.
  

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

• High ethical standards, integrity and clear sense of accountability
  


• Visionary leader
  


• Strategic thinker and high-level advisor
  


• Innovator
  


• Collegial
  

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 one of these positions, you must attend regularly scheduled meetings (usually three per year) in Ottawa as well as a biyearly retreat held for 1.5-2 days at the end of August, outside of Ottawa.
  


• If you are appointed to one of these positions, you must be willing to accept to sit on at least one Council Committee, which typically meets 4 times per year.
  

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

Candidates must apply online by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on October 12, 2018, via the Governor in Council Appointments website. 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.