Chairperson, Farm Credit Canada

Farm Credit Canada is Canada’s leading provider of financial and business services tailored to the agriculture and agri-food industry. Farm Credit Canada is self-sustaining and projects long-term viability through sound financial and risk management practices. As a prudent lender with 25 consecutive years of growth, a $33 billion loan portfolio and over 100,000 customers across Canada, Farm Credit Canada, through its more than 1,800 employees, contributes to the strength and stability of the agriculture industry.

The Chairperson of the Board of Directors is responsible for leading the board by fostering constructive debate and discussion among board members, facilitating consensus and managing conflict. Supporting the President and Chief Executive Officer in the fulfilment of FCC’s mandate and purpose and acts as a liaison with government and advance modern corporate governance practices and risk oversight

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 experience;
  


• Experience serving on boards of directors of major public and/or private corporations, preferably as chairperson;
  


• Experience at the senior management level within the private or public sector;
  


• Experience in dealing with government, preferably with senior government officials;
  


• Experience with modern corporate governance practices;
  


• Experience in risk oversight and risk management; and
  


• Experience in the agricultural industry would be considered an asset.
  

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the Corporation’s mandate, legislative framework and activities;
  


• Knowledge of the roles and responsibilities of the Chairperson, the Board of Directors and the President and Chief Executive Officer;
  


• Knowledge of human resources and financial management;
  


• Knowledge of public policy related to the agricultural and agri-business sectors;
  


• Knowledge of key and emerging issues facing primary producers in the agri-business industry;
  


• Knowledge of regional concerns and how they relate to Farm Credit Canada;
  


• Knowledge and understanding of the financial services industry, particularly retail and commercial lending and venture capital financing;
  


• Ability to anticipate issues and develop strategies to enable the Board to seize opportunities or solve problems;
  


• Ability to foster debate and discussion among board members, facilitate consensus and manage conflict;
  


• Ability to lead the Corporation’s quest for high performance and be a champion of the Corporation’s values and cultural practices;
  


• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with the Minister and his/her office, the Deputy Minister and the Corporation’s partners and stakeholders;
  


• Ability to act as a spokesperson in dealing with stakeholders, media, public institutions, governments, and other organizations;
  


• Excellent leadership, managerial and motivational skills; and
  


• Superior verbal and written communication skills.
  

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

• High ethical standards and integrity
  


• Sound judgment
  


• Superior interpersonal skills
  


• Tact and diplomacy
  

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.
  

• The minimum time commitment required of the Chairperson is approximately thirty-six (36) days per year. Additional time may be required for travel.
  


• The Chairperson is required to attend approximately six (6) board meetings and approximately three (3) committee teleconferences per year. Advance materials are generally provided one week prior to the meetings and the Chair is required to review and prepare accordingly.
  


• In addition, the Chairperson may be required from time to time to attend additional meetings and events with stakeholders and others.
  

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 February 1, 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.