Member, National Seniors Council

The National Seniors Council (Council) advises the Government of Canada, through the Minister of Seniors and the Minister of Health, on matters related to the well-being, health and quality of life of seniors, including the opportunities and challenges arising from a rapidly growing and increasingly diverse aging population.

As directed by Ministers, the National Seniors Council:

• Advises on current and emerging issues and opportunities related to the quality of life and well being of seniors, both current and future seniors;


• As needed, undertakes activities such as commissioning research, convening expert panels and roundtables, and holding consultative meetings; and


• Delivers well-balanced advice, taking into account the views of experts, seniors, organizations and groups that provide seniors’ programs and services, provincial/territorial advisory bodies on seniors, and other relevant stakeholders and interested parties.

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

Education

• A university degree or college diploma in a relevant field of study or an acceptable combination of education, training, and/or experience.


• A postgraduate degree would be considered an asset.

• Professional (inclusive of community organizations), academic, or research experience in a field related to seniors or population aging.


• Experience working as part of a multidisciplinary research or project team and/or experience working as a member of a board or a committee, or equivalent experience.


• Experience working with seniors, and particularly with seniors in one of the following groups: women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of a visible minority group, immigrant and LGBTQ2+ communities.


• A record of academic, peer-reviewed publications in a field related to seniors or population aging would be considered an asset.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge

• Knowledge of matters related to the well-being, quality of life, housing, fraud prevention and health of Canadian seniors.


• Knowledge of the opportunities and challenges arising from Canada’s aging population.


• Knowledge regarding seniors in one of the following groups: women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of a visible minority group, and immigrant and LGBTQ2+ communities.


• Knowledge of the federal government and its roles and responsibilities in terms of policy, programs and services relating to seniors and Canada’s aging population would be considered an asset.

• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain productive and collaborative relationships, and to work with seniors, experts, organizations representing seniors, groups that provide seniors’ programs and services, provincial/territorial advisory bodies and other relevant stakeholders.


• Demonstrated ability to provide recommendations and advice, including coordinated responses to emerging priorities (e.g. COVID-19 pandemic), on seniors’ health, well-being and quality of life issues.


• Demonstrated ability to lead initiatives (e.g. research, expert panels, consultative meetings, and multidisciplinary projects) in either community, voluntary, business, academic, or professional sectors that serve the needs or broader interests of seniors.


• Demonstrated ability to analyze and communicate research findings and make recommendations to policymakers and to a broader audience of stakeholders.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

• Judgement and integrity


• Analytical skills


• High ethical standards


• Superior interpersonal and communication skills

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.


• You are available for approximately 125 hours (15-20 days) of remunerated work per year. This includes preparation for and participation in Council meetings, discussions and events.


• You are willing and able to travel across Canada. Travel will only occur when it is determined safe to do so.

A link to this notice will be placed in the Canada Gazette to assist the Governor in Council in identifying qualified candidates. It is not, however, intended to be the sole means of recruitment.

A list of qualified candidates may be established and may be used for similar opportunities.

How to Apply

Review of applications will begin on November 1, 2020. Candidates should 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.