Director, Atomic Energy of Canada Limited

As a federal Crown corporation, Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) is mandated to enable nuclear science and technology and to protect the environment by fulfilling the government of Canada’s radioactive waste and decommissioning responsibilities. AECL operates largely according to a Government-owned Contractor-operated (GoCo) model whereby a private-sector organization, Canadian Nuclear Laboratories, is responsible for managing and operating AECL’s sites. In addition, AECL discharges its mandate independent of the GoCo model by, among other things, working with all tiers of the nuclear industry and governments/agencies in Canada and abroad.

Directors are primarily responsible for fostering the long-term success of AECL through providing guidance on, and oversight to the management of the businesses, activities, and other affairs of the corporation, and the ongoing assessment of the Chief Executive Officer’s performance.

Diversity and Official Languages

We are committed to providing a healthy and accessible workplace that supports one’s dignity, self-esteem and the ability to work on one’s full potential. With this in mind, all appointees will be expected to take steps to promote and maintain a healthy, respectful, inclusive and harassment-free work environment.

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.

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.

Education and Experience

• A degree from a recognized university or an acceptable combination of education, job-related training and/or experience;


• A degree in business/commerce, economics, accounting, engineering, human resources, communications, finance, public administration, or law would be considered an asset;


• A recognized designation in corporate governance would be considered an asset;


• Management experience at the senior executive level in a private or public sector organization, including a board of directors, or acceptable equivalent experience;


• Experience in a highly regulated or high-hazard industry with a broad and complex set of stakeholders; and


• Experience in one or more of the following would be considered an asset:
  
  
  
  • Experience in nuclear waste management and decommissioning;
  
  
  • Experience in the development, oversight, or implementation of a highly incentivized, large, complex, multi-year, high-value contracts requiring the use of significant commercial/business judgment to, among other things, secure value for money;
  
  
  • Experience in the development, oversight, or implementation of Government-owned, Contractor-operated or public-private partnership type arrangement;
  
  
  • Experience working with or in government, Crown corporations and/or regulatory agencies or experience in government relations;
  
  
  • Experience building relationships, promoting partnerships, and working with Indigenous Peoples and communities, as well as other stakeholder groups to support and/or shape decision-making processes; or
  
  
  • Experience with or in Environmental, Social and Governance practices (ESG).
  
  
  
  

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the mandate and activities of AECL, as well as the legislative, regulatory and business environments within which it operates;


• Knowledge of the structure and operation of the Canadian nuclear industry, including the Government of Canada’s role in the nuclear industry;


• Knowledge and understanding of the principles of sound governance and business practices, including human resources and financial management;


• Knowledge of the rights of Indigenous Peoples (Section 35 of the Constitution Act), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, the principles respecting the government of Canada’s relationship with Indigenous Peoples, and awareness of the concerns and priorities of Indigenous Peoples as they relate to development, environmental assessment and/or environmental protection would be considered an asset;


• Financial literacy or the ability to become financially literate within a reasonable time;


• Ability to oversee and make decisions on complex financial matters, as well as highly technical issues, and to make decisions that advance the overarching strategy of the organisation; and


• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with senior government officials (elected and non elected).

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

• High ethical standards, integrity and impartiality


• Sound judgment


• Superior interpersonal and communication skills


• Tact and diplomacy


• Leadership and collegiality

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 Conflict 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.


• Appointees shall not, directly or indirectly, engage in any activity, have any interest in a business or accept or engage in any office or employment that is inconsistent with the duties of the position. (Statutory)


• Appointees must be willing to travel to Ottawa, Chalk River, and Port Hope, Ontario as well as Pinawa, Manitoba to attend Board and committee meetings on a regular basis throughout the year (monthly or more) and elsewhere, on occasion, for the purposes of Director member education.

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 (more information available here) will begin on January 25, 2023. 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 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.