Director, Export Development Canada

Headquartered in Ottawa, Ontario, Export Development Canada (EDC) is Canada's export credit agency and a member of the Government of Canada's international trade portfolio. Operating as a financial Crown corporation its mandate is to support and develop, directly or indirectly, Canada's export trade and Canadian capacity to engage in that trade and to respond to international business opportunities. In addition, the corporation's mandate includes providing development financing consistent with Canada's international development priorities, which is done through its wholly-owned subsidiary FinDev Canada. In 2020, the Government of Canada temporarily expanded EDC's mandate (to December 31, 2022) to enable it to also support, directly or indirectly, domestic business in response to the challenges posed to Canadian business by the global pandemic. The full mandate is laid out in the Export Development Act.

EDC is financially self-sufficient and works alongside the financial private sector to provide a wide range of financing and risk management services to support Canadian exporters and investors of all sizes. At the core of EDC's mission is its unique ability to harness its knowledge of international financial services, markets, as well as global trade and international buyers, to enable it to take on and manage significant levels of capital and risk for Canadian export minded firms. EDC is viewed as a vibrant organization that maximizes its contribution to Canadian international trade while returning significant financial returns to Canadians year over year.

A thirteen-member Board of Directors, including EDC's President, oversees the Corporation's activities. The Board ensures that appropriate systems of governance, leadership and stewardship are in place to enable EDC's management to lead the organization effectively. The Board plays a pivotal role in establishing the strategic direction for the organization, consistent with Canada's objectives for international trade and the guidance provided to the Board by the Minister through the Statement of Priorities and Accountabilities. In addition, the Board actively assesses performance against strategy and in so doing provides guidance to EDC management on a broad range of issues.

The Board and its Committees are responsible for reviewing and approving EDC's annual Corporate Plan and monitoring the Corporation's performance. The Board also monitors the performance and effectiveness of the CEO and senior management and assesses its own effectiveness in fulfilling its responsibilities. The Board reviews the development and refinement of the various financial services offered to Canadian companies, and approves and authorizes certain loan, guarantee, insurance and equity investment transactions. Oversight of the management and assessment of enterprise risk is a major role of the Board. The Board and its various Committees play an active role in providing guidance and oversight for EDC's broad framework of environmental, social and governance (ESG) policies and procedures, as well as those related to compliance and ethics.

Finally, the Board provides oversight in relation to EDC's wholly-owned subsidiary, FinDev Canada. This is managed through the subsidiary guidance framework and the membership of some Board members on the Board of the subsidiary.

Further details about the organization and its activities can be found on its Web site at www.edc.ca. The Board of Directors is responsible for the stewardship of Export Development Canada, accountable to the shareholder and reports to Parliament through the Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development.

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 achieve 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 in a relevant field of study, or an acceptable combination of education, job-related training and/or business experience;


• A professional financial designation or law degree would be considered an asset;


• Experience serving on Boards of Directors of public, private or not-for-profit sector organizations;


• Experience in Corporate Governance, Human Resources and Compensation; and/or, Risk Management;


• Experience in the field of international trade, international business, or banking and insurance;


• Experience with environmental, social and governance-related issues would be considered an asset;


• Executive experience in the public service or experience with complex and sensitive public policy initiatives would be considered an asset; and


• Experience in cyber security, or data analytics, or business transformation would be considered an asset.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the roles and responsibilities of the Chairperson, the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer and corporate governance principles and best practices, including fundamental accountabilities to the Government of Canada as Shareholder;


• Knowledge of the mandate, mission and activities of EDC, as well as the legislative framework within which it operates;


• Knowledge of international affairs, the international trade environment and environmental, social and governance issues;


• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with other Board members and have the capacity to understand the differing needs and agendas of multiple stakeholders; and


• Ability to assess global economic challenges/risks and incorporate these considerations in Board discussions relating to the support of Canadian exporters in accessing competitive markets.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

• High ethical standards and integrity


• Respect for the organization's core values and beliefs, and a demonstrated affinity to conduct affairs in a manner consistent with those values


• Sound judgment in managing sensitive and commercially confidential information


• 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 Forms and reference material.


• All appointees will be 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 Commissioner, 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 behaviors 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 behaviors 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 successful candidate must be willing to participate in six Board and Committee meetings held in Canada. Each set of regular Board and Committee meetings requires a minimum commitment of three to three and a half days.

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 here) will begin on August 18, 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.