President, Canadian High Arctic Research Station

The mission of Polar Knowledge Canada (POLAR) is to conduct world-class cutting edge Arctic research. POLAR is responsible for advancing Canada’s knowledge of the Arctic and strengthening Canadian leadership in polar science and technology.

This federal agency operates the Canadian High Arctic Research Station (CHARS) in Cambridge Bay, Nunavut. This strong research presence in Canada’s Arctic serves Canada and the world, and advances Canada’s knowledge of the Arctic in order to improve economic opportunities, environmental stewardship, and the quality of life for Northerners and all Canadians.

POLAR liaises with research organizations and institutes throughout the circumpolar world, providing guidance for multilateral scientific projects relevant to Canadian interests.

Operating out CHARS, POLAR is governed by a Board of Directors composed of nine members and the President. The President is the Chief Executive Officer of POLAR and is responsible for its day-to-day management and direction in accordance with the Canadian High Arctic Research Station Act. The President must submit the science and technology plan (at intervals of five years or less) and annual workplans and budgets to the Board for approval. The President reports to Parliament through the Minister of Northern Affairs.

Further details about the organization and its activities can be found on the Polar Knowledge Canada’s website.

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 English, French and/or an Indigenous language.

Education and Experience

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


• Experience working in a science-based environment and / or working with the scientific community;


• Experience working directly with a board of directors;


• Significant executive-level management experience in a private or public sector organization, including managing financial and human resources and contributing to strategic planning exercises for an organization to achieve its mandate and identified priorities;


• Demonstrated experience in leading an organization through transformative change, at exploring new ideas and developing and implementing a complex strategy;


• Demonstrated experience in managing diverse and complex stakeholder relations;


• Experience working with Indigenous partners and associated communities and stakeholders;


• Experience working on Northern and Arctic issues; and


• Experience working with international organizations would be considered an asset.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the mandate and mission of Polar Knowledge Canada, its program and strategic priorities;


• Knowledge of key stakeholders, unique challenges, and emerging issues in Arctic science and technology in Canada and internationally;


• Knowledge of Indigenous cultures, societies and economies, along with the environmental characteristics of Arctic regions, including the understanding of Indigenous Knowledge and / or Inuit Qauijimajatuqangit (IQ);


• Ability to manage and provide corporate vision, leadership, and strategic direction across the organization and with industry, media, academia, Indigenous, Northern and international stakeholders, to allow Polar Knowledge Canada to fulfill its mandate by attaining its objectives effectively and efficiently, while inspiring, influencing and establishing credibility with its stakeholders;


• Ability to analyze complex and emerging issues and develop strategies to support decision-making which enables Polar Knowledge Canada to optimize its human, financial, and material resources, while balancing risk and innovation; and


• Ability to facilitate consensus and to manage conflicts, should they arise.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

Familiarity with Indigenous languages, particularly Inuktuk, would be considered an asset.

• Entrepreneurial, intellectual and strategic leadership


• Sound judgment


• Conceptual, innovative and critical thinking


• High ethical values and strong personal integrity in a context of cultural awareness


• 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 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.


• If you are appointed to this position, you must reside in or be willing to relocate to the Cambridge Bay, Nunavut, or to a reasonable commuting distance to Cambridge Bay within the Inuit Nunangat Region, or Yellowknife, Northwest Territories.


• The President must balance the need for a strong presence in Cambridge Bay, Nunavut, with extensive travel across Canada and internationally.

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 January 20, 2025 (more information here). Candidates are strongly encouraged to submit their application by this date, along with a resume and cover letter addressed to the Director of Selection Processes, Senior Personnel Secretariat, Privy Council Office. Applications will continue to be accepted after this date and may be considered up until an appointment to the position is made.

Candidates should apply online via the Governor in Council Appointments website. To learn more about the application process, please visit the How to apply page on the Governor in Council Appointments website.