Notice of Vacancy - Chairperson (part-time position)

January 29, 2010

The Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) is an independent corporation created by the Government of Canada to fund research infrastructure.  The CFI’s mandate is to strengthen the capacity of Canadian universities, colleges, research hospitals and non-profit research institutions to carry out world-class research and technology development that benefits Canadians.

The Chairperson will play a key role in helping define research infrastructure support strategies to fulfill the Foundation’s mandate.  The Chairperson will support the CFI in enhancing opportunities for partnerships and collaboration among research institutions, governments, funding organizations and the private sector, both nationally and internationally.

The successful candidate must possess a degree from a recognized university in a relevant field of study or a combination of equivalent education, job-related training and experience.  A graduate or post-graduate degree would be considered an asset.

The ideal candidate will have significant experience on a board of directors (procedures and practices), preferably as a Chairperson, or an acceptable equivalent experience.  Experience in organizational management, so as to ensure that appropriate monitoring and control systems are in place, is required.  The preferred candidate should have strong leadership skills with significant accomplishments in business, government, academia and/or the not-for-profit sector.  Experience in research or research management would be an asset.

The suitable candidate should have knowledge of the organization’s mandate and activities, as well as of the legislative framework within which it operates.  Knowledge of the roles and responsibilities of the Chairperson and the Board of Directors is essential.  The preferred candidate will possess knowledge and understanding of the research and post-secondary environments, as well as knowledge of capital and infrastructure investments as they pertain to research, evaluation criteria for financial investment opportunities and merit-based assessment processes.  The chosen candidate will have knowledge of financial management and corporate governance principles and best practices.  Knowledge of the operations of the federal government and public policy is required.

In order to contribute to the Foundation meeting its objectives and carrying out its mandate, the Chairperson must be a person of sound judgement and integrity who possesses superior interpersonal skills.  The preferred candidate must have the ability to develop and maintain strategic partnerships to build on the Board’s strategic position and provide the organization with the means to leverage its capital.  He/she will also have the ability to anticipate emerging issues and develop strategies to enable the Board to seize opportunities or solve problems and will be able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing and to act as a spokesperson in dealing with stakeholders, media, public institutions, governments and other organizations.  The ability to foster debate and discussions among Board members and facilitate consensus, as well as manage conflicts, should they arise, is crucial.  The favoured candidate will possess discretion and tact and adhere to high ethical standards.  Excellent leadership, managerial and motivational skills are essential.

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

Pursuant to the CFI’s enabling legislation and by-laws, the Chairperson must be a resident of Canada.  Furthermore, the incumbent cannot have a bankrupt status or be an employee or agent of Her Majesty in right of Canada, a province or territory, or a member of the Senate, House of Commons or the legislature of a province or territory.

The average annual time commitment for this position is 30 days.  The Board of Directors meets three to four times per year in different locations across Canada.  The successful candidate must be willing to travel and participate occasionally in meetings by conference call in advance of Board meetings.

The government is committed to ensuring that its appointments are representative of Canada’s regions and official languages, as well as of women, Aboriginal peoples, disabled persons and visible minorities.

The preferred candidate must comply with the Ethical Guidelines for Public Office Holders and Guidelines for the Political Activities of Public Office Holders.  The guidelines are available on the Governor in Council Appointments website, under “Reference Material” at www.appointments-nominations.gc.ca.

The selected candidate will be subject to the Conflict of Interest Act.  For more information please visit the Office of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner’s website at http://ciec-ccie.gc.ca.

This notice has been place in the Canada Gazette to assist the Governor in Council in identifying qualified candidates for this position.  It is not, however, intended to be the sole means of recruitment.

Interested candidates should forward their curriculum vitae by February 15, 2010, to the Assistant Secretary to the Cabinet (Senior Personnel), Privy Council Office, 59 Sparks Street, 1^st Floor, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0A3, 613-957-5006 (facsimile), GICA-NGEC@bnet.pco-bcp.gc.ca.

Bilingual notices of vacancies will be produced in alternative format (audio cassette, diskette, Braille, large print, etc.) upon request.  For further information, please contact Canadian Government Publishing, Public Works and Government Services Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1A 0S5, 613-941-5995 or 1-800-635-7943.

 Selection Criteria - Chairperson, CFI - [PDF format, 25KB]

Full text version follows.

Selection Criteria -  Chairperson, CFI

Education

A degree from a recognized university in a relevant field of study or a combination of equivalent education, job-related training and experience. A graduate or post-graduate degree would be an asset.

Experience

• Significant board experience (procedures and practices), preferably as Chairperson, or an acceptable equivalent experience;
• Strong leadership skills with significant accomplishments in business, government, academia and/or the not-for-profit sector;
• Experience in organizational management so as to ensure that appropriate monitoring and control systems are in place; and
• Experience in research or research management would be an asset.

Knowledge

• Knowledge of the Corporation’s mandate and activities, as well as the legislative framework within which it operates;
• Knowledge of the roles and responsibilities of the Chairperson and the Board of Directors;
• Knowledge and understanding of the research and post-secondary environments;
• Knowledge of capital and infrastructure investments as they pertain to research, evaluation criteria for financial investment opportunities and merit-based assessment processes;
• Knowledge of financial management and corporate governance principles and best practices;
• Knowledge of the operations of the federal government and public policy.

Abilities

• Excellent leadership, managerial and motivational skills;
• Ability to foster debate and discussion among board members, facilitate consensus and manage conflicts, should they arise;
• Ability to anticipate emerging issues and develop strategies to enable the board to seize opportunities or solve problems;
• Ability to develop and maintain strategic partnerships to build on the Board’s strategic position and provide the organization with the means to leverage its capital;
• Superior communication skills, both written and oral, and ability to act as a spokesperson in dealing with stakeholders, media, public institutions, governments and other organizations.

Personal Suitability

• High ethical standards and integrity
• Sound judgment
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Tact
• Discretion

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages is preferred.

Working Conditions

The position of Chairperson is a part time appointment. The Board of Directors meets three to four times per year in different locations across Canada. The incumbent must be willing to travel and participate in occasional meetings by conference call in advance of Board meetings. The average annual time commitment for this position is approximately 30 days.

Other Requirements

Pursuant to the CFI legislation and by-laws, the Chairperson:

• Must be a resident of Canada;
• Cannot have a bankrupt status; and
• Cannot be an employee or agent of Her Majesty in Right of Canada, a province or territory, or a member of the Senate, House of Commons or the legislature of a province or territory.