Opportunities - Selection Processes

Current Opportunity

Chairperson, Defence Construction (1951) Limited,

Appointment Opportunity

We know that our country is stronger — and our government more effective — when decision-makers reflect Canada's diversity. Moving forward, the Government of Canada will use an appointment process that is transparent and merit-based, strives for gender parity, and ensures that Indigenous Canadians and minority groups are properly represented in positions of leadership. We will continue to search for Canadians who reflect the values that we all embrace: inclusion, honesty, fiscal prudence, and generosity of spirit. Together, we will build a government as diverse as Canada.

The overarching goal of the Minister of Public Services and Procurement is to ensure that the services provided by her portfolio are delivered efficiently, and in a way that makes citizens feel respected and valued.

The Government of Canada is currently seeking applications from diverse and talented Canadians from across the country who are interested in the following position:

Chairperson (part-time position)

Defence Construction Canada

Defence Construction Canada (Defence Construction (1951) Limited) is a federal Crown corporation that carries out a wide range of procurement, construction, operational, maintenance, environmental and full lifecycle support activities required for the defence of Canada. Defence Construction Canada's Client-Partners include the Department of National Defence, the Canadian Armed Forces, and the Communications Security Establishment of Canada.

Defence Construction Canada's board of directors is responsible for the management of the business, activities and other affairs of the corporation, by directing the corporation's overall strategy, evaluating its performance, ensuring that proper leadership, internal control, and accountability systems are in place, and reporting to the Crown on the corporation's activities and performance. The Chairperson's main responsibility is to lead the board of directors, ensuring that the board functions properly and that it acts in the long-term best interests of the corporation. The Chairperson is also the primary liaison with the Minister of Public Services and Procurement.

Further details about the organization and its activities can be found on the Defense Construction Canada website.

Candidates must apply online by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on April 7, 2017, via the Governor in Council Appointments website.Your cover letter should be addressed to the Assistant Secretary to the Cabinet (Senior Personnel), Privy Council Office, and should be sent only through the on-line application.

Per diem: $200 - $300

Annual Retainer: $6,400 - $7,500

Official Languages and Diversity

The Government of Canada will consider bilingual proficiency and diversity in assessing candidates for this position. 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 candidates who are members of one or more of the following groups: women, Indigenous Canadians, persons with disabilities, and members of visible minorities.

To be considered for this position, please provide examples from your career that clearly demonstrate how you meet the following requirements in your application:

Education and Experience

  • A degree from a recognized university, preferably in engineering, or applied science or a related area, business, management, or law, or a combination of equivalent education, training, and/or experience;
  • Experience serving as a member of a board of directors of a government organization, non-profit organization, and/or a private sector organization, preferably as chairperson;
  • Significant management experience at the senior executive level, including managing human and financial resources and working with a board of directors;
  • Experience in strategic management, performance management, organizational change, and implementing modern corporate governance principles and related best practices; and
  • Significant experience dealing with stakeholders and different levels of government, preferably with senior officials, would be considered an asset.

If you are selected for an interview, the following criteria will be assessed:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Knowledge of the mandate of Defence Construction Canada, its business activities and public policy issues, as well as its governing legislation, including the Defence Production Act and the Financial Administration Act;
  • Knowledge of financial planning and reporting processes;
  • Knowledge of the federal government's policies and priorities and how they relate to Defence Construction Canada;
  • Knowledge of principles and best practices in: corporate governance; public policy development; financial and risk management; human resources; corporate planning and reporting; and performance management;
  • Knowledge of the roles and responsibilities of the Chairperson, the board of directors, and the President and Chief Executive Officer, including the corporation's fundamental accountabilities to the shareholder and taxpayers, would also be considered an asset;
  • Ability to manage, provide corporate vision, leadership, and the strategic direction needed for Defence Construction Canada to fulfill its mandate and attain its objectives effectively and efficiently;
  • Ability to develop effective relationships with a board of directors, President and Chief Executive Officer, federal government representatives and Defence Construction Canada's Client-Partners;
  • Ability to recognize and address emerging issues, to seize opportunities, and to advance ideas;
  • Ability to foster debate and discussion among board members, facilitate consensus, and manage conflicts, should they arise;
  • Superior communication skills, both written and oral; and
  • Ability to analyze complex issues and think strategically, and balance the business needs of the organization with the public interest.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

If you move on to the next stage of the selection process, we will contact your references to verify how you have demonstrated the Experience requirements and the following Personal Attributes in your current and recently held positions:

  • Superior interpersonal skills
  • Sound judgment
  • Integrity
  • High ethical standards
  • Initiative
  • Tact and diplomacy

Eligibility Factors and Conditions of Employment

In your application, it will be important that you confirm you meet the following requirements:

  • You are willing to travel across Canada to participate in Board meetings.

If you are appointed to this position:

You must comply with the Ethical and Political Activity Guidelines for Public Office Holders throughout your appointment, as a term and condition of employment. The guidelines are available on the Governor in Council Appointments website, under Forms and Reference Material.

You 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.

A link to this notice will be placed 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.

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

Apply Online