Recruitment posting
Alberta Research and Innovation Advisory Committee
Competition #: 331
Ministry : Economic Development and Trade
Opening Date : 2016/12/07
closing Date : 2017/02/20
Role : Member
**NOTE: This opportunity was posted on the Government of Alberta On-line Job board under Competition Number 1036556 and has been re-posted on this site. If you have applied on this opportunity via the GOA On-line Job Board or via Alexander Whitehead through their process in June-July, 2016, you DO NOT need to apply on this site. Applications received from these sources will be fully considered. **
The Minister of Economic Development and Trade is seeking applications from individuals interested in serving as a member of the Alberta Research and Innovation Advisory Committee. There are currently 9 vacant member positions to be filled.
The Alberta Research and Innovation Advisory Committee (ARIAC) is a non-corporate, advisory body established by the Alberta Research and Innovation Act on January 1, 2010. The Advisory Committee’s primary purpose is to provide expert and independent strategic advice and recommendations to the Minister of Economic Development and Trade (EDT) on the province’s research and innovation agenda. ARIAC’s international, national and provincial members represent a spectrum of experience in the global innovation system. Its members serve as ambassadors for the province’s research and innovation system. They promote Alberta’s research and innovation strengths abroad and connect Alberta officials with an extensive global network of research and innovation leaders.
ARIAC is contributing to an exciting ecosystem of innovation that includes scientists involved in primary and applied research, businesses, and entrepreneurs who want to invest in ideas and transform them into products and services for a global market. ARIAC is comprised of up to 12 international research, innovation, and business leaders who will share their governance expertise, industry insights, and international professional networks to provide advice and input to government in the area of research and innovation. Members will also monitor and evaluate the performance and outcomes of research and innovation in Alberta through suitable measures.
Key Responsibilities Include:
- Identifying leading-edge research areas and innovation policies that will support the diversification of Alberta’s economy, from an economic, environmental and social well-being perspective, and lead the development of knowledge-driven industry sectors in the province;
- Providing the Minister with regular reviews and reports on the performance of the research and innovation system and advising on improvements that will increase Alberta’s competitiveness;
- Exploring and gathering information on best practices in other jurisdictions and utilizing benchmarking strategies to assess the status and progress of Alberta’s research and innovation system;
- Identifying and responding to Alberta’s economic challenges and government priorities with rigorous, evidence-based research and recommendations that aim to improve public policy and aid policy implementation; and
- Developing formal and informal partnerships with external advisory bodies to contribute industry perspectives on research topics and to elevate relevant studies and recommendations to senior government leaders.
The appointed members will join a diverse and engaged group comprised of domestic and international industry and public sector individuals with experience in research, innovation, and commercialization across various economic sectors.
ARIAC members bring a sophisticated understanding of one or more sectors relevant to Alberta’s current and future economic prosperity. In addition, members must be prepared to access their international networks of industry contacts to promote Alberta and to contribute to the advancement and diversification of Alberta’s economy.
Candidates considering this position should have skills, experience, and relevant qualifications in several of the following areas:
- Understanding of, and/or experience with, research and innovation systems and processes, especially in international jurisdictions that serve as innovation centres in relevant economic sectors.
- Entrepreneurial background and experience navigating the innovation cycle – from concept to incubation and development through financing, operation, and exit.
- Excellent business acumen and an understanding of venture capital and private equity investment business models and operations.
- Understanding of social innovation and how social, environmental, cultural, and economic problems can be creatively solved through the exchange of ideas and values and the integration of philanthropic initiatives and private/public capital.
- Professional experience and/or an advanced network in knowledge intensive industries involving research, development, and commercialization activities.
- Understanding of board governance principles gained from past experience serving on public or private sector or Crown corporation boards, agencies, or policy advisory bodies.
- Current or previous leadership experience within a highly complex, multi-functional organization in the private, public, or not-for-profit sectors.
- Previous experience in public policy development, government relations, and/or an understanding of how government works.
- Understanding of the relevant legal and regulatory environments related to the commercialization of innovation.
- Comprehensive understanding of the international research and innovation landscape and an advanced global network within sector(s) of expertise.
- Understanding of research and innovation for rural and aboriginal communities.
- Competency in growing a business and/or establishing a new business or industry in Alberta or elsewhere.
- Financial and capital markets experience (multi-industry/innovation specialization) related to early, mid-stage and growth companies.
Individual Professional and Personal Characteristics:
- Integrity and accountability
- Adaptability and sound judgment
- Strong interpersonal skills (team player, collegial, collaborative, consensus building/conflict resolution skills)
- Effective communicator (strong listening and verbal skills)
- Courage of convictions
- Impact and influence
- Creativity and passion for innovation
- Broad perspective – “big picture strategic thinker”
- Commitment (including ability to apply necessary time, effort, and travel)
- Independence / impartiality
- Ability to synthesize complex data and ideas into clearly articulated frameworks and strategies
Education and Professional Designation
The successful candidate will have completed his/her undergraduate degree or possesses equivalent professional experience related to their past or current area of expertise. Finalist candidates are required to submit verification of all academic degrees and professional designations prior to formal appointment.
ARIAC meetings typically occur twice each year in Alberta complemented by teleconference meetings of the full membership approximately 3 times a year. Additional teleconference meetings of working committees are also required. ARIAC members are expected to attend the bi-annual meetings and to invest additional time reviewing reports and meeting materials in advance of meetings.
ARIAC members do not receive a salary; however, an honorarium for their time working on behalf of ARIAC in accordance with Part A, Schedule 1 of the Committee Remuneration Order (OC 466/2007). Current rates are as follows:
- $164 for up to and including 4 hours in any day, or
- $290 for over four hours and up to and including 8 hours in any day, or
- $427 for over 8 hours in any day,
spent on the business of the committee. Remuneration for all board compensation is currently under review.
Honoraria rates are subject to review.
In addition, members are eligible for travel and accommodation expenses to attend meetings as outlined in the Government of Alberta's Travel, Meal and Hospitality Expenses Policy.
Ms. Nicola Stevens, Director, Operations and Projects
nicola.stevens@gov.ab.ca; 403-355-4532
Carefully read the Recruitment Posting and the Position Profile to ensure this is an appropriate opportunity for you. Applicants are advised to provide information that clearly and concisely demonstrates how their qualifications meet the advertised requirements.
Online applications are preferred. To apply, click on the 'apply' button, create or sign into your account in the ePAAS system; upload your resume, view the listing under Current Opportunities and click on 'submit application'. The uploaded resume will be automatically attached.
Provide a short (maximum 200 words) biography using the Biography template found under additional documents section. Your biography should contain general information about your education, experience, community involvement, skills, etc. Please note that biographies may be edited for length and clarity.
Once your biography and other required form(s) are completed, save it to your PC. When you hit 'submit application', you will be prompted to upload additional documents. Drag and drop (or upload) your completed cover letter, biography and other form(s) into the 'Drop files below or click to upload' section before clicking the 'apply' button.
If you are unable to apply online, please submit a cover letter and resume, quoting the recruitment posting competition number, to the contact provided on the posting. We thank all applicants for their interest. All applications will be reviewed to assess which candidates' qualifications most closely match the agency's requirements. Only those selected for interviews will be contacted to advance to the next step in the appointment process. You can check the status of each competition on-line at https://www.alberta.ca/public-agencies.cfm.
All potential candidates will be screened for potential conflicts of interest. Please Note: Successful applicants will have the following information about them made publicly available on the Public Agency Secretariat Website: name,biography, public agency, position appointed to.