Corporate Governance Advisor

Discover the possible

Anything is possible at the NRC, named in 2025 one of Canada’s Top Employers for Young People, Top Employer in the National Capital Region and Forbes Canada’s Best Employers!

As Canada’s largest research and innovation organization, our world-renowned research pushes the boundaries of science and engineering to make the impossible, possible. Every day we explore new ideas through innovative research and help companies discover possibilities that impact Canada’s future and the world.

At the NRC, you’ll also discover new possibilities. Our supportive workplace fosters a culture of creativity, welcoming fresh perspectives and innovation at all levels. We value teamwork. You’ll collaborate across multiple fields and with the brightest minds to find creative solutions. Most importantly, you’ll discover what’s possible within you as you grow, make valuable contributions and progress in your professional journey. From ground-breaking discoveries to a life-changing career, discover your possible at the NRC.

The role

We are looking for a Corporate Governance Advisor (CGA) to support the Corporate Secretariat. The Corporate Governance Advisor would be someone who shares our core values of Integrity, Excellence, Respect and Creativity. It is expected that this Advisor will approach this as a development opportunity, working alongside and benefiting from the experience and knowledge of more senior Corporate Governance Advisors.

As a Corporate Governance Advisor, you will participate in the delivery of executive and board meetings and governance-related initiatives in support of the NRC’s President, senior executives, Council, and Procurement Oversight Board. You will develop and maintain an effective working relationship with senior executives and their offices. Through a proactive and professional delivery of services, you will work towards earning the confidence and trust required to advise and represent matters related to NRC governance.

A Corporate Governance Advisor understands that theirs is an enabling role, offers high level support and sound judgement, and is comfortable working in a small team. You have an ability to think strategically and logically, and to keep an eye on the outcome, with a good sense of organization. We are looking for someone who has some experience working with senior level executives, and who have polish and tact. We require strong organizational skills and a willingness to learn in a fast paced environment, as well as a knowledge of the technology required for high level meeting and event support.

This is interesting work. Through the Council, the Procurement Oversight Board, the Senior Executive Committee, and other executive-level committee meetings, the Corporate Governance Advisor will enable governance meetings covering a broad range of subjects from strategic direction, to policy, to research excellence, to stakeholder relations, to resource management, to procurement oversight.

Screening criteria

Applicants must demonstrate within the content of their application that they meet the following screening criteria in order to be given further consideration as candidates:

Education

A university degree in a field relevant to the position. This may include science, engineering, business, economics, or administration.

Training in fields such as public administration, ethics, or business administration may be considered an asset.

For information on certificates and diplomas issued abroad, please see Degree equivalency

Experience

• Recent* experience delivering secretariat services to boards of directors and/or senior executive level committees – developing agendas to address meeting objectives, coordinating the preparation of meeting materials, documenting and disseminating meeting results. 
• Experience providing or supporting the preparation of independent advice, and effective briefing materials for senior executives, playing a challenge function where required.
• Experience in corporate level planning, business and/or policy development, strategy, governance and/or reporting in a government or business environment.
• Experience in navigating through direction from multiple clients to achieve the desired results.
• Experience serving a number of internal and external clients.
   

*Recent means within the past two (2) years.

Condition of employment

Secret Clearance

A thorough security clearance process will be applied. 

For a Secret Clearance, verification of background information over a period of 10 years is required. Individuals must have lived in Canada for a sufficient period of time to enable the security screening process. 

Language requirements

Bilingual Imperative CBC/CBC

Information on language requirements and self-assessment tests

Assessment criteria

Candidates will be assessed on the basis of the following criteria:

Technical competencies

• Knowledge of federal government priorities and the role of the National Research Council of Canada.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to convene and support groups of decision-makers in a neutral and enabling manner.
• Demonstrated ability to define, manage and execute assignments and projects under tight deadlines while working effectively with internal team members and external stakeholders.
• Ability to build, maintain and strengthen partnerships.
• Knowledge of governance theory and ability to apply this in an executive setting, ideally in a public sector context.

Behavioural competencies

Competency Profile(s)

For this position, the NRC will evaluate candidates using the following competency profile: Management Services

View all competency profiles

Compensation

The intent of this hiring action is to staff this position at the RCO-2 level, which is a junior to mid-career level position with a salary range of $83,985 to $116,641.

NOTE: Please note that the full RO/RCO salary scale has five levels. Salary determination will be based on a review of the candidate’s expertise, outcomes and impacts of their previous work experience relative to the requirements of the level.  As such, the initial salary could be within another level of the RO/RCO salary scale (i.e. above or below the intended level for this position).

In addition, the incumbent will receive the Bilingualism Bonus of $800 per year.

NRC employees enjoy a wide-range of competitive benefits including a robust pension plan, comprehensive health and dental coverage, disability and life insurance, office closure at the end of December, and additional supports to enhance your well-being throughout your career and beyond.

Notes

• Relocation assistance will be determined in accordance with the NRC's directives.
• ​A pre-qualified list may be established for similar positions for a one year period.
• Preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada. Please include citizenship information in your application.
• The incumbent must adhere to safe workplace practices at all times.
• We thank all those who apply, however only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.