Public Representative, Environmental Studies Research Fund

Portfolio: Natural Resources Canada
Organization: Environmental Studies Research Fund (ESRF)
Position title: Board Member (public representative)
Type: Part-time
Duration: Three-year term from the date of appointment

Position

Public Representative South (1) on the Environmental Studies Research Fund Management Board starting in summer/fall 2021.

Background Information

The Environmental Studies Research Fund (ESRF) is a legislated research fund that supports environmental and social research related to oil and gas development in frontier areas, including the Atlantic offshore. Funds are collected annually through levies paid by lease-holding oil and gas companies active in Canada’s frontier lands.

The ESRF receives its legislated mandate through the Canadian Petroleum Resources Act, as well as the Canada–Newfoundland Atlantic Accord Implementation Act and the Canada–Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Resources Accord Implementation Act (the Offshore Accords). This legislation divides the Ministerial responsibilities for the ESRF based on geographical distribution north and south of the 60th parallel. The Minister of Natural Resources is responsible for the necessary approvals in the southern region, while the Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs is responsible for the approvals in the northern region.

The ESRF is directed by a management board composed of members from the federal government, industry, two Offshore Boards and the public. Their legislated responsibility includes establishing the guidelines and procedures for selecting ESRF’s research performers and research studies, and recommending the associated levy rates.

For more information on the program, please visit the Environmental Studies Research Fund website.

Position, time commitment & location

An opportunity exists for one public representative position on the Management Board. This representative will represent the public’s interest for the southern regions of Canada, primarily the Atlantic offshore. The term of appointment is three years, at pleasure, ending on the day of the appointment of a successor.

As a public representative, you will participate fully in deliberations and decision making of the Management Board. The Management Board meets via video/teleconference approximately three times a year, on an as needed basis, and in person twice a year. Reasonable travel expenses will be paid.

Remuneration

This is a volunteer position. Members do not become a part of the Public Service of Canada as a result of this Ministerial appointment. Members do not receive gifts, honoraria or fees. Travel expenses, incurred in the performance of duties, are reimbursed at a level consistent with the National Joint council (NJC) Travel Directive and Treasury Board of Canada Guidelines.

Ministerial Appointment

Ministerial appointments will be open, transparent and merit-based to promote the appointment of qualified Canadians who represent Canada’s diversity, in terms of linguistic, regional and employment equity representation.

Eligibility criteria and qualifications

A particular area of expertise is not required; however, some experience with the oil and gas sector, basic knowledge of off-shore oil and gas environmental issues in the Atlantic offshore, and experience representing the public’s interests on governing bodies, would be an asset.

Diversity and official languages

The Government of Canada will consider bilingual proficiency and diversity in assessing candidates for this position. You are therefore encouraged to include in your application your ability to speak and understand your second official language and if you are a member of one or more of the following groups: women, Indigenous peoples, persons with a disability, visible minority. Please note that there is no requirement to provide this information, i.e., provision of this information is voluntary.

Eligibility factors and conditions of appointment

• Members must be available to participate in periodic teleconferences.
• Members must be willing and able to travel to the biannual General Meetings of the ESRF. The biannual meetings are typically held in April and October and involves 2 days of participation.

If you are appointed to this position:

• Members must comply with the ethical, political activity and conflict of interest guidelines applicable to federal Ministerial appointments.
• All appointees are subject to the Conflict of Interest Act. For more information, please visit the Office of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner’s website.

How to apply

If you are interested in this challenging opportunity, please submit your résumé and a letter of recommendation from a person with a position of responsibility within a community or a not-for profit organization to the ESRF Secretariat at: nrcan.esrf-fee.rncan@canada.ca. The review of applications will begin on April 16, 2021. Candidates are strongly encourage to submit their applications by this date. After this date, your application will be retained and may be considered up until appointments are made.