Who is eligible

We invite applicants to apply to the following positions on the National Advisory Council on Poverty:

1. chairperson (full-time)
2. member with particular responsibilities for children’s issues (full-time)
3. general member, including those with lived experience of poverty (part-time or full-time)

You can apply to more than one position. You will be able to tell us which positions you want to apply to in your application. You only need to apply once.

In your application, you will need to confirm that you meet the following requirements:

• you are willing to travel across Canada for meetings, consultations and public engagements
• you are available for approximately 15 to 20 days of remunerated work per year (for part-time members)

Individuals with lived experience of poverty are encouraged to apply.

We will assess applicants based on the criteria below. Criteria differ between the positions.

Chairperson

Education and experience

• A degree from a recognized university or a diploma from a recognized college, or an acceptable combination of relevant education, job-related training and/or experience
• Experience in a field related to poverty reduction
• Experience in bringing together divergent views through facilitating public meetings or panel discussions, leading a multidisciplinary team, or chairing a board or committee
• Experience living in or having lived in poverty is an asset

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Knowledge of government or non-government programs and services that help to reduce poverty and of issues related to groups more likely to be living in poverty
• Analytical skills
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Ability to establish and maintain productive and collaborative relationships with diverse groups and work as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Ability to undertake public engagement with various groups, including Indigenous people, persons living in poverty or with lived experience of poverty, the academic community and other experts
• Ability to provide supervision over and direction of the work of the Council

Member with particular responsibilities for children’s issues

Education and experience

• A degree from a recognized university or a diploma from a recognized college, or an acceptable combination of relevant education, job-related training and/or experience
• Demonstrated experience in a field related to child poverty or children’s well-being
• Experience in a field related to poverty reduction
• Experience as a service provider for organizations that support vulnerable populations or as an advocate, academic or other expert on poverty issues
• Experience living or having lived in poverty is an asset

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Knowledge of issues related to children more likely to be living in poverty or vulnerable situations
• Knowledge of government or non-government programs and services that help to reduce poverty and of issues related to groups more likely to be living in poverty
• Analytical skills
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Ability to establish and maintain productive and collaborative relationships with diverse groups
• Ability to undertake public engagement with various groups, including Indigenous people, persons living in poverty or with lived experience of poverty, the academic community and other experts
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team

General member

Education and experience

• A degree from a recognized university or a diploma from a recognized college, or an acceptable combination of relevant education, job-related training and/or experience and/or experience living in or having lived in poverty
• Experience in a field related to poverty reduction
• Experience as a service provider for organizations that support vulnerable populations or as an advocate, academic or other expert on poverty issues

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Knowledge of government or non-government programs and services that help to reduce poverty and of issues related to groups more likely to be living in poverty
• Analytical skills
• Ability to establish and maintain productive and collaborative relationships with diverse groups
• Ability to undertake public engagement with various groups, including Indigenous people, persons living in poverty or with lived experience of poverty, the academic community and other experts
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Ability to participate in discussions, including willingness to share ideas and opinions

Candidates with lived experience of poverty who are applying to be a general member may submit a narrative describing their experience living in poverty instead of a curriculum vitae. Members with lived experience of poverty use their experience to inform advice that the Advisory Council gives to the Minister.

Other considerations

If you are a successful applicant, your references will be contacted to confirm that you meet the selection criteria above and that you have the following personal attributes:

• high ethical standards and integrity
• sound judgement
• collaborative
• encourages and embodies the values of inclusion, diversity, equity, accessibility and anti-racism

Diversity and official languages

We are committed to providing a healthy and accessible workplace that supports dignity, self-esteem and the ability to achieve one’s full potential. With this in mind, all appointees will be expected to take steps to promote and maintain a healthy, respectful, inclusive and harassment-free work environment.

Preference may be given to applicants who are members of one or more of the following groups:

• women
• Indigenous Peoples
• persons with disabilities
• a visible minority group

Proficiency in both official languages of Canada would be preferred.