SCC is seeking a Canadian senior executive with environmental management experience to become the next Chair of ISO/Technical Committee (TC) 207 – Environmental management. This is a unique opportunity to shape international standards that advance climate action as the world races to build a resilient future. 

Canada holds the Secretariat for ISO/TC 207, which is one of ISO’s most high-profile committees. ISO/TC 207 develops international standards that help organizations operate in a sustainable way. This means leading the way on standards that address environmental and climate impacts, including related social and economic aspects, in direct support of UN Sustainable Development Goal 13 on Climate Action. The committee is:

• responsible for the high-impact ISO 14000 Environmental management series which provide companies and organizations of any type with practical tools to manage their environmental responsibilities
• made up of 600 people (from 79 participating ISO member countries, and another 41 observing member countries) working across 7 sub-committees
• has 61 published ISO standards 
• has 15 standards under development

ISO/TC 207 is strategically important to Canada’s global influence, and in its efforts to achieve a sustainable future. It is a privilege to hold this coveted leadership appointment as it reinforces Canada’s position as an international standards leader. The chair also has a role in driving conversations at global climate forums that intersect with ISO, such as Our 2050 World.

Why should a Canadian industry executive consider this opportunity? 

• Shape the future of environmental management and drive conversations at global environmental and standardization forums
• Grow your clout on the world stage and expand your network with prominent environmental management experts  
• Take your place among other Canadian trailblazers to help maintain Canada’s role as an international standards leader

Who you are and what you bring to the table

• High-calibre executive with a distinguished career in environmental management 
• Influential leader with a broad network spanning public policy, regulatory and industrial sectors
• Champion of sustainable development and well-positioned to promote ISO’s work
• Strong character with exceptional strategic thinking and consensus-building skills

What is expected in this role?

• Overall management of ISO/TC 207. It is supported by a Secretariat who handles administrative work and advises on procedures
• Use tact and diplomacy to ensure agreements are reached, and all points of view are captured
• Ensure a full range of technical competence is available to the group and develops solutions to reach consensus 
• Advise the ISO Technical Management Board (TMB) on important matters via the technical committee Secretariat and through reports submitted by subcommittee chairs
• Ensure the ISO/TMB’s policy and strategic decisions are implemented in the committee
• Oversee that projects are managed timely and adhere to project plans
• Commit time and resources to the role, including costs to attend international meetings. SCC will provide onboarding and training for chair duties. SCC also provides partial financial support for international travels. 
  • Requirement to spend four days a month or a day per week on committee work
  • Lead a minimum of four international meetings held virtually and/or in-person per year

Express your interest and find out more

Direct your expression of interest in applying to this position or your questions to Christine Geraghty, Project Manager, International Technical Committee Secretariat, at cgeraghty@scc.ca.

SCC will solicit more detailed information from potential candidates based on the expressions of interest that it receives. Among the qualities listed, SCC will also consider potential candidates’ current role in the sector, education, professional career, leadership experience, experience carrying out similar activities and language skills.