The Chef de Mission will take the role as representative for the team, as well as becoming a core member of the leadership team and member of the Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC) Issues Management Team during Games, due to take place between September 7 to 18, 2016. 

According to a CPC statement the position involves a "significant level of responsibility and requires a considerable commitment of time, energy and effort."

"The successful candidate is expected to provide overall leadership to the Canadian Paralympic Team Mission, with key responsibilities including (but not limited to) participation in site visits, regular conference calls and/or mission staff meetings, national events, selection trials, training events, the Chef de Mission Seminar, Mission Orientation Seminar and the Games themselves."

It added: "The CPC will cover the travelling expenses to meetings, seminars and the Games; as well as accommodation and meal costs incurred while fulfilling Chef's responsibilities."

The nomination process allows each CPC Paralympic sport member "in good standing as of the date of the Call for applications" to nominate one candidate.

A candidate can also be put forward should two Board members nominate him or her.

The Chef de Mission will play a number of key roles during Rio 2016, as a representative for the Canadian Paralympic team ©Getty Images





The CPC named a number of "essential qualifications" needed for a candidate including:

·         To have a variety of experiences and skills demonstrating ability to lead, motivate and foster team building;

·         To be a known figure  and demonstrate the skills to be a spokesperson on behalf of the CPC

·         To demonstrate strong organizational skills;

·         To demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills;

·         To demonstrate effective communication skills (written and oral);

·         To have demonstrated ability to work effectively with athletes, coaches and team officials;

·         To show a successful  track record in effectively implementing strategic and operational planning;

·         To have strong experience with problem-solving and crisis management skills;

·         To be prepared to commit extensive amount of time to the role;

·         To demonstrate the ability to work in a fast paced and pressured environment; and

·         To show commitment to athletes and to create an environment where they can compete to the best of their abilities while achieving podium successes.

A number of other "preferred qualifications" can be found on the CPC website.

Potential candidates are urged to send their applications, including a nomination form, letter of interest and resume to the executive director of sport, Catherine Gosselin-Després by the end of tomorrow.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]