International Program Officer

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 two International Program Officers to support our International Relations Office. The International Program Officer would be someone who shares our core values of Integrity, Excellence, Respect and Creativity.

The International Program Officer conducts various program and project management activities including development of processes to ensure consistent, quality outcomes and processes for all international activities performed or facilitated by the International Relations Office.

Accountabilities include:

• Fulfill the role of NRC Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) coordinator with overseas governmental and quasi governmental entities.
• Maintain relationships with various stakeholders based on ongoing review and understanding of geopolitical trends and target economy socio-economic policies and programs.
• Review and understand program governance to ensure NRC compliance.
• Attend and participate in meetings with Advisory Boards and Programs to develop strategic plans and support program evaluation.
• Represent NRC’s position in various fora, at diplomatic and scientific events.
• Researching and writing briefing material for Senior Advisor and Director review.
• Proposing and recommending appropriate NRC responses to enquiries and sought advice.
• Supporting the management of the overall Grants & Contributions or other program(s) in accordance with program parameters and Treasury Board guidelines.
• Liaising with program beneficiaries, programs, Advisory Board(s) and VP and Secretary General offices.

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

University degree in a field such as international relations, business administration or program management and/or a university diploma in another relevant field.

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

Experience

• Significant experience* in providing advice and developing recommendations on subjects pertaining to international relations, such as MoUs, meeting and engagement requests.
• Experience with project coordination, project management or program management.
• Significant experience* in conducting research and analysis preparation of meeting notes for senior advisors, developing international event plans, trackers, and reports.
• Significant experience* working with various stakeholders including within the Canadian and overseas government and diplomatic service.
• Significant experience* in coordination and logistics of events, including on-site and remote protocol.
• Significant experience* using MS Office applications, such as MS Excel

Asset criteria:

• Experience in policy implementation, transfer payments, namely delivery and design of contribution programs.
• Experience managing MoUs.

Preference may be given to candidates with international experience.

*Significant means 2 to 6 years of experience

Condition of employment

Reliability Status

For a Reliability Status, verification of background information over a period of 5 years is required.

Language requirements

Bilingual Imperative BBB/BBB 

Asset criteria: German, Japanese language skills

Information on language requirements and self-assessment tests

Assessment criteria

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

Technical competencies

• Ability to manage multiple competing priorities on a daily basis.
• Ability to analyze complex information from multiple sources and formulating recommendation options.
• Ability to demonstrate accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally.
• Knowledge of MoU policies and procedures according to federal government standards.

Asset:

• Knowledge of Policy on Tabling of Treaties in Parliament.
• Treasury Board Secretariat Policy on Transfer Payments as well as other related statues, policies and requirements necessary to the design and management of transfer payments.
• Knowledge of Treasury Board Secretariat Policy on contracts and procurement.

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

From $72,436 to $85,298 per annum. 

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

• In 2025, the NRC was chosen as one of Canada’s Top Employers for Young People, a National Capital Region Top Employer and Forbes Canada’s Best Employer.
• 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.
• In order to ensure a prompt and efficient processing of applications, candidates are encouraged to provide, along with their résumé, a detailed covering letter explaining how they meet each of the requirements of this position (education, experience, language requirements) by providing concrete examples.  In addition, the candidate is encouraged to describe in detail when, where and how he/she gained the experience.
• Candidates who have Second Language Evaluation (SLE) test results with the Public Service Commission should include these results with their application.
• 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.