Senior Advisor, International Relations

Discover the possible

Anything is possible at the NRC, named in 2026 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 a Senior Advisor, International Relations to support our Business and International Innovation (BII). The Senior Advisor will play a key role in building and nurturing enabling relationships, catalyzing targeted research collaborations, facilitating co-innovation opportunities and connecting NRC business to key clients. The Senior Advisor, International Relations would be someone who shares our core values of Integrity, Excellence, Respect and Creativity.

Your duties will include:

• Support corporate programs in an international regional market. You will recognize, advise on and develop opportunities (especially at a government-to-government level) that have the greatest impact such as: research and development collaboration, acquiring technologies, stimulating select international consortia and using international networks to enable access to global value chains;
• Provide advice on international science and technology activities and networks, analyze and monitor international science, technology and innovation activities and policy trends, identify key issues and formulate recommendations for NRC senior management;
• Plan, develop, research, promulgate, analyze, and interpret policies, policy issues, programs, corporate and government-wide initiatives pertaining to the strategic and operational management of the NRC’s international innovation activities;
• Promote and represent NRC's interests to foreign organizations and other government departments; promote Canadian participation in international non-governmental and governmental organizations and mechanisms for international industrial R&D and innovation. You will represent NRC to stakeholders, including other government agencies and departments;
• Define the key parameters of, and draft corporate documents, including: strategic plans. You will analyze corporate strategy for proposing international S&T activities positioning future opportunities, anticipating challenges and responding to corporate needs;
• Research and develop documents and briefing material for NRC senior management (President, Vice-Presidents, Secretary General,), NRC Council, federal Cabinet and Central Agencies;
• Provide protocol expertise and staff support to NRC senior management for foreign visits, conferences, or reception of foreign dignitaries.

This role will appeal to someone who has a passion for innovation and international engagement.

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

A Master’s of Business Administration, Science, Engineering, International Relations, or other relevant graduate degree with equivalent business experience. 

PhD degree would be an asset but not required.

An equivalent combination of education and work experience may be considered.

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

Experience

• Significant* experience in international relations and/or international business;
• Significant* experience in business development and/or strategic relationship management;
• Experience working with innovators (SMEs, research institutions, universities) aiming at commercialization.

* Significant is defined as at least 3 years of experience.

Condition of employment

Secret clearance

A thorough security clearance process will be applied. 

For a Secret Clearance, verification of background information over a period of 10 years is required. Individuals must have lived in Canada for a sufficient period of time to enable the security screening process. 

Valid Canadian passport or Canadian Permanent Resident status, and the ability to travel nationally and internationally.

Language requirements

English

Assessment criteria

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

Technical competencies

• Advanced knowledge and understanding of the international Science and Technology environment and Canada’s engagement in this area;
• Advanced knowledge of International Relations including Protocol;
• Advanced knowledge of best practices in IP commercialization and business development;
• Knowledge of innovative SME co-innovation opportunity;
• Knowledge of strategic planning;
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing

Behavioural competencies

Competency Profile(s)

For this position, the NRC will evaluate candidates using the following competency profile(s): Management Services

View all competency profiles

Compensation

This position is classified as a Research Council Officer (RCO), a group that is unique to the NRC. Candidates are remunerated based on their expertise, outcomes and impacts of their previous work experience relative to the requirements of the level. The salary scale for this group is vast, from $64,739 to $183,010 per annum, which permits for employees of all levels from new graduates to world renowned experts to be fairly compensated for their contributions.

NOTE: Please note that the full RO/RCO salary scale has five levels. Salary determination will be based on a review of the candidate’s expertise, outcomes and impacts of their previous work experience relative to the requirements of the level.  As such, the initial salary could be within another level of the RO/RCO salary scale (i.e. above or below the intended level for this position).

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 2026, 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.
• 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.