Senior Strategic Analyst

The Role

We are looking for a Senior Strategic Analyst to support the NRC Industrial Assistance Research Program (NRC IRAP). The Senior Strategic Analyst would be someone who shares our core values of Integrity, Excellence, Respect and Creativity.

Regarded worldwide as one of the best programs of its kind, IRAP is Canada’s premier innovation assistance program for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). IRAP operates at the intersection of technologies, the innovative capacity of firms that incorporate and advance them, and the policy objectives by which they are both sought and realized. Further, through its distinct role and design, IRAP generates novel perspectives on the state and evolution of technologies, technological industries, and ecosystems of firms.

Successful candidates will work in IRAP’s new Market and Technical Intelligence (MaTI) Directorate, IRAP’s center of expertise for foresight in support of evidence-based program and policy development. The focus of MaTI is on data-driven research and the analysis of economic and technological trends to inform strategy, resource allocation, and evaluation.

The Senior Strategic Analyst will identify risks and opportunities for program strategy arising from economic and technology intelligence and provide evidence-based analysis for policy development and program improvements. The Analyst will be responsible for:
 

• Supporting the identification of opportunities for program strategy arising from economic intelligence and from analysis of administrative data;
• Identification and tracking of emerging and prevailing trends in technological innovations and capabilities among IRAP supported firms, within Canadian industry, and the global state-of-the-art;
• Leveraging leading edge economic and innovation theories and data science methodologies and techniques to develop new and advanced insights, including options and expected impacts for the development and delivery of enhanced program and policy.
• Providing recommendations to focus program resources allocation and support coordination and implementation of initiatives;
• Collaborating to develop and track of strategic targets and indicators for annual reporting;
• Contributing to IRAP’s statistical research collaboration initiatives; and
• Experimenting with technologies and methods to offer new and deeper insights. 
   

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:

Candidates must respond in details to all pre-screening questions in order to be considered. Failure to do so will result in automatic disqualification.

Education

Graduation with a degree from a recognized post-secondary institution with acceptable specialization in economics, statistics, mathematics, data science, business administration, engineering, science or a related field.

Asset: Graduate studies, preferably a PhD in domain of relevance to the position.

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

Experience

• Significant experience in conducting analysis, identifying options and developing and presenting briefing and presentations for providing strategic advice and recommendations to executive management, as well as to corporate committees or representatives to support decision-making processes.
• Significant experience in developing relationships and liaising with a broad network of technical, industry and policy contacts and researchers.
• Significant experience in conducting in depth analysis for decision making, planning and program design based on complex data that may not be complete.
• Significant experience in gathering, analyzing and synthesizing data from disparate sources to identify strategic trends and related opportunities/challenges in technology, market or the economy.
• Significant experience developing, conducting and overseeing research in one or several of the following areas: economic analysis, data science, program impact assessment, and market intelligence or technology intelligence. (Note: the candidate will be required to present an illustrative sample of reports)
• Significant experience in working on, leading and managing multiple projects in a team environment.
   

Asset Criteria:

• Significant experience in applying advanced quantitative technics to collect and analyze data such as econometrics, data science (data mining, generative AI and machine learning), including peer reviewed publications. (Note: the candidate will be required to present an illustrative sample of reports)
• Significant experience in developing and leading high quality collaborative research or organizing conferences with external experts such as other government departments, think tanks and academia.
• Experience in understanding entrepreneurship and business challenges, especially in the context of SMEs that commercialize technology-based products and services.
   

* Significant experience is defined as the depth and breadth of experience normally associated with full-time performance of duties for a cumulative period of at least eight years. 

Condition of Employment

 Reliability Status

Language Requirements

Bilingual Imperative BBB/BBB 

Information on language requirements and self-assessment tests

Assessment Criteria

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

Technical Competencies

• Knowledge of the innovation system (including IRAP) and economic challenges in Canada, especially as they relate to SMEs.
• Demonstrated ability to define, manage and execute multiple projects, working effectively with internal team members or external contractors. 
• Ability to plan, organize and set priorities under tight deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to design and conduct analysis and research. (Note: the candidate will be required to present an illustrative sample of past analysis)
• Demonstrated ability to access needed data and information for research and intelligence projects and to be able to the ascertain the relative importance and quality of information/data to the analysis, often in the context of complicated subject matter (e.g., emerging technologies or program impacts).
• Demonstrated ability to analyze and synthesize complex information, assess risks and opportunities, and make recommendations on potential courses of action in a clear and compelling way (reports, briefing notes, presentations, etc.). (Note: the candidate will be required to present an illustrative sample of past analysis)

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

The intent of this hiring action is to staff this position at the RCO-3 or RCO-4 level which is a mid to senior-career level position with a salary range of $117,341 to $164,894.

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).

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.

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Discover the possible

Anything is possible at the National Research Council (NRC). As Canada’s leading research and technology 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.

Notes

• 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.