Planning and Policy Analyst

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

The National Killam Program is a prestigious funding program, which consists of the Killam Prizes and the Dorothy Killam Fellowships. With a strong commitment to research excellence, the NRC works alongside the Killam Trusts, its Advisory Board and its Selection Committee to administer the National Killam Program. The National Killam Program is one of six Killam Trusts privately funded through the Will of Dorothy J. Killam whose vision was to build Canada's future by encouraging advanced study. Since its inception, the Killam Trusts have provided more than $1 billion for higher education in Canada. 

The National Killam Program Office is a dynamic team devoted to delivering world class programming. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to Canadian research excellence through engaging with the research community, bolstering program profile, administering funding programs and delivering excellent services to stakeholders across Canada and around the world. In this role, the Planning and Policy Analyst leads program communications including working with partners, stakeholders, and program staff on the development and delivery of program communications products. 

Additionally, the Planning and Policy Analyst supports a broad range of program activities including intake of submissions, administration of expert review and selection processes, celebration of laureates, event planning, continuous improvement activities and performance measurement. The Planning and Policy Analyst also supports the program Director in delivering on divisional objectives and to ensure the NRC’s strategic plan, operating plan, innovation agendas and corporate accountabilities are tracked and measured. Elements such as the NRC’s digital renewal, service standards, business engagement and EDI are supported through their work. 

The Policy and Planning Analyst is someone who shares and upholds our core values of Integrity, Excellence, Respect and Creativity.

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

Bachelor’s degree in sciences, engineering, business/public administration, communications, law or in another field relevant to the position.

A graduate degree is considered an asset.

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

Experience

• Experience working in a complex environment, serving a number of internal and external clients (including c-suite executives) and interacting with multiple stakeholders from government, industry and academia.
• Experience providing communications advice to management or senior management.
• Experience writing, editing and implementing a full range of communications products (such as communications plans, strategies, briefing notes, speaking notes, webpages, social network publications, articles etc.).
• Experience in research, analysis, drafting and presenting detailed and complex reports and briefing notes on issues related to innovation, government science and technology policy, and their relevance/implication for the NRC.
• Experience supporting program delivery including support for complex files that demand horizontal coordination, consulting, negotiating and collaborating with partners and stakeholders.
• Experience supporting program decision processes (such as research assessment processes).
• Experience in data analysis and leveraging data for decision-making.

Asset

• Experience working with the Policy on Transfer Payments.
• Experience in events management including logistics coordination and budget development.
• Experience with transfer payment administration.
• Experience research prizes, awards and grant administration. 
• Experience with PowerBI or MS Dynamics.

Condition of employment

Reliability Status

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

Language requirements

English 

Information on language requirements and self-assessment tests

Assessment criteria

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

Technical competencies

• Demonstrated ability to plan, develop, and execute communications effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, organize, set priorities, and deliver results under tight deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to research, analyze, and summarize complex data and situations and communicate results and conclusions in a clear and compelling way.
• Ability to define, manage, and execute assignments while working effectively with internal team members and external stakeholders.
• Ability to build, maintain, and strengthen partnerships.
• Knowledge of Canadian innovation system.
• Knowledge of federal government priorities and the role of the National Research Council of Canada.
• Knowledge of funding programs and program delivery best practices.

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

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.

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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.
• Candidates must clearly demonstrate in their cover letter how they meet the education and experience factors listed on the poster. Candidates must use the education/experience criteria as a header and respond to each criteria demonstrating how they meet them by providing concrete examples.  In addition, the candidate is encouraged to describe when, where and how they gained the experience. Failure to provide an appropriate cover letter will result in the rejection of your application. Candidates will not be solicited for incomplete or possible missing information.
• 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.