International Program Officer

National Research Council Canada / Conseil national de recherches Canada; Ottawa; Hybrid; CAD 72,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Job summary

National Research Council Canada (NRC) in Ottawa seeks an International Program Officer to support its Business and International Innovation Office. You will help manage international activities, coordinate MoUs, and engage with government and diplomatic partners to advance NRC programs.

The role requires a university degree, bilingual capability, and strong MS Office skills. A limited hybrid on-site/telework arrangement is possible, with relocation support if needed.

Qualifications

• University degree in a field such as international relations, business administration or program management.
• Experience providing advice and developing recommendations on international relations topics (MoUs, engagement requests).
• Project coordination, project management or program management experience.
• Experience in research and analysis for meeting notes, event plans, trackers and reports.
• Experience working with Canadian and overseas government and diplomatic service.
• Experience coordinating and organizing events including on-site and remote protocol.
• Proficiency with MS Office applications, including MS Excel.

Responsibilities

• Conduct program and project management activities for international operations.
• Develop processes to ensure consistent, quality outcomes for international activities.
• Support MoU coordination and stakeholder engagement across government and partners.
• Prepare briefing materials for senior advisors and directors.

Skills

MS Excel

MS Office

Education

University degree in international relations, business administration or similar

Tools

MS Excel

Job description

Priority may be given to the following designated employment equity groups: Indigenous Peoples* (First Nations, Inuit and Métis), persons with disabilities and racialized persons*.

• The Employment Equity Act , which is under review, uses the terminology Aboriginal peoples and visible minorities.

Candidates are asked to self-declare when applying to this hiring process.

City: Ottawa

Organizational Unit: Business and International Innovation

Classification: AS-3

Tenure: Continuing

Language Requirements: Bilingual Imperative BBB/BBB

Work arrangements: Due to the nature of the work and operational requirements, this position may be eligible for a limited hybrid work arrangement (combination of working onsite and telework). At the NRC, we recognize that Indigenous candidates may have important connections to their communities and you may be eligible for an exception to this work arrangement. Alternative work arrangements may also be considered to accommodate candidates as required. To learn more about these options, please contact the NRC Hiring team using the contact information below.

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 foster 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 an International Program Officer to support our Business and International Innovation 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

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* experiencein 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

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 statutes, policies and requirements necessary to the design and management of transfer payments;
• Knowledge of Treasury Board Secretariat Policy on contracts and procurement.

Behavioural competencies

• Management services - Client focus (Level 2)
• Management services - Communication (Level 2)
• Management services - Conceptual and analytical ability (Level 2)
• Management services - Teamwork (Level 2)

Competency Profile(s)

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

View all competency profiles

Compensation

From $72,436 to $85,298 per annum.

In addition, the incumbent who meets the language requirements 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.
• 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.

Please direct your questions, with the requisition number (25775) to:

E-mail: [e-mail]

Telephone: [phone]

Closing Date: 24 September 2026 - 23:59 Eastern Time

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• If you are currently a term or continuing employee at NRC, please apply through the SuccessFactors Careersmodule from your NRC computer.