Policy Analyst – Public Affairs & Policy D&S Canada

CAE; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A global leader in training solutions is seeking a Policy Analyst in Ottawa. You will provide critical research and analysis to shape strategic decisions, draft communications, and support engagements with officials. Candidates should have a bachelor's degree in a relevant field and 2–5 years of experience in policy analysis. Bilingualism in English and French is a significant asset.

Qualifications

• 2–5 years of experience in policy analysis or government affairs.
• Ability to translate complex policy issues into clear content.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and assess Canadian defence and security policy debates.
• Draft speeches and strategic communications materials.
• Prepare background material for engagements with officials.

Skills

Policy analysis

Research

Excellent writing

Analytical skills

Bilingualism

Education

Bachelor's degree in Political Science or related field

Master's degree

Job description

About This Role

Position Summary

CAE is a global leader in training for the civil aviation and defence and security markets. Backed by over 75 years of industry firsts, we continue to help define global training standards with our innovative virtual-to-live training solutions to make flying safer, maintain defence force readiness and enhance safety. We have the broadest global presence in the industry, with over 13,000 employees, 160 sites and training locations in over 40 countries. Each year, we train more than 220,000 civil and defence crewmembers, including more than 135,000 pilots, and thousands of aviation and military professionals worldwide. www.cae.com

CAE Defence & Security Canada is seeking a Policy Analyst to join its Public Affairs & Policy team. Reporting to the Senior Director, the Policy Analyst will play a critical role in shaping CAE’s strategic outlook by providing research, analysis, and content that informs both internal decision-making and external engagement. This role is central to advancing CAE’s position as a premier defence partner and trusted voice in Canada’s evolving policy landscape.

Key Responsibilities

• Policy Research & Analysis
• Monitor, analyze, and assess Canadian defence, security, and industrial policy debates, with a focus on emerging government priorities, legislative developments, and geopolitical trends.
• Produce timely briefing notes, issue analyses, and policy memos for senior leadership.
• Support the Senior Director in shaping CAE’s strategic outlook on defence and industrial policy.
• Writing & Content Development
• Draft speeches, op-eds, thought leadership pieces, and strategic communications materials that reinforce CAE’s role in Canada’s defence ecosystem.
• Contribute to CAE’s policy publications and thought leadership exercises, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and alignment with organizational objectives.
• Provide context and content support for marketing, communications, and government relations initiatives.
• Strategic Engagement Support
• Prepare background material for engagements with federal and provincial officials, industry associations, and key stakeholders.
• Track and synthesize government announcements, parliamentary debates, and policy reports to provide actionable insights for the leadership team.
• Support cross-functional collaboration between Public Affairs, Government Relations, and Marketing/Communications to ensure consistent and coordinated messaging.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Public Policy, International Relations, Communications, or related field; a Master’s degree is an asset.
• 2–5 years of experience in policy analysis, government affairs, research, or related roles (experience in defence, security, or aerospace policy is preferred).
• Excellent writing, editing, and presentation skills; ability to translate complex policy issues into clear and compelling content.
• Strong research and analytical abilities, with an aptitude for identifying trends and strategic implications.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, with strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Bilingualism a major asset (English and French).
• Be able to hold a Canadian Controlled Goods Clearance.
• Eligibility to work in Canada either as a Canadian Citizen, a Permanent Resident or with a valid Work Permit.

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Position Type Regular

CAE thanks all applicants for their interest. However, only those whose background and experience match the requirements of the role will be contacted.

Equal Opportunity Employer

CAE is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, nationality, colour, religion, sex, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, neurodiversity, veteran status, age, or other characteristics protected by local laws.

If you don’t see yourself fully reflected in every job requirement listed in the job posting, we still encourage you to reach out and apply. At CAE, everyone is welcome to contribute to our success. Applicants needing reasonable accommodations should contact their recruiter at any point in the recruitment process. If you need assistance to submit your application because of incompatible assistive technology or a disability, please contact us at [e-mail]