Program Manager (China) Maternity cover

Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada; Vancouver; Hybrid; CAD 70,000 - 88,000; Full time

Job summary

A Canadian non-profit organization is hiring a full-time Program Manager in Vancouver to manage China Research and Programs. This role involves leading research, organizing engagements, and mentoring research scholars. Qualified candidates should have at least 5 years of relevant experience and a graduate degree in a related field. Proficiency in Chinese is desirable. Compensation ranges from $70,000 to $88,000 annually with attractive benefits.

Benefits

Comprehensive extended health plan

Benefits that exceed minimum employment standards

Qualifications

• 5 years of relevant professional experience.
• Demonstrated professional and/or academic focus on China.
• Excellent demonstrated written and spoken communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage the design, development and execution of China-focused research and programs.
• Generate policy-relevant research products.
• Provide briefings with analysis on key issues driving Canada-China relations.

Skills

Project Management Methodology

Project / Program Management

Program Management

Management Experience

Microsoft PowerPoint

Microsoft Project

Budgeting

Leadership Experience

Supervising Experience

Education

Ph.D. or a graduate degree in a related field

Tools

Qualitative and/or quantitative research methods

Job description

The Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada (APF Canada) is an independent non‑partisan not‑for‑profit organization focused on Canada’s relations with Asia. Our mission is to be Canada’s catalyst for engagement with Asia and Asia’s bridge to Canada. Through policy research, public outreach and convening activities we aim to deepen Canada’s understanding of the Indo‑Pacific region and strengthen our ties across government, business and civil society.

The Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada (APF Canada) is seeking a full‑time one‑year fixed‑term Program Manager (maternity leave coverage) to manage its China Research and Programs. The Program Manager will bring extensive knowledge of this sub‑region and the ability to conduct objective evidence‑based analysis of issues, events and policies relevant to strengthening Canada‑Asia. This role the Program Manager will also lead a small team responsible for analyzing, reporting and presenting insights on the region to a Canadian audience.

The position reports to the Vice‑President Research and Strategy, preferably based at APF Canada’s Vancouver downtown office on a hybrid schedule of two days onsite and three days remote, but open to candidates from Toronto, Montreal or Ottawa on a remote arrangement with occasional mandatory office reporting for research events or Foundation‑wide events.

Specific responsibilities include:

• Manage the design, development and execution of China‑focused research and programs
• Generate policy‑relevant research products, including but not limited to reports, insights, dispatches, explainer briefs and case studies
• Provide briefings with timely information and analysis on key issues driving Canada‑China and Canada‑Taiwan relations to business, government and academic stakeholders
• Organize public and private roundtables, webinars and events related to Canada’s engagement with China, Hong Kong and Taiwan or key political security and strategic developments in the region
• Participate in or speak at conferences, panel discussions, seminars and events on China, Taiwan and Canada’s engagement with the Asia‑Pacific region
• Keep up‑to‑date knowledge on current affairs and major geopolitical and geostrategic developments in China, Hong Kong and Taiwan
• Supervise and mentor research scholars in the China research team and provide professional development opportunities to build their expertise and research capabilities
• Develop regional programming ideas, liaise with partners in the region, organize and participate in strategic dialogues and expert roundtables on China, Hong Kong and Taiwan
• Provide other research support as needed and assist with other duties assigned by the VP of Research and Strategy

Eligibility

• Ph.D. or a graduate degree (M.A. / …) in a related field such as Sociology, Political Science, International Relations, Economics, History, Geography, Asian Studies, Anthropology, etc.
• 5 years of relevant professional experience
• Demonstrated professional and/or academic focus on China
• Extensive understanding, experience and interest in China studies including politics, society, current affairs, international relations, security, history and environmental issues
• Proficiency in the Chinese language (desirable)
• Excellent demonstrated research skills
• Knowledge of qualitative and/or quantitative research methods
• Excellent demonstrated written and spoken communication and public speaking skills
• Attention to detail, excellent editing and proofreading skills and ability to package and present content to different audiences
• Demonstrated ability for project management and team management
• Strong teamwork and collaborative skills, ability to adapt, innovate and work in a fast‑paced environment and good interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and master new topics quickly

Compensation

The salary range for this position is $70,000 – $88,000, keeping with our compensation approach. Final offers are typically positioned up to the median of the range. The exact amount will be based on demonstrated experience, transferable skills, qualifications and internal equity across the organization. APF Canada also provides a comprehensive extended health plan and benefits that exceed minimum employment standards.

Application Procedures

Applications should include the following documents in ONE MERGED PDF file.

• One‑page cover letter detailing the applicant’s career interests and goals and why they are interested in working with the Foundation
• Résumé detailing the applicant’s academic background, skills and professional experiences
• Original writing sample of no more than 10 pages, single‑spaced in English. A functioning URL to a writing sample is acceptable
• Name, title and contact information (email and phone number) for two professional references. References will only be contacted if the applicant is shortlisted for the role

The application deadline is Sunday, October 26 2025 at 11:59 p.m. (PT). Please ensure your application is complete prior to submission. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

We appreciate the interest of all applicants but due to the anticipated high volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted to schedule an interview. Thank you for your understanding.

Guidelines on the Fair Use of AI

We recognize that AI is becoming an integral part of our daily lives and we see its potential to enhance innovation, streamline processes, save time and ultimately amplify our mission. All applications are reviewed by a human. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of age, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, language, nationality or Indigenous origin, family or marital status, physical and mental ability, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation or socio‑economic status.

We view AI as a tool to support creativity throughout your job search when used for such things as polishing résumés. However please ensure that any AI tools are turned off during interviews. Otherwise we will not be able to assess your ability to showcase original ideas or get a true sense of your skills and passion for joining the Foundation.

Further, submitting your application in response to our job postings is deemed consent to the collection, use and necessary disclosure of personal information for the purposes of recruitment and assessing your suitability for employment. APF Canada respects the privacy of all applicants and the confidentiality of personal information.

Key Skills

• Project Management Methodology
• Project / Program Management
• Program Management
• Management Experience
• Microsoft PowerPoint
• Microsoft Project
• Budgeting
• DoD Experience
• Leadership Experience
• Supervising Experience
• Contracts

Employment Type: Full‑Time

Experience: years

Vacancy: 1

Monthly Salary: $70,000 – $88,000