Policy Advisor

Priority may be given to the following designated employment equity groups: women, 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.

City: Within a National Research Council Office across Canada

Organizational Unit: Executive Offices

Classification: RCO

Tenure: Continuing

Language Requirements: Bilingual Imperative BBB/BBB

• Due to the nature of the work and operational requirements, this position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement (combination of working onsite and telework). Employees in this position who telework will be required to travel to the designated work site at least three times per week or a minimum of 60% of their regular work schedule at their own expense.

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.

Under the general direction of the Executive Advisor to the Vice President of the Emerging Technologies Division, leads in the development and coordination of strategic planning, program design and/or implementation, and policy advice in science and technology (S&T), economic and social domains, with a special focus on quantum technology development in Canada. This involves research and analysis across a wide set of policy issues and strategies, and calls for the ability to integrate and implement advice based on topical, organizational, and whole‑of‑government perspectives.

This position requires the incumbent to provide advice and recommendations to the Director and other senior executives in situations where there is time pressure and imperfect or unclear information. Decisions could have important reputational, policy, and fiscal impacts for the NRC and could affect the ability of the NRC to collaborate on initiatives with other partners.

The incumbent will be expected to represent, advance and make linkages with NRC’s interests at quantum S&T forums and inter‑departmental committees and may be required to support other Emerging Technologies division and corporate priorities for internal and external audiences. Strong writing and oral briefing skills are required of this position, as well as the ability to manage projects with multiple stakeholders and to think and plan strategically.

The work relating to the above activities is complex and of a highly sensitive nature. The incumbent must understand, and take responsibility for, the implications of management decisions derived from his/her information and advice. Due to the high degree of urgency and importance of issues associated with this position, the incumbent must be able to work well under pressure, and work within a team environment while meeting tight deadlines.

Education

• University degree, preferably in the natural or social sciences, business, economics or public administration.
• For information on certificates and diplomas issued abroad, please see Degree equivalency.

Experience

• Experience researching, consulting, and drafting policy or strategy documents.
• Experience providing strategic advice on policy and program issues related to the NRC's role in advancing innovation, science and technology, including the preparation and delivery of analyses and presentations; strategic discussion papers, and any other briefing material for internal and external executive decision-makers.
• Significant experience working on collaborative initiatives with internal and external partners and interacting with high‑profile stakeholders (e.g. leading academics, industry CEOs, etc.)
• Significant experience preparing speaking notes, briefing notes, scenario notes, minutes etc. for senior leaders such as Presidents and VPs, as well as generating and delivering presentations and other materials.
• Significant experience in…