Discover the possible

Anything is possible at the National Research Council (NRC), recently named one of Canada’s 2025 Top Employers for Young People, a 2025 Top Employer in the National Capital Region and Forbes Canada’s Best Employers!

As Canada’s leading research and technology 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

We are looking for a Senior Policy Advisor to support our Knowledge, Information and Technology Services (KITS) branch. The selected candidate would be someone who shares our core values of Integrity, Excellence, Respect and Creativity.

The successful candidate will lead the development and coordination of strategic planning, integration, and policy advice for the science and technology (S&T), and corporate, IT portfolio for the NRC.

This involves extensive research and analysis across a wide set of policy issues and integrates them from topical, organizational, and whole-of-government perspectives.

The incumbent conducts continuous internal and external consultations, and establishes strong inter-departmental and Central Agency networks and partnerships.

Key Activities Include:

Conducts analysis and makes recommendations to senior management to support KITS vision and management decisions. Prepares analyses, strategic discussion papers, and briefing material for senior executives and the Director, Branch Strategy, Operations and Planning.

Researches, consults, drafts documents, and provides advice on various NRC strategic policy and program and IT issues.

Works with partners of various portfolios, branches and programs in the NRC to develop and maintain an integrated strategic plan.

Assesses reports on IT policy, and keeps abreast of emerging government policy and IT issues, with a view to providing advice to NRC executives on the implications and opportunities for the organization.

Provides advice, supports, and/or leads in the development of NRC input into horizontal and centrally-led government initiatives.

Analyses initiatives and proposals from other government departments and central agencies, with a view to identifying implications and opportunities for NRC, including preparing input on behalf of NRC and positioning NRC as a partner.

Manages special projects which are undertaken on an ad hoc basis for the, Chief Information Officer, or Director Branch Strategy and Operations; develops the framework for each project, researches background information, prepares final reports including recommendations to senior management

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

Degree from a recognized university, preferably in the natural, computer or social sciences, business, economics or public administration or another specialty relevant to the position.

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

Experience

• Experience researching, compiling and analyzing information to inform policy and/or strategic issues.
• Experience providing strategic advice and making recommendations on policy and/or strategic issues to management both orally and in writing.
• Recent* Experience in planning, organizing, and developing enterprise IT Project strategies while maintaining awareness of departmental initiatives, industry trends, and emerging technologies.
• Experience collaborating, liaising and building relationships with internal and external stakeholders on complex issues.
  Recent is defined as experience acquired within the last five (5) years.

Assets:

Experience in the following areas is not required, but would be considered an asset:

Experience in a federal government environment or public sector.

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

Information on language requirements and self-assessment tests

Assessment Criteria

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

Technical Competencies

• Knowledge of trends and development with respect to IT portfolio management/IT Policy in science-based organizations or federal public service.
• Advanced Knowledge of the theories, principles, methods, techniques and practices of policy development and strategic planning.
• Knowledge of the legislation, and Government of Canada, and Treasury Board Secretariat policies and directives related to IT.
• Expert Knowledge of principles and techniques in preparing business cases and/or strategic plans and presenting to senior management.
• Knowledge of the NRC, its mandate, organizational structure, programs and priorities, as well as those of KITS.

ASSETS:

• Knowledge of federal government priorities
• Knowledge of trends and developments with respect to science and technology
• Knowledge of the role of R&D and innovation in Canada

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

The intent of this hiring action is to staff this position at the ACRO - SRO level, which is a mid-career level position with a salary range of $119,668 to $168,192 per annum.

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.

Notes

• In 2025, the NRC has been chosen as one of Canada’s Top Employers for Young People, the National Capital Region’s Top Employers and Forbes Canada’s Best Employers.
• 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.
• In order to ensure a prompt and efficient processing of applications, candidates are encouraged to provide, along with their résumé, a detailed covering letter explaining how they meet each of the requirements of this position (education, experience, language requirements) by providing concrete examples. In addition, the candidate is encouraged to describe in detail when, where and how he/she gained the experience.
• The incumbent must adhere to safe workplace practices at all times and is expected to help management ensure a safe and healthy work environments for themselves and colleagues.
• Preference will be given to Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents of Canada. Please include citizenship information in your application.
• We thank all those who apply, however only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.