Program Officer (Anticipatory)

Special Posting Considerations:

The intent of this process is to fill positions within the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC). The results of this selection process may be used to staff similar term or indeterminate positions with various language requirements within NSERC and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC). This selection process will establish a pool of qualified candidates. 

IMPORTANT NOTE: When applying, candidates will be asked to clearly demonstrate how they meet the Education and Experience factors listed in the Statement of Qualifications below. A separate cover letter is not required.

Who we are

The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) is Canada’s largest funder of science and engineering. A career at NSERC means supporting the visionaries, explorers and innovators who are searching for the scientific and technical breakthroughs that will advance knowledge, improve the lives of Canadians and transform the world for the better.

Visit our career page at NSERC to learn more about why you should join our agency.

What you will do

The Program Officer (PO) is responsible for the delivery of funding opportunities and for representing and promoting the agency within the scientific/research community. The PO ensures the integrity and quality of peer review processes and takes part in the planning and monitoring of the program operations. The PO serves as the external facing authority for aspects related to program delivery, directly responding to internal and external queries. The PO provides policy and procedural direction to peer review committees, external reviewers, applicants, and others in the scientific/research community. Provides analysis and advice to management on program and policy related issues. The position may involve supervision of a Program Assistant, including providing guidance and training, monitoring workload and performance, and contributing to performance management activities. 

What you need to succeed

Education

• A bachelor's degree or an appropriate combination of experience, training and education.
• A degree in natural sciences or engineering – An Asset
• Foreign Credential Validation against Canadian Standards

Experience

• Relevant experience in post-secondary (university, college, polytechnic, CEGEP), public, private, or not-for-profit sectors
• Experience in the use of systems and tools for searching or managing information
• Experience conducting presentations in a professional setting
• Experience in providing advice on or interpretation of policy
• Experience in the administration or management of programs (including research programs) in post-secondary (university, college, polytechnic, CEGEP), public, private, or not-for-profit sectors – An Asset
• Experience in research– An Asset
• Experience in people management – An Asset

Knowledge

• Knowledge of NSERC policies and the programs the agency administers.
• Knowledge of the research community in Canada, including an understanding of trends in science/engineering research or postgraduate education
• Knowledge of the structure of research or scholarship funding and of the university setting in Canada
• Knowledge of the area of equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) and its various applications to, and challenges in, the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) areas and beyond – An Asset

Competencies

• Analytical thinking and sound judgement
• Organizational skills and attention to detail
• Autonomy and initiative
• Adaptability
• Client service- and delivery-oriented
• Ability to work with others
• Effective communication

Security requirements 

Security clearance: Reliability

Equity, diversity and inclusion
We are committed to inclusive and barrier-free recruitment to create a workforce that reflects the Canadians we serve. We promote employment equity and encourage you to indicate if you belong to one of the designated groups when you apply.

We welcome all candidates, and encourage applications from women, Indigenous Peoples (First Nations, Métis and Inuit), veterans, persons with disabilities, Black and other racialized persons, persons of ethnic origins, diverse religions, abilities, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, and members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

Accommodation

Let our team know if you require accommodation or support during the recruitment process by contacting us at recruiting-recrutement@nserc-crsng.gc.ca. 

If you require additional information on the position, please contact us at recruiting-recrutement@nserc-crsng.gc.ca.