If you are looking for a career opportunity, want to give meaning to your professional achievements and contribute to making the world a better place, by playing a part in international development, and are passionate about managing a portfolio of distinct project initiatives (PI), the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) is the place for you!

IDRC is home to people who share a passion for international development research. We look for employees who believe that knowledge and innovation can help solve the world’s most critical challenges.

Come join our team and help us build a more sustainable and inclusive world!

Our employment opportunity of the moment: Senior Program Specialist

Program: Education and science

Location: Ottawa, Canada (Hybrid Mode*)

Employment Status: Temporary, until December 2027

Take a minute to see if your profile fits IDRC:

You have:

• A Ph.D. relevant to education and science with eight (8) years of relevant experience or a Master’s in degree education and science with a minimum of ten (10) years of relevant experience.
• Proficiency in French and English (reading, writing and speaking)
• Significant and relevant experience in research management, implementation, funding, or support in Education and science in low and middle-income countries (LMIC).
• An in-depth understanding of science and innovation systems in LMIC, including thematic expertise in issues such as artificial intelligence, open science, future of work, gender and science Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM), and educational technologies.
• A demonstrated ability to work and engage with different stakeholders engagement, including government agencies, academic institutions, and international organizations to strengthen science systems.

You are:

• Aligned with the IDRC’s culture and value statements: At IDRC we are respectful, intentional and accountable.
• Qualified to establish, manage, and develop professional relationships for international development projects.
• Sensitive to the importance of gender equity, inclusion, and diversity within research.
• A professional and intellectual leader who prides themselves on their ability to provide strong technical leadership to specialized research initiatives.
• Competent in planning, organizing, coordinating, negotiating and problem-solving.
• A proven team player who works well within a multidisciplinary group of people from diverse cultures.
• A high performing professional able to work under matrix management of thematic and geographic directors and team leaders.

You are interested in:

• Identifying critical research issues and opportunities that will contribute to meeting the objectives of the Program Initiatives in terms of relevance, quality, policy impact, gender and intersectionality, capacity building and in terms of visibility (reputation) of the program and the Centre.
• Assessing proposals, including conceptual, methodological, operational, evaluative, and financial aspects, and identifying and developing research proposals in accordance with the Centre policies.
• Collaborating at the Centre-wide level with different stakeholders and contributing to knowledge dissemination and utilization.
• Engaging in research and initiatives that examine how technological advancements are reshaping labor markets, work environments, and skill requirements, with a focus on preparing for and adapting to these changes.
• Contributing to the exploration and integration of emerging technologies, employing foresight to anticipate and shape the future of education, science, and technology in a way that maximizes societal benefit.
• Establishing partnerships with the private sector to leverage their expertise, technologies, and networks to scale responsible and inclusive innovations which help achieve developmental goals.
• Joining an organization that values and models diversity, inclusion, and equity.

Then we are interested in your profile!

At IDRC, we support your professional development.

Additional Information:

For more details on the primary duties and responsibilities, view Job Details.

*Hybrid Mode: Have the flexibility to work in hybrid mode (Minimum 3 days out of 10 in the office).

This position requires frequent international travel.

As a result of this process, the Centre may establish a pool of pre-qualified candidates for future permanent and term opportunities requiring the same competencies in education and science program.