Policy Advisor

Discover the possible

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

As Canada’s largest research and innovation 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 Policy Advisor to support our Strategy and Integration team. The Policy Advisor would be someone who shares our core values of Integrity, Excellence, Respect and Creativity.

Our Policy Advisors provide policy and corporate advice and support at all levels of the organization, including to the Secretary General, the NRC President, and the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry. The position requires the ability to think and communicate strategically and build and maintain positive internal and external relationships with clients and stakeholders.

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:

Candidates may submit a cover letter. CVs will be used as a secondary source to validate information in your cover letter and responses to the screening questions.

You must clearly demonstrate how you meet each individual education and experience criteria listed in this poster, by providing concrete examples, including asset criteria if applicable.

Candidates will not be solicited for incomplete or possible missing information.

Education

A Master's degree, with preference given to the following disciplines: science, public administration, economics, business, or other relevant fields. 

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

Experience

• Recent* and significant** experience working effectively in a complex environment, serving a number of internal and external clients and interacting with multiple stakeholders;


• Recent and significant experience in assessing, or leading the development of policy documents including Treasury Board Submissions or Memoranda to Cabinet, or Budget Proposals;


• Significant experience in briefing senior management, in writing and orally, on policy initiatives or documents related to at least one of the following domains: government public policy, national defence, science and technology, business innovation;


• Significant experience in establishing, maintaining, and leveraging effective relationships.

Asset:

• Experience working in a science or defence-based department or agency within the government of Canada.


• Experience working in a Central Agency of the Government of Canada.

*Recent is defined as within the last six (6) years. 
**Significant experience is defined as depth and breadth of experience associated with having performed the activities over a period of five (5) years. 

Condition of employment

Secret Clearance
A thorough security clearance process will be applied. 

For a Secret Clearance, verification of background information over a period of 10 years is required. Individuals must have lived in Canada for a sufficient period of time to enable the security screening process. 

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

• Proficient and well-developed knowledge of the Government of Canada policy cycle, including the Cabinet decision-making process, Parliamentary process, and the role of central agencies;


• Extensive knowledge of trends and developments in the public and private sectors with respect to science and technology and/or defence, including knowledge of the role of the NRC in the innovation ecosystem in Canada;


• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

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

This position is classified as a Research Council Officer (RCO), a group that is unique to the NRC. Candidates are remunerated based on their expertise, outcomes and impacts of their previous work experience relative to the requirements of the level. The salary scale for this group is vast, from $64,739 to $183,010 per annum, which permits for employees of all levels from new graduates to world renowned experts to be fairly compensated for their contributions.

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).

In addition, the incumbent will receive the Bilingualism Bonus of $800 per year.

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

• 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.


• Candidates must clearly demonstrate in their application by answering screening questions how they meet the education and experience factors (including asset criteria, if applicable) listed on the poster.


• Candidates will not be solicited for incomplete or possible missing information.


• The work involves time pressures, changing and unpredictable priorities and multiple demands.  


• The incumbent may be required to work overtime occasionally, at short notice.


• Preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada. Please include citizenship information in your application.


• The incumbent must adhere to safe workplace practices at all times.


• We thank all those who apply, however only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.