Senior Research Program Manager (Singapore)

The Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada (APF Canada) is an independent, non-partisan, not-for-profit organization focused on Canada’s relations with Asia. Our mission is to be Canada’s catalyst for engagement with Asia and Asia’s bridge to Canada. Through policy research, public outreach, and convening activities, we aim to deepen Canada’s understanding of the Indo-Pacific region and strengthen our ties across government, business, and civil society.

APF Canada (Singapore) Ltd. is seeking a Senior Research Program Manager to join our regional team based in Singapore. Reporting to the Vice-President Research & Strategy (based in Vancouver), and working in close co-ordination with the Asia Regional Director (based in Singapore), the successful candidate will manage the Foundation’s research and programming activities in Southeast Asia, with a focus on producing policy-relevant analysis, organizing and participating in events, and expanding Canada’s research, think-tank, and policy-relevant partnerships in the region.

This is a full-time position based in Singapore. The position offers an opportunity to work at the intersection of international affairs, Canada’s foreign policy and Indo-Pacific regional dynamics at a pivotal moment in global geopolitics.

Specific responsibilities include:

• Manage the development and delivery of research and policy programming focused on China and Southeast Asia and aligned with APF Canada’s Indo-Pacific priorities.


• Produce high-quality reports, commentaries, insights, and briefs on regional developments relevant to Canada’s foreign policy, economic interests, and multilateral engagement.


• Conduct research on China’s role in the Indo-Pacific, including its political, economic, and strategic engagement with Southeast Asia. Provide insights into Canada–China relations and regional dynamics involving China that affect Canadian interests.


• Support and expand the Foundation’s regional partnerships and network of stakeholders in Southeast Asia and beyond.


• Represent APF Canada at regional conferences, roundtables, and events across the Indo-Pacific.


• Contribute to organizing strategic dialogues, expert consultations, and events with stakeholders from government, business, and academic communities.


• Contribute to briefings and materials for APF Canada’s stakeholders in Canada and Southeast Asia.


• Support APF Canada’s regional engagement and programming, such as the Indo-Pacific Fellowships, Visiting Scholars Program, and Young Leaders Program.


• Collaborate with colleagues in Vancouver and across the region to deliver the Foundation’s annual workplan.

Desired Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Successful applicants will demonstrate:

• Graduate degree (Master’s or Ph.D.) in Political Science, International Relations, Asian Studies, Public Policy, Economics, or related field.


• Minimum of 5–7 years of relevant professional experience in research, policy, or program management, ideally with a regional or international focus.


• Demonstrated academic or professional focus on China and its evolving relationships with Southeast Asia and the broader Indo-Pacific region, including expertise in areas such as Chinese foreign policy, regional economic strategies (e.g., Belt and Road Initiative), or China–ASEAN dynamics.


• Strong knowledge of the Indo-Pacific region, including Canada’s interests and partnerships.


• Proven experience in producing policy-oriented research and convening multi-stakeholder dialogues.


• Excellent analytical, writing, and public communication skills.


• Strong project management skills and ability to coordinate across time zones and institutions.


• Ability to work independently and as part of a cross-regional team.


• Language proficiency in one or more Asian languages is considered an asset.

Eligibility

Applicants must either be a Permanent Resident or Citizen of Singapore. The successful candidate will be based in APF Canada’s Singapore office and will be expected to work full-time during regular office hours, Monday to Friday.

Application Procedures

Applications must be submitted via BambooHR and should include the following documents MERGED in ONE PDF file. 

• One-page Cover Letter detailing the applicant’s career interests and goals and why they are interested in working with the Foundation


• Résumé detailing the applicant’s academic background, skills, and professional experiences.


• Original Writing Sample of no more than 10 pages, single-spaced in English. A functioning URL to a writing sample is acceptable.


• Name, title, and contact information (email and phone number) for two professional references. References will only be contacted if the applicant is short-listed for the role.

The application deadline is June 1, 2025 (at 11:59 p.m. PT). Please ensure your application is complete prior to submission. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Please add [email protected] to your contact list to ensure delivery of our correspondence.

Guidelines on the Fair Use of AI 

At the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada, we recognize that AI is becoming an integral part of our daily lives, and we see its potential to enhance innovation, streamline processes, save time, and ultimately amplify our mission. All applications are reviewed by a human. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of age, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, language, national or Indigenous origin, family or marital status, physical and mental ability, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation or socio-economic status.  We view AI as a tool to support creativity throughout your job search when used for such things as polishing résumés. However, please ensure that any AI tools are turned off during interviews. Otherwise, we will not be able to assess your ability to showcase original ideas or get a true sense of your skills and passion for joining the Foundation. 

We appreciate the interest of all applicants, but due to the anticipated high volume of applications, we will only be able to reach out to those who best meet the qualifications and requirements for the position. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted to schedule an interview. Thank you for your understanding. 

Furthermore, submitting your application in response to our job postings is deemed to be consent to the collection, use and necessary disclosure of personal information for the purposes of recruitment and assessing your suitability for employment. APF Canada respects the privacy of all applicants and the confidentiality of personal information.