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 developing, delivering and evaluating corporate communications strategies, approaches and initiatives, 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. Guided by the values of Respect, Accountability, and Intention, IDRC fosters collaboration to create meaningful and inclusive change. Please visit our website to learn more about our work: What We Do.

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

Our employment opportunity of the moment: Senior Public Affairs Strategist

Location: Ottawa, Canada (Hybrid Mode*)

Employment Status: Permanent

Why Join IDRC?

At IDRC, your work goes beyond a job — it’s an opportunity to create meaningful global change while thriving in an environment that values collaboration, innovation, and care. Whether you’re an emerging professional eager to launch your career or an experienced leader driving systemic change, IDRC provides the platform to turn purpose into action.

• Make an Impact: Contribute to initiatives addressing the world’s most critical challenges, from inclusive governance to climate resilience.
• Grow and Thrive: Access personalized learning opportunities, career development resources, and supportive mentorship.
• Collaborate Globally: Work alongside diverse colleagues and partners, bridging local insights with global strategies to deliver meaningful outcomes.
• Enjoy Comprehensive Benefits: Experience work-life balance with flexible work arrangements, generous leave policies, robust health coverage, and retirement plans. Learn more about our benefits on the IDRC Careers page.

Step Into the Opportunity:

As Senior Public Affairs Strategist, you will be responsible for:

• Developing and implementing communications strategies and initiatives in terms of public affairs and outreach to support IDRC’s objectives.
• Engaging in comprehensive portfolio management and providing communications support to various program divisions within IDRC.
• Collaborating with internal teams and external stakeholders to enhance IDRC’s visibility and impact through innovative communications initiatives.
• Providing strategic advice and support for corporate and operational communications planning, issues management, and stakeholder engagement.
• Joining an organization that values and models diversity, inclusion, and equity.

Take a minute to see if your profile fits IDRC:

You Have the Following Qualifications and Experience:

• Education Pathways:
  • A graduate degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. communications, journalism, public relations) or an acceptable combination of experience in communications and education.
• Language Proficiency:
  • Proficiency in both French and English (reading, writing, and speaking) is required.
• Relevant Professional Experience:
  • Candidates must have a minimum of 5 years of recent, cumulative** experience in communications, including contributions to areas such as public affairs, media relations, issues management, outreach, or events.
  • While 5 years of experience in each area is not required, candidates must demonstrate meaningful contributions in at least 2 of these areas.
• Key strengths for Success:
  • A sound understanding of international development, foreign affairs, and IDRC’s mandate, activities, and operating environment is required.
  • Proven ability to provide strategic advice, develop and implement communication strategies, and manage comprehensive communication projects with measurable outcomes is required.
  • Excellent knowledge of the federal political environment, its processes, and its key players is required.
  • Strong knowledge of communications best practices, approaches, and tools, including social media is an asset.

NB:

• **Cumulative, Relevant Experience: This includes all professional work in areas such as communications, education, or other specified fields. This experience may have been gained through full-time, part-time, or project-based roles, provided meaningful contributions are demonstrated.
• **Recent Experience: Refers to work completed within the past five (5) years, ensuring that candidates’ skills and expertise are current and applicable.

How You Thrive:

• Aligned with the IDRC’s culture and value statements: At IDRC we are respectful, intentional and accountable.
• A skilled communicator with strong superior strategic thinking and analytical skills, capable of providing sound judgment and clear, persuasive advice to senior management
• Proficient in crafting high-quality written content and adept at editing across various communications formats, ensuring clarity and impact in every message
• Competent in managing complex projects from inception to completion, demonstrating exceptional leadership and project management skills
• A team player within a multidisciplinary group of people from diverse cultures
• Qualified to independently drive initiatives and adapt swiftly to changes, utilizing your ability to manage multiple tasks and competing priorities effectively.
• Known for your tact, discretion, and diplomacy, essential for navigating the complexities of a multicultural and dynamic workplace.

If this sounds like the right fit, we’d love to hear from you!

Additional Information:

• For more details on the primary duties and responsibilities, view Job Details.
• *Hybrid Mode: The Centre provides a hybrid work environment, and your presence at the office is governed by the teleworking policy.
• 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.

How to Apply

We are excited to learn more about you! To apply for this position:

1. Prepare Your Application: Ensure your resume highlights your cumulative professional experience, particularly in areas relevant to the role.
2. Craft a Tailored Cover Letter: Share how your skills, expertise, experience, and values align with IDRC’s mission and this specific opportunity.
3. Submit Your Application: Follow the instructions provided on our Careers page to complete your submission.

Our recruitment team carefully reviews all applications to identify candidates who best align with the role’s criteria. If selected, you will hear from us regarding the next steps in the process. We thank all applicants for their interest and encourage you to stay connected with IDRC for future opportunities.

Your next chapter begins here. Let’s shape a brighter, more inclusive future together.

Your Work, Your Growth, Your Impact—Together, We Build a Better World