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
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.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.If this sounds like the right fit, we’d love to hear from you!
We are excited to learn more about you! To apply for this position:
Prepare Your Application: Ensure your resume highlights your cumulative professional experience, particularly in areas relevant to the role.Craft a Tailored Cover Letter: Share how your skills, expertise, experience, and values align with IDRC’s mission and this specific opportunity.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
We appreciate your interest, however, only candidates selected to continue in the process will be contacted.
The International Development Research Centre is committed to creating and fostering a respectful, diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace culture that reflects the people’s lives we impact and the Canadian community we work within, where everyone can truly be themselves. We welcome Indigenous peoples and persons from all races, ethnicities, gender identities and expressions, sexual orientations, as well as persons with physical or mental disabilities to be part of our team. At IDRC, we place human rights and dignity at the center of our work. We have a zero-tolerance approach to inaction against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment in the delivery of our mandate and during our research-for-development activities.
We strive to ensure barrier-free selection processes. If you are contacted regarding a career opportunity, testing or interview, please advise the People and Corporate Culture Division representative of the accommodation measures that must be taken to enable you to be assessed in a fair and equitable manner.
All IDRC employment offers will be contingent on satisfactory references and self-declaration results. IDRC will request information from references provided by job applicants about any findings related to sexual exploitation, abuse and/or harassment in the context of employment. By submitting an application, job applicants confirm their understanding of the recruitment process above.
Who can apply? Canadian citizens and permanent residents.