Programs Officer

Programs Officer

Anticipatory

Position summary

Reporting to a team of Senior Programs Officers, the Programs Officer assists in the design, development and implementation of the CFI’s funding programs and policies, coordinates the merit review processes of proposals and makes recommendations on final budgets and change requests for CFI awards to the Senior Programs Officers.

Objectives of this Position

• Contributes to the oversight and management of CFI awards by responding to queries from institutions across Canada, by negotiating project timelines, and by analyzing project budgets and amendment requests to formulate recommendations to the Senior Programs Officer.
• Participates in the design, delivery and continuous improvement of CFI funding competitions.

Key activities:

• Provides client service to CFI-eligible research institutions and funding partners by responding to information requests, including explaining the CFI mandate, programs and policies.
• Reviews, analyzes and recommends actions relating to institutional queries for both the pre- and post-award phases of CFI projects. A typical portfolio of institutions includes over 40 research institutions spanning large universities, smaller universities, colleges, and research institutes managing nearly $600M in CFI funding in 500 CFI awards.
• Analyzes final project budget and amendment requests (~150 per year) in a timely fashion and formulates recommendations to the appropriate Senior Programs Officer.
• Participates on competition planning team(s) and contributes to the development of competition documentation, including guidelines, communications and review materials.
• Analyzes proposals and associated documentation to ensure compliance with CFI requirements.
• Participates in the planning, organization and conduct of merit review committee meetings, in coordination with the Senior Programs Officers and competition teams, including identification and recruitment of Canadian and international reviewers.
• Develops tools or processes to facilitate administrative processes for the Programs team.
• Participates in other CFI responsibilities and special projects, as required.

Abilities:

• Ability to work independently and as an integral member of a dynamic team
• Ability to multitask and to meet multiple deadlines
• Ability to work under pressure with a high volume of work
• Ability to adapt to, and manage, changing priorities and workloads, and willing to take on more responsibilities as needed
• Ability to read and understand technical scientific proposals as well as an understanding of the infrastructure used in performing scientific research

Skills and Knowledge:

• Good understanding of the Canadian research community and scientific research process
• Strong problem-solving, analytical and decision-making skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including good judgment, discretion and professionalism
• Strong time management and organizational skills

Requirements:

• Excellent proficiency in both official languages, including oral and written communication skills, is mandatory for this role· University degree (preferably in life sciences, natural sciences or engineering) or relevant experience
• Excellent knowledge of databases, electronic communications, spreadsheets and text processing. Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, and Powerpoint. Knowledge of other Microsoft software is an asset.
• Previous relevant experience in grants administration is considered an asset

Total Compensation:

Salary range for this position starts at $87,000 per year. The CFI offers a competitive compensation package that includes employee benefits and participation in the Sun Life Financial pension plan, four weeks of paid vacation leave as well as personal days and access to the Wellness Fund that covers health and wellbeing items for you and your family!

This is a full-time position in a hybrid work environment, requiring a minimum of two days per week at the CFI offices.

Please send your CV and a covering letter by end of day on January 5, 2025 to:

Eric Desjardins
Manager, Human Resources
Canada Foundation for Innovation

The results of this competition may be used to staff similar temporary or permanent positions for a period of twelve months following the completion of the staffing process.

We would like to thank all candidates who apply. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

The Canada Foundation for Innovation supports official languages principles and respects Ontario’s Accessible Customer Service Policy. We attempt to accommodate individual needs in keeping with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. Please let us know in advance if you require an accommodation to participate in the hiring process.

The CFI is committed to the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion. In all our activities, we recognize that a breadth of perspectives, skills and experiences contributes to excellence in research.

The Canada Foundation for Innovation respectfully acknowledges that its head office is located on the traditional, unceded territory of the Anishinaabe Algonquin People.

Visit our website for more information about the CFI.