APF Canada is a not-for-profit organization focused on strengthening ties between Canada and Asia through its research, education, and convening activities, such as the APEC-Canada Growing Business Partnership.
We are seeking a proactive Research Specialist for the APEC-Canada Growing Business Partnership on contract, full-time employment. This position reports to the Senior/Program Manager, APEC-Canada Growing Business Partnership. Phase Two of the APEC-Canada Growing Business Partnership is a five-year project (2022-2027) funded by the Government of Canada that aims to improve inclusive economic growth of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), especially those led by women and young women.
The application deadline is April 13, 2025 (at 11:59 p.m./PT). Applications must be submitted via BambooHR. Please ensure your application is complete prior to submission. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Major Responsibilities

• Assists the Senior Program Manager in coordinating and managing meetings, consultations, and project events, including workshops and conferences with MSME entrepreneurs, government officials, researchers, and leaders in private sector and civil society from Canada and other APEC economies;
• Conducts quantitative and qualitative research on project focus areas such as womens entrepreneurship and inclusive economic growth, to produce research deliverables and inform project planning and implementation;
• Prepares reports, policy briefs, recommendations and communication materials;
• Coordinates the production of research studies, reports, and policy briefs, and reviews drafts and final versions;
• Undertakes the day-to-day management of the project budget, financial reporting to project donors (e.g.: Global Affairs Canada), and processing of internal financial documents;
• Develops and manages relationships with stakeholder groups in Canada and other APEC economies, including international and regional organizations, senior government officials, government agencies, research institutes, private sector, and civil society;
• Attends regional forums and events to present research findings and outcomes from the project, including policy dialogues and roundtables with policymakers, experts, and stakeholders from APEC economies; and
• Provides ongoing research support and analysis throughout the projects activities.

Successful applicants will have the following qualifications

• Graduate education in international development, public policy, international relations, political science, social sciences, or a related field;
• Two to three years of work experience with initiatives, programs, and/or research projects related to MSMEs, entrepreneurship, sustainable development, poverty reduction, and womens economic empowerment;
• Knowledge about issues related to MSMEs and entrepreneurship, particularly in the context of fostering sustainable development and poverty reduction, and promoting gender equality;
• Previous experience with conducting qualitative and quantitative research, literature reviews, and stakeholder consultations and interviews, to produce reports, policy briefs, research studies, and other publications;
• Previous experience in managing research projects and initiatives, including management of project work plans, timelines, budgets, and reporting to institutional donors;
• Previous experience in developing and managing relationships with external stakeholders, including international and regional organizations, senior government officials, government agencies, research institutes, private sector, and civil society organizations;
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment;
• Strong interpersonal, intercultural, and networking skills, and the ability to respectfully engage with multiple stakeholder groups;
• Strong communication skills with the ability to present complex information clearly and effectively to diverse audiences.

Desired Skills and Abilities

• Previous work experience in supporting a Global Affairs Canada-funded international development project is highly desirable;
• Certification in project management (e.g. PMP, Prince2, PM4DEV) is an asset;
• Completion of the Government of Canadas Gender Based Analysis Plus (GBA+) certificate or other certifications or training related to gender equality is an asset;
• The ability to read, write, and work in French, Vietnamese, Bahasa Indonesia, Filipino, Malay, and/or Thai is an asset;
• Experience working in and with stakeholders in the Indo-Pacific region, with a preference for experience in Southeast Asia, is an asset.
• Previous experience in partnership development and assisting in securing funding for international cooperation and development programs (ideally $2M+), is an asset.
• Previous experience in results-based management and supporting the development of logic models, results frameworks, theories of change, and monitoring and evaluation; plans for international development projects, including the integration of lessons learned, is an asset.

Eligibility
Applicants must have a legal status to work in Canada upon submission of an application. The successful applicant will ideally work out of Vancouver, BC, on a Hybrid Schedule (two days onsite/three days off-site) from APF Canadas head office in downtown Vancouver, Monday to Friday, during regular office hours (approximately 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.).
Compensation & Benefits The salary range for this role is $60,000-70,000. The final salary offer will be determined based on the candidates experience and expertise, typically from the minimum to the midpoint of the range. APF Canadas total remuneration package for this role includes a non-contributory extended health care coverage, including dependents, above mandatory paid time-off days and a flexible and hybrid work schedule.
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 applicants career interests and goals and why they are interested in working with the Foundation
• Rsum detailing the applicants 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.

Please add [email protected] to your contact list to ensure delivery of our correspondence.
For questions, please send an email to [email protected].
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 rsums. 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.