Programs Officer

PROGRAMS OFFICER Opportunity: One permanent full-time position and one contractual position of 18 months Existing or anticipatory: Existing positions Expected starting salary: Level 4: $89,800 - $105,500 Work location: hybrid - minimum two days per week at the CFI offices in Ottawa Closing date: August 23, 2026 Position summary As a member of the programs team, the Programs Officer reports to Senior Programs Officers and assists in the design, development and implementation of the CFI’s funding programs and policies and supports the delivery of the merit-review process. Key activities: Responds to information requests from CFI-eligible institutions (universities, colleges, research institutes and hospitals) and funding partners, including explaining the CFI mandate, programs and policies. Participates in competition design and continuous improvement to the proposal review process. Plans, organizes and supports the delivery of the proposal review process, including recruiting external reviewers. Contributes to developing competition documents, including guidelines, communications and review materials. Conducts administrative review of proposals. Summarizes expert committee discussion and assists in writing related reports. Follows the progress of CFI projects by negotiating timelines and reviewing budgets and amendment requests and formulating recommendations to the Senior Programs Officers. Reviews, analyzes and recommends actions relating to institutional queries throughout the complete lifecycle of CFI projects. Keeps track of and documents interactions with institutions using the corporate case management system. Participates in other special projects, as required. Abilities: Ability to work independently and as an integral member of a dynamic team Ability to work under pressure with a high volume of work for limited time periods 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 and scientific proposals as well as an understanding of the infrastructure used in performing scientific research Ability to work with databases, electronic communications, spreadsheets and text processing software, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint Skills and knowledge: Good understanding of the Canada’s research community and scientific research process Strong analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills Excellent interpersonal skills, including good judgment, discretion and professionalism Strong time management and organizational skills Requirements: Excellent communications skills and oral and written proficiency in both official languages are mandatory for this role University degree preferred; relevant experience may also be considered. Previous relevant experience in grants administration is an asset Total compensation: 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. Please send your CV and a covering letter by end of day on August 23, 2026, to: Diane Larabie Manager of Human Resources Services Canada Foundation for Innovation, The CFI does not use any AI tools at any time in the screening of applicants. The results of this competition may be used to staff similar temporary or permanent positions for a period of six 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 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 our workplace. 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 “Careers” page for more information about the CFI.