WE ARE LOOKING FOR A SENIOR INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS DEVELOPMENT OFFICER.
Language: Bilingual - English and French mandatory
Compensation: $87,463 - $107,055
Status: Full-time (Program Staff III) - unionized position
Position Type: New Position
Location: 301 - 350 Sparks St, Ottawa, Ontario K1R 7S8
The Opportunity
The Senior International Partnerships Development Officer advances the development of strategic international programs and partnerships that mobilize the expertise of Canada's colleges, institutes, CEGEPs and polytechnics. Working under the direction of the Manager, Programs and Partnership Development, the incumbent helps translate global workforce, skills and economic priorities into fundable, scalable initiatives that create value for members, partner countries and Canada.
The role focuses on education-for-economic-partnership initiatives, technical and vocational education and training (TVET) and workforce-system modernization, and other international programs and partnerships aligned with Canada's trade, development, innovation and geopolitical priorities. The incumbent conducts market and policy analysis; supports government, industry, multilateral and institutional relationships; develops program architecture; prepares concept notes and proposals; mobilizes member expertise; and coordinates opportunity development from early identification through readiness for implementation.
What Success Looks Like in the First 12 Months
- Established a strong pipeline of international partnership and funding opportunities aligned with CICan's Roadmap to 2030.
- Developed compelling concept notes and proposals that positioned CICan and its members for strategic growth.
- Strengthened relationships with government, donors, institutional, and international partners.
- Mobilized member expertise to support the development of new international initiatives and consortium opportunities.
- Advanced multiple opportunities from early-stage identification to implementation readiness.
- Contributed to positioning CICan as a trusted partner in workforce development, TVET, and international collaboration.
What You'll Do
- International Opportunity Identification and Strategic Intelligence
- Identify and assess international program, partnership and funding opportunities aligned with CICan's Roadmap to 2030, programs and partnerships strategy, member strengths and Canada's economic, workforce, trade, development and geopolitical priorities.
- Conduct country, sector and institutional scans to analyze workforce demand, TVET and postsecondary systems, public policy, donor and government priorities, regulatory conditions, partner capacity, competition and potential delivery pathways.
- Monitor bilateral, multilateral and philanthropic funding mechanisms, including opportunities from Global Affairs Canada, multilateral development banks, foreign governments, foundations and other institutional funders.
- Synthesize evidence and stakeholder intelligence into concise opportunity assessments, briefing notes, presentations and recommendations for the Manager, Program Directors and executive leadership.
- Maintain accurate opportunity, partner and follow-up information in CICan's business-development pipeline and relationship-management systems.
- Program Architecture, Design and Proposal Development
- Work with Manager and Program Directors and consultants to develop coherent program models, theories of change, results frameworks, governance arrangements, implementation approaches, work plans, budgets, risk analyses, sustainability strategies and performance-measurement plans.
- Draft and coordinate expressions of interest, concept notes, unsolicited proposals, competitive bids, pitch materials and funding applications, ensuring that submissions are persuasive, compliant, evidence-informed and responsive to funder requirements.
- Coordinate technical, financial and operational inputs from CICan teams, members, partners and external specialists; manage proposal-development schedules, version control, reviews and approvals.
- Engage members to identify expertise, assets, international experience and institutional interest relevant to emerging initiatives, while supporting transparent and inclusive participation pathways.
- Work across Programs & Partnerships and with Government Relations, Member Relations, Communications, Finance, Legal and other teams to ensure coordinated opportunity development and consistent organizational positioning.
- Prepare opportunity assessment of proposed initiatives for executive management review and decisions.
- Partnership, Consortium and Stakeholder Development
- Support consultations, technical dialogues, roundtables, missions and partner meetings to validate needs, identify shared priorities, and advance opportunities toward concrete collaboration.
- Mobilize CICan members and help form fit-for-purpose, multi-institutional consortia by matching institutional expertise and capacity with partner requirements and proposed delivery roles.
- Support the development and negotiation of letters of intent, memoranda of understanding, partnership frameworks and other early-stage agreements, in coordination with management and relevant corporate functions.
- Conduct or coordinate preliminary partner and opportunity due diligence, documenting assumptions, commitments, dependencies, risks and required follow-up.
- Represent CICan at external meetings, events and conferences, as delegated, and position Canada's college and institute system as a trusted partner in workforce modernization and economic development.
- Coordinate and support partner engagement activities, including consultations, presentations, roundtables, and strategic dialogues.
- Communications, Reporting and Other Duties
- Prepare high-quality briefings, presentations, speaking notes, correspondence and partner-facing materials for senior leadership, funders, governments, members, and international stakeholders.
- Provide regular updates on the status, risks, decisions and next steps of assigned opportunities and maintain complete development files.
- Contribute to divisional planning, continuous improvement, and other duties consistent with the scope and classification of the position.
- Maintain high standards of integrity, cultural awareness, discretion, and professionalism in all domestic and international interactions.
What You Bring
Education
- Post-secondary education in business, marketing, communications, public administration, or a related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience
Minimum of five (5) years of experience in:
- Developing successful concept notes, expressions of interest, proposals or bids for government, bilateral, multilateral, foundation or other institutional funders.
- Conducting country, sector, policy, market and partner analysis and translating findings into program recommendations.
- Developing theories of change, results of frameworks, work plans, budgets, governance structures, risk registers, and implementation models.
- Coordinating complex proposal processes involving multiple internal contributors, member institutions, external partners, and firm deadlines.
- Facilitating consultations, technical discussions, presentations, or partnership negotiations with senior stakeholders.
Asset
- Designing international technical vocational education and training, workforce development, skills-system or institutional-capacity initiatives.
- Working with governments, education and training institutions, industry, international organizations, or development partners across different cultural and institutional contexts.
- Managing multiple opportunity-development files concurrently with a high degree of accuracy, judgment, and follow-through.
Demonstrated Knowledge
- Strong knowledge of TVET, workforce-development and skills and innovation system modernization approaches, including the role of employers and postsecondary institutions in economic development.
- Knowledge of Canada's international assistance, trade and economic-partnership ecosystem and of bilateral and multilateral funding institutions.
- Knowledge of results-based management, inclusive program design, gender equality, environmental sustainability, risk management and value-for-money considerations.
- Understanding of member-based organizations, consortium models and approaches for mobilizing institutional expertise at scale.
- Strong proficiency with Microsoft 365
Key Competencies
- Agility: We thrive in a complex environment that requires nimbleness and adaptability, and we anticipate and respond to changes with quick and resourceful actions.
- Inspiring Others: We motivate individuals to strive for excellence and commit to common goals and purposes, as we create a sense of self-efficacy, resilience, and persistence in others.
- Integrity: We treat others fairly and respectfully, and we further the standing of the organization and its trust relationships with our members and other stakeholders.
- Collaboration: We work together, across teams and divisions, to leverage our collective expertise and talents in support of organizational success and a culture of cooperation.
Working Conditions
- Hybrid work environment with weekly presence required in the office
- Ability to travel within Canada and abroad
What We Offer
- Benefit from a flexible work schedule that supports work-life balance.
- Enjoy a hybrid work environment that combines remote work with in-person collaboration at our Ottawa office.
- Access a comprehensive group benefits plan designed to support your health and well-being.
- Build financial security for the future through our pension plan.
- Take advantage of professional development opportunities that support continuous learning and career growth.
- Stay active with free access to on-site fitness facilities.
- Work in a prime downtown Ottawa location, close to restaurants, shops, services, and amenities.
- Enjoy convenient access to public transit, including the O-Train and major bus routes.
- Join a collaborative and purpose-driven team dedicated to making a meaningful impact across Canada.
Open to: CICan employees and external applicants
How to apply
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and résumé in a PDF format by September 23, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EST.
CICan's offices in Ottawa are located on the traditional and unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabe Nation.
