The Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada (APF Canada) is an independent, non-partisan, not-for-profit organization focused on Canada’s relations with Asia. Our mission is to be Canada’s catalyst for engagement with Asia and Asia’s bridge to Canada. Through policy research, public outreach, and convening activities, we aim to deepen Canada’s understanding of the Indo-Pacific region and strengthen our ties across government, business, and civil society.

The Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada (APF Canada) is seeking a full-time, one-year fixed-term Program Manager (maternity leave coverage) to manage its South Asia Research and Programs. The South Asia Pillar encompasses India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, and the Maldives, with a primary focus on India. The Program Manager will bring extensive knowledge of this sub-region and the ability to conduct objective, evidence-based analysis of issues, events, and policies relevant to strengthening Canada-Asia relations. In this role, the Program Manager will also lead a small team responsible for analyzing, reporting, and presenting insights on the region to a Canadian audience.

The position reports to the Vice-President, Research and Strategy, and is based at APF Canada's Vancouver downtown office on a hybrid schedule of two days of on-site reporting and three days of off-site/remote with occasional mandatory office reporting for Foundation-wide events.

Specific responsibilities include:

• Manage the design, development, and execution of South Asia-focused research and programs

• Generate policy-relevant research products, including, but not limited to reports, Insights, Dispatches, Explainers, policy briefs, and case studies

• Contribute expert knowledge about South Asia (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives) and analyze country-specific, regional, and geopolitical developments

• Provide briefings with timely information and analysis on key issues driving Canada’s Asia Pacific engagement to business, government and academic stakeholders

• Keep up-to-date knowledge on current affairs and major geopolitical and geostrategic developments in South Asia to guide and manage the division’s priorities

• Organize public and private roundtables, strategic dialogues, webinars, and events related to Canada’s engagement with South Asia or key developments in the region.

• Participate in or speak at conferences, panel discussions, seminars, and events on South Asia and Canada’s engagement in the Asia Pacific

• Supervise, mentor, and manage research scholars in the South Asia research team

• Provide other research support as needed, and assists with other duties assigned by the VP of Research and Strategy

Eligibility

• D. or a graduate degree (M.A./M.Sc.) in a related field such as Sociology, Political Science, International Relations, Economics, History, Geography, Asian Studies, Anthropology, etc.

• 5 years’ policy analysis, research, and writing experience on political, economic, social ,geopolitical, and governance-related issues in the South Asian region.

• Demonstrated professional and/or academic focus on South Asia.

• Extensive understanding, experience, and interest in South Asian studies, including politics, society, current affairs, international relations, security, history, and environmental issues.

• Proficiency in one or more South Asian languages (desirable)

• Excellent demonstrated research and writing skills. Ability to develop and manage research workplans.

• Knowledge of qualitative and/or quantitative research methods.

• Excellent demonstrated written and spoken communication and public speaking skills.

• Attention to detail, excellent editing and proofreading skills, and ability to package and present content to different audiences.

• Demonstrated ability for project management and team management.

• Strong teamwork and collaborative skills, ability to adapt, innovate, work in a fast-paced environment, and good interpersonal skills.

• Strong network building skills and demonstrated experience of managing and supervising teams.

• Ability to work independently and master new topics quickly.

Compensation

The salary range for this position is $70,000 – $88,000 annually. In keeping with our compensation approach, final offers are typically positioned up to the median of the range. The exact amount will be based on demonstrated experience, transferable skills, qualifications, and internal equity across the organization. APF Canada also provides a comprehensive extended health plan and benefits that exceed minimum employment standards.

Application Procedures

Applications should include the following documents in ONE MERGED PDF file.

• One-page cover letter detailing the applicant’s career interests and goals and why they are interested in working with the Foundation

• Résumé detailing the applicant’s 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.

The application deadline is Sunday, October 26, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. (PT). Please ensure your application is complete prior to submission. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Please add notifications@app.bamboohr.com to your contact list to ensure delivery of our correspondence.

We appreciate the interest of all applicants, but due to the anticipated high volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted to schedule an interview. Thank you for your understanding.

Guidelines on the Fair Use of AI

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 résumés. 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.

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.