The Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada is an independent not-for-profit organization focused on Canada’s relations with Asia. Our vision is a prosperous, secure Canada shaping its future through high-impact engagement with Asia, and our mission is to enable Canadians to understand, connect with, and succeed in Asia. APF Canada is dedicated to strengthening ties between Canada and Asia through its research, education and convening activities, as well as building Asia skills and competencies among Canadians, including young Canadians, and improving Canadians’ general understanding of Asia and its growing global influence.
APF Canada is seeking a full-time Research Assistant, International Trade and Investment for a fixed-term position from September 2026 to March 31, 2027. The selected candidate will support research and analysis on key trade and investment issues connecting Canada and the Asia Pacific region. As part of this role, the Research Assistant will conduct qualitative and quantitative research, assist with analytical reports and briefing materials, monitor trade and investment trends, maintain relevant datasets and resources, and support meetings, consultations, and events.
Major Responsibilities
Project Development Support
- Support the International Trade and Investment research program through research, data collection, and project assistance.
- Assist with research projects related to international trade and investment under the guidance of senior team members.
- Conduct background research and literature reviews to support the development of research projects and initiatives.
- Build knowledge and stay informed on international trade and investment topics, including free trade agreements, foreign direct investment (FDI), supply chains, critical minerals, and economic diversification.
- Provide general research and administrative support for International Trade and Investment projects as required.
Analytical Reporting
- Conduct qualitative and quantitative research and summarize findings for use in reports, briefings, and other publications.
- Assist with drafting and preparing short-form publications, including Insights and Dispatches, and contribute research to longer reports.
- Collect, organize, and analyze information on international trade and investment trends, policies, and economic developments.
- Assist with preparing briefing notes, presentations, research summaries, and background materials.
- Review and verify research information and data to support the accuracy of published materials.
Investment Monitor Management
- Conduct research and collect data for the Investment Monitor.
- Assist with updating and maintaining Investment Monitor data and research materials.
- Track relevant investment announcements, trends, and developments for inclusion in the Investment Monitor.
- Support the review and verification of Investment Monitor information to help ensure data is accurate and current.
- Assist with other research and data-related tasks associated with the Investment Monitor.
Event Co-ordination
- Support the co-ordination of meetings, consultations, webinars, workshops, and other events related to the International Trade and Investment program.
- Assist with preparing event materials, including agendas, presentations, background documents, and attendee information.
- Attend relevant events and webinars and prepare summaries or notes on key discussions and findings.
- Provide logistical and administrative support before, during, and following events.
Desired Skills and Abilities
- A master’s degree, or equivalent, in related fields such as economics, public administration, business administration, international business, political science, or international political economy
- At least five years of previous work experience in government, think-tanks, non-profit organizations, research centers, or Track 2 organizations
- Demonstrated qualitative and quantitative skills, with knowledge of relevant statistical software
- Experience in data collection and statistical analysis
- Good ability in analyzing and synthesizing complex datasets into writing pieces catered to the general public
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
- Proven ability to execute on multiple projects concurrently
- Experience working with or in a multilateral organization
- Experience in preparing and delivering briefings
- Experience managing large-scale projects
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Ability to drive outcomes and address challenges effectively in a fast-paced environment
- Self-starter, proactive, and demonstrated ability to work independently
- Experience in event management (asset)
Previous work experience liaising with and preparing reports required by Canadian government agencies (asset)
Technical Requirement
- Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Adobe
- Internet Browsers (Firefox, Chrome, Internet Explorer)
- Internal/external communications productivity platforms, such as Slack, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, etc.
Eligibility
Applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada at the time of application. The successful applicant will be based in Vancouver, B.C., on a hybrid work arrangement. Regular working hours are Monday to Friday during standard office hours; however, this position requires frequent domestic and international travel, which may require flexibility to work outside regular office hours and on weekends.
Compensation
The compensation for this position is $32/hour.
Application Procedures
Applicants should submit the following documents, merged into one PDF file. An incomplete application will not be considered.
- One-page Cover Letter detailing the applicant’s interest in and suitability for the role.
- Résumé detailing the applicant’s academic background, skills, and professional experiences.
- A sample work portfolio or link to an online portfolio.
- Name, title, and contact information (email and phone number) for two professional references. References will only be contacted if the applicant is shortlisted for the role.
The application deadline is October 7, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. PT. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so we encourage you to submit yours as soon as it is prepared. Please note that this posting may close earlier than the stated deadline if the position is filled.
Please add notifications@app.bamboohr.com to your contact list to ensure delivery of all correspondence from us.
Guidelines on the Fair Use of AI
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. We view AI as a tool to support creativity throughout your job search when used for such things as polishing resumés.
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 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. If you are selected for an interview, 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.