Margaret Meagher Fellowship - Research Affiliate Program

Work environment
The Federal Public Service is stronger and most effective when we reflect the rich diversity of the Canadian population that we serve. Global Affairs Canada (GAC) is committed to building a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace where all employees feel empowered to be authentic. At GAC, we believe that by leveraging all available strengths that exist within the diversity of Canada’s population, we can reach the highest levels of professionalism, innovation and productivity. Don’t miss your opportunity to work for a department where your voice is heard, valued, respected and amplified. All candidates who believe they are qualified are encouraged to apply, including candidates who belong to the following employment equity groups: Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities, and women. We encourage candidates to indicate voluntarily on their application if they are a member of one of these groups and complete the Employment Equity (EE) section of the application. If you would like to learn more about self-declaration, please consult this website: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/jobs/opportunities/government/self-declaring-government-canada-jobs.htmlOur employees are our single biggest asset, and our employees’ health and safety are of the upmost importance.Our offices are located at 125 Sussex Dr, Ottawa (ON). Our hybrid work model is consistent with the common hybrid work model for the Federal Public Service which requires Departments to establish a minimum attendance requirement of at least three (3) days each week onsite. Specific work arrangements should be discussed with the manager at the time of hire.The hybrid work model can be accessed via the following link: https://www.canada.ca/en/government/publicservice/staffing/common-hybrid-work-model-federal-public-service.html

Intent of the process
The position is a part-time (maximum 25 hours per week), up to 12 months doctoral fellowship starting in September 2026.A maximum of two (2) fellowships could be offered.

Important messages
We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the hiring process. If you need to be accommodated during any phase of the evaluation process, please use the contact information below to request specialized accommodation. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.Assessment accommodation
Please ensure you read all poster notes thoroughly as they contain important information regarding the application process. Failure to follow the instructions could result in your application missing critical information and having insufficient information for the assessment board to complete your assessment resulting in your elimination from the process.*** As of January 13, 2025, Canadian citizenship is a requisite for obtaining secret security clearance at Global Affairs Canada. A secret security clearance is a condition of employment at Global Affairs Canada. While non-Canadians residing in and eligible to work in Canada may apply, preference is given to Canadian citizens. A Canadian citizen is a person who was born in Canada or who has obtained Canadian citizenship. Non-Canadian candidates who apply should contact the e-mail address below should their immigration/citizenship status change during the staffing process.Objectives
The Margaret Meagher Fellowship aims to deepen the Government of Canada’s capacity on China, and to foster the development of the next generation of policy-focused China experts who will be at the forefront in academia, government, civil society and business in Canada.Description
The Margaret Meagher Fellow will be integrated into the Centre for China Policy Research at Global Affairs Canada (GAC) through the Research Affiliate Program. The Fellow will be expected to carry out trends analysis and policy-relevant research on priority China issues while also contributing to implementing other priorities for the Centre (e.g. drafting reports, organizing and participating to events, contributing to the policy development process). This opportunity is ideally suited to a doctoral student at an advanced stage of their PhD program who wishes to pursue a career bridging academia and policy making with a specialization on China. The Margaret Meagher Fellow is expected to work a maximum of 25 hours per week and should be willing to commit for a period of up to 12 months. The Fellow will receive a total bursary of $55,567 maximum, depending on the number of months in the position.*** Important! Additional documents required! ***In addition to your on-line application, the following documents must be submitted to the following e-mail address as a single PDF file (total file size smaller than 15MB), by March 2, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. (Pacific time): .1- An original two-page research proposal on a significant contemporary foreign policy issue linked to GAC’s mandate and related to China that you think the Centre for China Policy Research should focus on (please specify the research topic, question, hypothesis, timeline for completion and relevance to GAC priorities). The proposal will be evaluated against the essential criteria listed below.
2- A sample paper or publication ideally pertaining to China, to be evaluated against the essential criteria listed below.
3- Proof of enrolment for 2025-2026 in a recognized academic institution.
4- Complete doctoral transcripts.
5- A list of the courses you have taken as well as any courses that you are taking now, or that you will be taking this academic year.
6- Contact information for (2) two references: ideally one academic and one professional.

---

Secret security clearance - Shortlisted candidates will be required to obtain Secret security clearance in order to finalize the selection process.

---

Education
ED1 - Applicants must be currently enrolled as full-time students in a PhD program at a recognized university in a field of study related to Global Affairs Canada’s priorities, preferably with a specialization on China, and who are pursuing a thesis as a part of their studies.Ideally, applicants should have successfully attained candidacy status within their PhD program at the time of application, including having completed all course work and examination requirements, in addition to an approved dissertation proposal.NOTE: If you are enrolled in a PhD program in a university outside Canada, you must have your PhD program assessed against Canadian education standards.

Experience
EX1 – Recent* post-graduate experience conducting research and/or contributing to knowledge pertaining to China and relevant to Global Affairs Canada’s mandate in areas including (but not limited to) foreign policy, international law, international trade and commerce, international assistance and consular services.* Recent experience is defined as significant experience related to performing the targeted duties on a full-time basis within the past two or three years.

Abilities
A1– Ability to communicate effectively in writing
A2 – Ability to communicate effectively verbally
A3 - Ability to organize time, work, and resources to achieve objectives in the most effective and efficient manner within different time frames.

Personal Suitability
PS1 - Adaptability and flexibility

---

Applied / assessed at a later date

English or French

---

AQ1 - Academic and/or research excellence (demonstrated by scholarships/awards/prizes, presenting at conferences, publications and/or course development), in particular pertaining to China.
AQ2 - Knowledge of a Chinese language.

---

---

---

Preference will be given to veterans first and then to Canadian citizens and permanent residents, with the exception of a job located in Nunavut, where Nunavut Inuit will be appointed first.

Learn more about preference to veterans.

---

---

---