As an Innovation and Change Management Researcher, you support the Department of National Defence in understanding, planning, and implementing organizational change. You conduct research, analyze data, and develop evidence-based recommendations to help DND adapt to new technologies, processes, and operational requirements. Your work bridges the gap between strategic planning and practical implementation, ensuring that change initiatives are grounded in solid research and best practices. You work within a dynamic government environment where your insights help shape how the organization evolves and improves its operations. This role is ideal if you're interested in understanding organizational dynamics, researching emerging trends, and contributing to meaningful transformation within Canada's defence organization.
Key Responsibilities
Perform innovation and change management duties in support of departmental operations, Prepare correspondence, reports, and administrative documents, Coordinate schedules, meetings, and logistics, Maintain records and filing systems
Required Skills
Organizational skills, Written and oral communication, MS Office proficiency, Time management, Attention to detail, Technical proficiency, Attention to detail, Collaboration, Continuous learning
Typical Education
Post-secondary education or equivalent experience relevant to the position
Training
To succeed in this role, you typically need a university degree in business administration, public administration, organizational psychology, change management, or a related field. Many candidates have completed postgraduate certificates or diplomas in change management or organizational development. Professional certifications such as Prosci's Certified Change Practitioner (CCP), Project Management Professional (PMP), or memberships in professional associations like the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers or Change Management Institute strengthen your qualifications. The Government of Canada provides ongoing professional development through learning platforms, workshops, and access to specialized training in change management methodologies, research design, and data analysis tools. You'll have opportunities to stay current with emerging practices and government-specific change frameworks throughout your career.
Entry Plans
You can enter this career path through several routes. The primary method is applying to a public service staffing competition for the Innovation and Change Management Researcher position, typically at the CR-03 or CR-04 classification level depending on your experience. DND periodically opens competitions and maintains candidate pools for these positions. If you're new to the federal public service, you can apply through open competitions advertised on the Government of Canada's Job Bank. If you're already a federal public service employee, you may apply to internal competitions or lateral moves within DND or other departments. Some candidates enter through student internship programs or the Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP), which can lead to permanent positions. The Public Service Commission oversees all staffing processes and ensures fair, merit-based selection.
Part-Time Options
Innovation and Change Management Researcher positions typically offer flexible work arrangements. Many roles in this field support hybrid work, allowing you to work from DND offices and remotely depending on project needs and departmental requirements. Full-time permanent positions are standard, though part-time and casual work opportunities may be available depending on organizational needs and funding. The nature of research and analysis work often allows flexibility in scheduling, as long as project deadlines and collaboration requirements are met. Exact arrangements are determined during the staffing process and depend on the specific position, operational requirements, and management approval. You should discuss flexible work options with your potential manager during the recruitment process.
