Purpose

Professional Development Awards (PDA) are granted to Canadians, Permanent Residents of Canada and citizens of developing countries with  a Master’s, PhD or Post-Doctoral and some career experience. The objective of the program is to help these individuals to develop their expertise in a particular professional capacity by working with IDRC staff on program and research issues. Normally a competition is not held for this award and individuals are selected according to their education, qualifications, and experience.

Professional Development Award holders may be involved in program work (e.g., proposal-writing, management, and evaluation of projects) and conducting research.

These professionals have had at least two years of work experience in a specific field and are therefore able to share their knowledge and skills with IDRC's programs. The awards allow them to hone their expertise and widen their experience in their field of work.

Tenure

Tenure can range from a minimum of 6 months to a maximum of 1 year.

Employment Status

PDAs doing their research work in Canada will receive a stipend that is revised every year and depends on the experience and qualifications.

Location

PDAs are tenable at IDRC (in Ottawa or any of its Regional Offices) or, if appropriate and deemed necessary, at other appropriate institutions. If the award is tenable in Canada or in an institution in an industrialized country, the program of work will normally require substantial travel.  Travel may also be required in other cases.

Application

A PDA position will only be posted when there is an opening in a Program. Details would then be announced in the awards’ Competitions web page.