Program Officer – Trade Information and Communications

About TFO Canada

TFO Canada catalyzes economic growth through sustainable and inclusive trade partnerships for Small and Medium Enterprises in developing countries.

TFO Canada assists Small and Medium sized Enterprises (SMEs) and Trade Support Institutions (TSIs) from developing countries to access international markets through information, advice and contact services. Since 1980, TFO Canada’s internationally experienced project staff and sectoral experts have been providing trade promotion and capacity building services to tens of thousands of Small and Medium sized Enterprises (SMEs) and Trade Support Institutions (TSIs)/Trade Promotion Organizations (TPOs) from Latin America and the Caribbean, Africa, Asia and the Middle East.

TFO Canada is currently recruiting a Program Officer – Trade Information and Communications (TIC), based in Ottawa. The Program Officer supports the development, delivery, and dissemination of trade information and communications products that facilitate access to the Canadian market for exporters from developing and emerging countries.

The Trade Information and Communications (TIC) program encompasses TFO Canada’s web-based information platforms, digital tools and databases, including www.tfocanada.ca, which feature in-depth trade publications on the Canadian import market, country and sector profiles, product offers, calendars of events, newsletters, an exporting guide, and a daily trade news archive. The program also includes complementary communications and knowledge-sharing activities such as electronic publications (e-blasts and e-newsletters), webinars for exporters and importers, presentations on the Canadian import market and TFO Canada’s services, and targeted research publications focusing on specific countries or product and service categories.

Trade Information and Communications content is produced through a combination of internal expertise and external sources and is disseminated across multiple digital channels in English, French, and Spanish, in line with TFO Canada’s communication standards and program objectives.

This position reports to Program Manager – Trade Information and Communications.

Job Responsibilities

1. Strategic Communications & Content Development

• Contribute to the implementation of TFO Canada’s communications strategies for Trade Information and project-related activities, in close collaboration with the Program Manager and project teams.
• Research, write , edit, and update trade information and communications content, including website content, sector or country profiles, success stories, and other trade-related publications.
• Develop and coordinate content for TFO Canada’s digital communications products, including e-newsletters, e-bulletins, e-blasts, and other targeted information services for exporters, trade support institutions, international and Canadian buyers.
• Support the preparation of communication materials related to Trade Information and Communications seminars, webinars, workshops, and related project activities, ensuring alignment with organizational standards and donor requirements.
• Ensure content is accurate, relevant, and adapted for multilingual publication (English, French, and/or Spanish), following established editorial and branding guidelines.

2. Website & Digital Platform Management

• Support the day-to-day management and updating of TFO Canada’s website and digital platforms, ensuring timely posting of news, events, publications, and other trade information content.
• Coordinate with the Program Manager on the implementation of technical standards, tools, and approaches related to digital platforms and online services.
• Upload, format, and maintain digital content in line with content management system requirements and organizational quality standards.
• Monitor website content consistency, accessibility, and usability, identifying issues or improvement opportunities and escalating them as needed.
• Assist with the operational delivery of webinars, online training sessions, and virtual events, including content preparation, platform setup, and post-event follow-up.

3. CRM & Database Administration

• Administer TFO Canada’s customer relationship management (CRM) system and beneficiary databases, including exporters, trade support institutions, and buyers.
• Maintain data quality by ensuring accurate, up-to-date records and consistent data entry practices.
• Support segmentation, mailing lists, and distribution activities for newsletters, bulletins, and other electronic communications using the organization’s email management system.
• Contribute to internal information management by organizing and maintaining digital files and supporting documentation related to Trade Information and Communications activities.

4. Program Delivery & Team Support

• Support project and program teams by providing operational assistance related to trade information services, communications activities, and digital tools.
• Participate in Trade Information and Communications team meetings and contribute to coordination, information sharing, and follow‑up actions.
• Support the implementation of webinars, seminars, and workshops by preparing materials, coordinating logistics, and liaising with internal teams and consultants as required.
• Assist with the layout and basic design of in-house publications and communication tools, in line with established templates and visual identity guidelines.
• Carry out other related duties as required to support the effective delivery of Trade Information and Communications activities.

5. Project Reporting & Documentation Support

• Contribute to donor and internal project reporting by compiling, organizing, and providing inputs related to Trade Information and Communications activities.
• Draft or support narrative sections of project reports related to communications outputs, digital platforms, events, and knowledge‑sharing activities, as required.
• Collect and maintain supporting documentation and evidence (e.g. publications, web content, event records) to support reporting and audit requirements.
• Coordinate with Program Managers and the Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting function to ensure timely provision of accurate information.

6. Administrative, Procurement, and Logistical Support

• Coordinate administrative and procurement processes related to Trade Information and Communications activities, in accordance with TFO Canada policies and procedures.
• Support procurement processes by preparing required documentation and related administrative records, for review and approval.
• Prepare and follow up on purchase requisitions and purchase orders, ensuring completeness and timely processing.
• Coordinate logistical and administrative arrangements related to travel, meetings, webinars, events, and workshops, as required.
• Support event planning activities by assisting with scheduling, registrations, documentation, and liaison with internal teams, service providers, and consultants.
• Maintain organized records of procurement and administrative documentation in line with internal information management practices.

Qualifications:

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, business administration, international development, or a related field.

Experience

• At least two (2) years of relevant experience in communications, digital content management, or information services, preferably in an international, trade, or development context.
• Demonstrated experience drafting, editing, and coordinating content for digital platforms, publications, and electronic communications.
• Experience working with website content and back end management systems and supporting the day‑to‑day maintenance of websites or digital platforms.
• Experience administering databases or customer relationship management (CRM) systems, including maintaining data quality and supporting mailing or distribution activities.
• Experience supporting webinars, virtual events, or knowledge‑sharing activities, including logistical and content coordination.

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong writing, editing, and copy‑editing skills in English and French; ability to adapt content for different audiences and digital formats.
• Knowledge of international trade, export promotion, or market access issues is an asset; familiarity with the Canadian import market is considered an asset.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines simultaneously.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word, PowerPoint, and Excel; familiarity with desktop publishing or design software (e.g. Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, or similar tools) is an asset.
• Familiarity with email marketing platforms, social media channels, and digital communication tools; experience supporting social media content management is an asset.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams.

Languages

• Fully bilingual in English and French (oral and written).

Employment Duration

• This is a 4-year-term position

Compensation

TFO Canada offers a competitive salary and benefits package commensurate with experience and the norms of the international development NGO sector. As such the salary range is $52,000.00 - $65,000.00

Work Location

Work at TFO Canada includes a hybrid work model; therefore, this role will be a combination of virtual and on-site work. Our office is located in downtown Ottawa. The successful candidate will need to live within the greater Ottawa-Gatineau area in Canada and be a permanent resident or citizen of Canada.

Applications

Applications, including a cover letter and a current C.V., should be made in writing by mail/e-mail no later than May 8, 2026, to:

Program Manager – Trade Information and Communications

TFO Canada

66 Slater Street, Suite 2100 Ottawa, Ontario K1P 5H1

E-mail: hr@tfocanada.ca

Only candidates to be interviewed will be contacted.

TFO Canada catalyzes economic growth through sustainable and inclusive trade partnerships for Small and Medium Enterprises in developing countries. TFO Canada confronts the challenge of global poverty by promoting sustainable economic development through export information, advice and contact. We facilitate access to foreign markets and share Canadian trade expertise for the benefit of small exporters in developing countries. Founded in 1980, TFO Canada is a non-profit, non-governmental organization.

TFO Canada strives to ensure gender equality for men and women in their participation in TFO Canada’s programs, projects and activities, and also in TFO Canada’s employment, contracting and management opportunities.

As a signatory to the Canadian Centre of Expertise on the Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse and to the Anti-Racism Framework for Canada's International Cooperation Sector, TFO Canada has the moral, ethical, and legal responsibility towards its staff, beneficiaries, and clients and applies a zero-tolerance approach.

A criminal record and social media verification will be performed on the selected candidate prior to making a written offer.

For more information on TFO Canada visit www.tfocanada.ca