The École nationale d'administration publique (ENAP), part of the Université du Québec network, stands as Canada's premier institution for public administration education and training. Established to develop skilled leaders for the public sector, ENAP offers a range of graduate programs and executive development courses that bridge theory and practice in governance and policy-making. Located primarily in Quebec City with additional campuses in Montreal, Gatineau, and Trois-Rivières, it attracts professionals seeking to advance in government, municipal administration, and non-profits.
Jobs at École nationale d'administration publique, Université du Québec span faculty, research, and support roles, emphasizing expertise in public management. Whether you're a PhD holder aiming for a tenure-track position or an experienced administrator, ENAP provides opportunities to contribute to shaping future public leaders. The institution's commitment to applied research ensures roles involve real-world impact, such as policy analysis for Quebec's government.
Founded in 1962 amid Quebec's Quiet Revolution—a period of rapid social and political modernization—ENAP was created to professionalize public administration in response to growing demands for efficient governance. As part of the Université du Québec system launched in 1968, it has evolved into a specialized graduate school with over 2,000 students annually across its programs.
Key milestones include the launch of its flagship Master of Public Administration (MPA) in 1964 and the establishment of research chairs in areas like municipal governance in the 1990s. Today, ENAP boasts partnerships with governments across Canada and internationally, making it a hub for innovative public sector training. This rich history informs its job culture, where faculty often draw from decades of institutional expertise in reforming public services.
ENAP's programs focus on master's degrees, PhDs, and short professional courses in public administration, policy analysis, and leadership. Popular offerings include the MPA, which prepares students for mid-career advancement, and specialized certificates in ethics and digital governance.
Career opportunities at ENAP mirror these strengths. Faculty positions dominate, with openings for professors in public policy, organizational management, and health administration. Research associates and postdoctoral fellows tackle projects funded by Canada's Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC). Administrative roles, such as program directors or international relations coordinators, support the school's operations. For a deeper dive into university job types, including lecturer and adjunct roles, explore available categories.
To secure faculty jobs at École nationale d'administration publique, Université du Québec, candidates typically need a PhD in public administration, political science, economics, or a closely related discipline. For entry-level assistant professor roles, completion within the last five years is preferred, ensuring fresh research perspectives.
Research or postdoctoral positions may accept candidates with a master's degree plus significant publications, but a doctorate is standard. Administrative roles often require a master's in public administration (MPA) alongside professional experience in government. French language proficiency at a C1 level (advanced) is mandatory, reflecting Quebec's bilingual yet French-dominant academic environment.
ENAP prioritizes research in public governance, municipal policy, public finance, and innovation in public services. Expertise in quantitative methods, such as econometric analysis of policy impacts, or qualitative studies on leadership in diverse administrations is sought. Current themes include sustainable development policies and digital transformation in government, aligning with Quebec's priorities.
Faculty are encouraged to secure grants from SSHRC or Quebec's Fonds de recherche du Québec – Société et culture (FRQSC), fostering interdisciplinary work with partners like Health Canada or municipal councils.
Successful candidates often bring 3-5 years of postdoctoral or industry experience, including peer-reviewed publications in journals like Canadian Public Administration or Administration Publique du Canada. Grant-writing success, teaching awards, and consulting for public entities enhance applications.
For example, prior work on policy briefs for provincial governments or international organizations like the OECD demonstrates the practical orientation ENAP values. Learn how to leverage this in your profile via tips for becoming a university lecturer.
Key skills include strong analytical abilities for policy evaluation, excellent communication in French and English, and pedagogical innovation for adult learners. Competencies in data analytics tools (e.g., R, Stata) and leadership development are prized.
Soft skills like cultural sensitivity—vital in Canada's multicultural public sector—and collaborative research are essential. ENAP values candidates who can mentor diverse student cohorts, preparing them for real-world challenges.
Public Administration (PA): The implementation of government policies, encompassing organization, personnel practices, and budgeting to deliver public services efficiently.
Master of Public Administration (MPA): A professional graduate degree focusing on practical skills in governance, policy analysis, and leadership for public sector careers.
Tenure-Track Position: An academic role leading to permanent employment after a probationary period, involving research, teaching, and service.
SSHRC: Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada, funding body for social science research projects.
The application process begins on the Université du Québec's centralized portal, where postings detail required documents: CV, cover letter, teaching philosophy statement, and three references. Deadlines align with academic cycles, often in fall for next-year starts.
Actionable tips:
Follow up post-submission and consider research assistant strategies adaptable to Canada.
ENAP actively advances equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) through its Politique d'accès à l'égalité en emploi, targeting women in leadership, Indigenous scholars, and visible minorities. Specific examples include EDI training for faculty, scholarships for underrepresented students, and partnerships with Quebec's Black community organizations for public admin pipelines.
The school tracks hiring diversity metrics and offers mentorship for immigrant academics, fostering an inclusive environment reflective of Canada's public sector.
ENAP supports work-life balance with Quebec's generous parental leave (up to 52 weeks shared), flexible hybrid work models post-COVID, and wellness programs including yoga and mental health days. Campuses feature modern facilities like collaborative research labs and green spaces in historic Quebec City.
Campus life buzzes with guest lectures from policymakers, student associations, and cultural events celebrating Francophone heritage. Proximity to government offices aids networking, while union protections ensure fair workloads—typically 40% teaching, 40% research, 20% service.
Joining ENAP means impacting public service innovation in Canada. With competitive salaries (assistant professors ~CAD 90,000-$110,000), research funding, and sabbaticals every seven years, it's ideal for career growth. Explore broader research jobs or professor jobs on AcademicJobs.com.
In summary, jobs at École nationale d'administration publique, Université du Québec offer a blend of academic rigor and practical influence. Check higher ed jobs, higher ed career advice, university jobs, and consider posting a job if recruiting.
