Student and CO-OP: Policy and Foreign Relations

Deadline

(Periods during which applications are accepted)

Work term: Winter 2024

When to apply: October 3, 2022, to January 31st, 2023

Work term: Summer 2024

When to apply: February 1, 2023, to May 31, 2023

Work term: Fall 2024

When to apply: June 1, 2023, to September 29, 2023

Job Summary

The Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) is looking for students who thrive on tackling diverse challenges in a unique environment. If you are up for the challenge and want to join one of our highest performing teams, there is no doubt that your contributions to CSIS will provide a meaningful impact to our mission of helping keep Canadians safe against national security threats. The Service is building a workforce which is representative of the Canadian society and foster diversity and inclusion. Also, it is dedicated to establish positive policies and practices related to hiring, training, promoting and retaining designated group members ensuring that employment-related needs of all persons are reasonably accommodated.

CSIS offers opportunities to students to gain valuable experience in policy and governance, with the possibility to return for multiple placements. Students will be given the opportunity to cultivate their skills and knowledge by being paired with experienced employees who will provide feedback during the work term. They will have the opportunity to broaden their knowledge and experience before choosing a career specialization.

POLICY AND FOREIGN RELATIONS (Ottawa Only)

Students Will Assist With The Following

• Support the development and coordination of strategic policy and/or foreign arrangements and relations files and by providing related advice to senior management, including recommendations on the management of Cabinet and Parliamentary business, foreign travel and/or allied engagement.
• Prepare briefing material, speeches, correspondence and/or presentations for the Director and/or Minister and senior officials for meetings with domestic colleagues and counterparts, and/or foreign partners.
• Formulate and participate in the drafting of Cabinet documents (such as Memoranda to Cabinet, Aide-Memoire, talking points, decks).
• Conduct relevant consultations on matters before Cabinet and in Parliament, or in advance of Executive foreign visits and travel, in order to develop and set appropriate Service positions and objectives.
• Research, analyse and interpret Cabinet documents, Parliamentary committee reports, foreign reporting and messages, and/or other documents.
• Assist in the coordination and preparation of Executive foreign travel and visits.
• Assist in the development and implementation of communication strategies.This might include coordination with media and stakeholders.
• Maintain a constant, broad awareness of current national security media environment and developing political and policy issues – foreign and domestic that could impact upon CSIS.

Education

Undergraduate degree or College Diploma programs including but not limited to the following areas of study:

• Political Science
• Strategic Studies
• Public Administration
• Communications
• Journalism

Master’s degree in a relevant field will be considered an asset.

Experience

Candidates with experience with the following is preferable:

• Providing strategic advice, conducting analysis and making recommendations.
• Compiling and analyzing information to support the development of policies or the coordination of initiatives.
• Collaborating and coordinating with stakeholders.
• Writing and editing communication products for various audiences. This includes social media content, communication plans, fact sheets, backgrounders, media responses and media lines.
• Ability to work under pressure, prioritize and meet tight deadlines

Experience with social media platforms and management tools such as Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Hootesuite and Instagram is considered an asset.

Competencies

• Analytical Skills
• Communication
• Interpersonal Skills
• Judgement
• Problem Solving

Conditions of Employment

Applicants must be registered as a full-time, post-secondary student in an accredited academic institution recognized in Canada. Priority consideration will be given to those enrolled in an accredited co-op/internship program.

Notes

How To Submit Application

Applicants MUST include the following information in their cover letter in order to be given further consideration:

Name Of Student

Graduation date (month and year):

Program Of Study

Post secondary institution:

• Location of interest: Please note you can only select one (1). Available locations are indicated at the top.
• Travel costs benefits may apply. Further information will be disclosed during the interview process.
• Job Category: Applying for a co-op placement, internship (specific to current program enrollment) or student job.
• Availability: What is the length of your term (4, 8, 12 or 16 months)?
• Studies: What is your current year of study and your expected graduation date?

Tips For Your Cover Letter And Resume

• Tell us your story: why do you want to work for CSIS?
• Work objectives.
• Technical abilities (where applicable).
• Volunteer or work Experience (where applicable).
• Projects (where applicable).

Various language requirements.

We encourge all interested candidates to apply.

Second language evaluation tests might be administered.

At CSIS, we are not looking to simply fill student placement positions every four months. Our program is designed to identify and develop potential full-time employees.

Candidates are asked to apply only once, due to the high volume of applications received.

Failure to provide requested information may result in the rejection of your application.

While we continue to explore opportunities for flexible work arrangements, the majority of work in our organization must be done in the office and cannot be performed at home.

Reference Links

• Hourly salary
• Public Service Commission Approved CO-OP (Co-operative Education)/Internship Programs

Security Requirements

Candidates must be eligible to receive an Enhanced Top Secret security clearance. The process involves a security interview, a polygraph, and a background investigation that includes credit and financial verifications. The use of illegal drugs is a criminal offense. Drug use is an important factor considered in your reliability and suitability assessment during the selection process. Therefore it is important not to use any illegal drugs from the time you submit your application.

Others

Important

Applicants must clearly demonstrate in their application how they meet each Education and Experience criteria. Failure to do so will result in the applicant being screened out of the career opportunity.

CSIS is a separate employer and is not subject to the Public Service Employment Act (PSEA) . CSIS has its own classification, compensation system, and a different staffing regime. As such, we use a different staffing process and terminology.

CSIS is committed to building a workforce that is truly representative of the Canadians it serves by cultivating a diverse and inclusive workplace environment. This will be achieved by increasing employment equity group representation (including persons with disabilities, visible minorities, Indigenous peoples, and women) at all levels within the organization through hiring and talent management practices. We will also ensure that appropriate accommodations are made (e.g., specialized equipment, changes to physical workspace) to provide employment opportunities for all qualified candidates. In support of achieving a greater, diverse and skilled workforce, we strongly encourage those individuals who belong to one or more of the employment equity groups to self-identify when applying.

Should you require accommodation in relation to a disability, please tell us at the beginning of the selection process. This information will be kept confidential.

The personal information provided in your application is protected under the Privacy Act and will be held in Personal Information Bank SIS/P-PU-025.

We thank all applicants for their interest in CSIS. However, only those who are selected for further consideration will be contacted.

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