Student Co-op: Policy and Foreign Relations

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.

CSIS offers opportunities to students to gain valuable experience, 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.

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.
• Maintain a constant, broad awareness of current and developing political and policy issues - foreign and domestic that could impact upon CSIS.

Education

Master's degree in a relevant field such as: 

• Political Science
• Strategic Studies
• Public Administration

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.

Competencies

Program Specific:

• Dependability/Reliability
• Ability to Learn
• Respect

Job Specific:

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

Conditions of Employment

Students must be recognized as having full-time student status. Priority consideration will be given to those enrolled in an accredited co-op/internship program. 

Notes

In their cover letter (which will be used as a screening tool), applicants must clearly demonstrate:

• they are applying for a co-op/internship program or as an independent student;
• their interest for a 4, 8, 12 or 16 months work term;
• their language proficiency in the second official language;
• their interest to work for CSIS.

In their resumes, applicants must provide full information about their school, work and volunteer experience in the past five years.

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

Second language evaluation tests could be administered.

Various language requirements include:

English Essential (EE/AE)
Bilingual Non Imperative (CBC/CBC)

Work terms are located in Ottawa. Relocation costs are not covered by CSIS.

Reference Links

Security Requirements

Others