Student and CO-OP: Policy and Foreign Relations

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. 

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.

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.

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

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.

How to submit application:

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

• 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.