July 27, 2022

Applications open: Intern, Permanent Mission of Canada to the United Nations

Term: September – December 2022 (exact dates to be determined)

Location: New York, NY, USA. Please note that a final decision on hosting interns in-person in New York is dependent on the health situation in both Canada and the United States and subject to broader Government of Canada guidelines.

Description: The Permanent Mission of Canada to the United Nations is seeking up to two interns for Fall 2022 The intern will have an opportunity to: become familiar with the workings of a multilateral mission; gain practical insight into the conduct of diplomacy at the UN on a range of issues pertaining to peace and security, development, human rights, economic and social affairs; and improve their understanding of the UN system, all while contributing to advancing Canadian policy and priorities in a multilateral setting.

The Permanent Mission prioritizes an approach to multilateralism that is diverse and inclusive. We encourage candidates who self-identify as belonging to one of the following employment equity groups, Indigenous Peoples, People with Disabilities, Visible Minorities and Women, to apply.

Hours per week: 37.5 hours per week. Flexible work hours may be required, depending on the UN schedule.

Rate of pay: Rate of pay will be consistent with Treasury Board guidelines. See: https://www.canada.ca/en/treasury-board-secretariat/services/pay/rates-pay/student-rates-pay.html

Required skills / characteristics:

  • All applicants must be Canadian citizens or Canadian residents
  • Applicants must be enrolled in a program of full-time study at an accredited university or college and either have an active profile in the Federal Student Work Experience Program or be in an eligible co-op program (https://www5.psc-cfp.gc.ca/coop/noitcanoitutitsnimargorphcraes.do ). Students may receive credits at their academic institution for completing the internship.
  • Preference will be given to candidates with a background in political science, international relations, Indigenous studies, law, journalism, history, economics and/or a related discipline;
  • Candidates should possess:
    • Strong oral and written communication skills;
    • Strong interpersonal skills, including a demonstrated ability to work effectively in cross-cultural settings;
    • Strong organizational skills, capacity to respect tight deadlines and to set priorities;
    • Good judgment; and
    • Flexibility, creativity and effective problem-solving skills;
  • Graduate level education will be an asset;
  • Bilingualism (English/French) will be an asset;
  • Proficiency in one of the other UN official languages (Arabic, Chinese, Russian, Spanish) or another language will be an asset;

Selected candidates must successfully complete a reliability screening before serving at the Permanent Mission;

The Permanent Mission does not provide medical insurance to student interns; interns must therefore arrange for coverage for the duration of the internship. Proof of medical insurance will be required.

Responsibilities: Interns may be assigned a range of tasks and responsibilities, according to need. These include, but are not necessarily limited to:

  • Providing analytical support to the Political, Legal/Social/Human Rights, Development, and Military/Police Sections within the Permanent Mission of Canada to the United Nations;
  • Attending formal meetings of the United Nations, including of the Security Council, General Assembly, Peacebuilding Commission, Economic and Social Council, and other intergovernmental bodies;
  • Attending informal meetings organized by Member States, United Nations entities, civil society organizations, and academic institutions;
  • Tracking developments in specified intergovernmental negotiations;
  • Preparing detailed reports for a wide policy audience across Global Affairs Canada and the Government of Canada;
  • Undertaking research or policy analysis on thematic topics relevant to Canada's engagement with the United Nations;
  • Drafting correspondence, narratives, and event summaries for use in the Permanent Mission's public affairs work;
  • Providing support for the organization of Canadian events; and
  • Other writing, analytical, logistical, and administrative support as required.

Application process: To apply, candidates must send the following material by email to prmny.internship.stage@international.gc.ca by Friday, August 5th, 2022 at 17:00 EST. The application must include the following:

  • Cover letter explaining interest in position
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Contact for one reference (academic or professional)
  • University transcripts