School of
Graduate Studies

YTS Co-op Student: Research and Policy Assistant Position
CIDA, Quebec/Ottawa 

Term: May 1st – August 31st 2013

Context:

The mandate of the Thematic and Sectoral Policy Directorate (YTS) in CIDA's Strategic Policy and Performance Branch (SPPB) is to contribute sectoral and thematic policy capacity to CIDA’s strategic policy agenda. The Directorate provides leadership in development of policies and strategies related to thematic priorities, and monitors policy implementation. Our policy work is informed by emerging trends, programming realities and results. We engage with, and provide policy support to, program branches in order to advance Agency policy priorities.

The Directorate is composed of several teams including:

• The Natural Resources Governance group’s responsibilities cover policies related to natural resource management and corporate social responsibility.  The group also manages the Secretariat role for the Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Minerals and Sustainable Development;
• The Sustainable Economic Growth team is responsible for implementing CIDA’s Sustainable Economic Growth Strategy, which could include supporting governments to build the frameworks for growth (e.g. business climate, trade, corporate social responsibility, environmental management), engaging the private sector to enhance productivity, sustainability and competitiveness (e.g. green growth, access to capital, and enabling individuals to access economic opportunities (e.g. skills for employment);
• The Democracy, Governance and Human Rights team supports efforts to advance equitable, sustainable development through the promotion of democratic governance and human rights. Provides corporate leadership on issues of effective governance, democratization, rule of law, anti-corruption, human rights, child rights and protection, the rights of Indigenous Peoples, and minority inclusion; and promotes the integration of governance and human rights considerations in all of CIDA’s work.

Job Description:

YGH is looking for three students for the summer semester. May 1st – August 31st 2013

A Senior Analyst will supervise the incumbent. He/she will work directly with the staff members of the team and other CIDA staff members, Assignments will include:

• Undertake research that may involve collecting data and information from multiple sources, completing analyses and preparing written reports as well as oral presentations to disseminate the findings to a wider audience
• Assist with the management of research projects that the Directorate is supporting
• Assist with policy and administrative issues for which the Directors are responsible
• Help prepare briefings for the Minister, President, and senior management
• Maintain links with other parts of CIDA and with other government departments on specific issues that the directorate is working on
• Support the work of CIDA’s Knowledge Networks, including online tools
• Prepare correspondence and doing follow-up, and
• Other related duties, including assisting other teams as needed

Application Requirements:

In addition to addressing their suitability relevant to the job description, the applicant must address the following requirements in their cover letter or CV:

• Education:  Completion of a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline and enrolment in a Master’s degree – Masters of Arts or Science program, any major relevant to the areas/teams responsibilties
• Experience:  Completion of some previous experience for example, at least one previous co-op term, equivalent internship, or six months of relevant work experience in an office environment.  Previous work experience in government or a policy environment is an asset.
• The student must be take this as a registered Co-op work term at the University of Lethbridge
• To apply for Co-op please contact Di Young young@uleth.ca or Lynette Harty at harty@uleth.ca. 

The incumbent must be able to exercise judgement and discretion, work independently in an efficiently organized manner, and absorb a large amount of information quickly. They are encouraged to find innovative solutions. The pace of work is demanding, and the intellectual challenges are considerable. Knowledge and/or experience in YTS’ thematic areas are an asset, though candidates without a background are still encouraged to apply.

The successful applicant must be able to establish and maintain an enhanced reliability check security screening, and be willing to work in the National Capital Region for the duration of their term. Relocation costs are not covered. Please note that preference will be given to Canadian citizens.

Language:

Fluency in English and French (oral and written) are required for this position. The incumbent will be asked to work in the two official languages.

Salary:

Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat - Terms & Conditions of Employment for Students: http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/pol/doc-eng.aspx?id=12583&section=text

Application Date: February  28th 10.00 am 

Resume and cover letter should be sent to Lynette Harty at harty@uleth.ca 

Cover letter addressed to:

Richard Fournier
Thematic and Sectoral Directorate
Strategic Policy and Performance Branch
Canadian International Development Agency
Gatineau, Quebec

Please also contact your supervisor to ensure that a co-op will fit with your program.