Internship: Student for the Trade Commissioner Service

Job Description

To be eligible for a public service job as part of this program, you need to meet these requirements:

(1) Post-Secondary Co-op/Internship Program:
i. You must be a full-time student* registered in a post-secondary Co-op/internship program that is on the Government of Canada’s list of validated institutions and programs - https://www5.psc-cfp.gc.ca/coop/noitcanoitutitsnimargorphcraes.do
ii. Your work term must be mandatory for graduation.
iii. You must meet the minimum age requirement in the province/territory of work.

*The student must be returning to full-time studies in the next academic term, or if the student is in their final year of study, they must show that they were previously employed under one of the approved student employment programs.

OR

(2) FSWEP:
i. You are registered in the Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP) as a full-time college or university student.
ii. You are returning to full-time studies in the next academic year.
iii. You must meet the minimum age requirement in the province/territory of work.
iv. You were previously employed by the federal government under one of the approved student employment programs.

The duration of the placement will be between 12-17 weeks beginning in September or October 2022, with the exact start date to be determined. Start and end dates may vary based on relevant policies, the manager’s operational requirements, and employment needs. There is a possibility of a rehire depending upon student availability, performance, and operational needs.

Duties

Selected candidates may perform some of these tasks, depending on the team they join. This list is not exhaustive.

• Write reports, summaries, briefing notes, and correspondence for managers
• Prepare presentations using MS Office products and other tools available to the team
• Conduct research in areas of international trade and business development
• Conduct tailored research and analysis to prepare reports in response to client requests.
• Assist with data analysis / data visualization projects.
• Monitor databases, news, and social media
• Assist with organizing meetings
• Assist with organizing events
• Perform miscellaneous administrative tasks as required
• Accompany trade commissioners to meetings and draft meeting reports
• Manage client relationships using Global Affairs Canada’s client relationship management software
• Conduct sector analysis such as reviewing company listings and identifying potential clients by sector
• Engage with the network of trade commissioners across Canada and around the world on various matters
• Contribute to the inclusive trade strategy
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of relationships with partners
• Other duties as required

Work environment

The Government of Canada has set an ambitious agenda to make Canada the most globally connected economy in the world. Global Affairs Canada, and its Trade Commissioner Service (TCS), is a key part of that agenda supporting Canadian companies to grow internationally and diversify their exports. With its on-the-ground presence in over 160 cities worldwide and in regional offices across Canada, the TCS has been helping companies navigate international markets for more than 125 years. TCS staff perform a variety of functions, including:

• Helping Canadian companies that have researched and selected their target markets meet their international business objectives through the provision of strategic advice and information, and by leveraging private and public sector networks;
• Analysing, planning, implementing and promoting activities, initiatives or projects related to trade programs and services that support Canadian business as they engage in global commerce or that promote foreign direct investment in Canada; or
• Economic development analyses and other activities pertaining to international trade-related policies, negotiations, and legislation.

Location of work could be in Ottawa, Ontario, at one of GAC’s regional offices across Canada, or remotely. As of June 2022, much of the department’s work continues to be done remotely. The tools necessary to work from home will be provided.

Intent of the process

A random selection of candidates may be offered student employment opportunities within Global Affairs Canada.

Applications are only open to students who are currently (1) registered in a post-secondary Co-op program or in a program requiring an internship that is on our list of validated post-secondary academic institutions and programs or (2) who are registered in FSWEP and they were previously employed by the federal government as a Co-op or FSWEP student.

A random selection of candidates will be selected for further consideration. An initial random selection will take place of candidates who apply by 20 June 2022.

Preference may be given to candidates who self-identify in one or more of the following employment equity groups: Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities, and women.

The process will be used to offer students employment opportunities primarily for the fall 2022 term (September to December 2022), but possibly also for the winter 2023 term (January to April 2023).

Positions to be filled: 10

In order to be considered, your application must clearly explain how you meet the following (essential qualifications)

EDUCATION

(1) A full-time student registered in a post-secondary Co-op/internship program that is on the Government to Canada’s list of validated institutions and programs. Please specify the name of your current academic institution and your current program.

If your program is not on this list, you cannot be considered for a Co-op/internship opportunity.

OR

(2) You are registered in the Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP) as a full-time college or university student and you were employed by the federal government before. Please specify the name of the department or agency that had previously hired you as an FSWEP or a Co-op student.

EXPERIENCE

• Experience in researching, analysing and reporting on international business development, trade or economic matters e.g. trends and opportunities.
• Experience in researching, analysing and synthesizing data from a variety of sources.
• Writing briefing notes, meeting and event reports, presentations or other types of documents.
• Experience serving clients.
• Organizing activities, meetings, events, etc. or supporting their delivery.

The following will be applied / assessed at a later date (essential for the job)

Various language requirements

ABILITIES

Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

The following may be applied / assessed at a later date (may be needed for the job)

• Experience using MS Office products (including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook)
• Experience using collaboration tools and platforms (e.g. Google Docs, Zoom, etc.)
• Experience using Office 365
• Experience using social media channels and tools
• Experience in event management
• Experience working for government
• Experience working on projects with multiple partners or stakeholders
• Experience working with client relationship management software / databases
• Knowledge of international business issues, networks and information sources
• Knowledge of fundamentals of international marketing, planning, and promotion
• Knowledge of Canada’s international trade priorities and the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service (TCS)
• Organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to communicate effectively orally
• Ability to work in a team and under pressure
• Ability to handle multiple priorities and work under tight deadlines
• Judgement, tact and problem-solving skills
• Proficiency in both official languages of Canada

Conditions of employment

Secret security clearance

All employees of the core public administration are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and attest to their vaccination status unless accommodated based on a medical contraindication, religion, or another prohibited ground for discrimination as defined under the Canadian Human Rights Act.

The deadline of applications is on June 30, 2022.