Co-op: Policy and Foreign Relations

Job Summary

Work Term: Fall 2026 (September - December)

The Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) is seeking to hire students who are looking for a Co-op or internship placement opportunity from September 2026 to December 2026.

Eligibility: We will only be considering applicants enrolled in an accredited Co-op or Internship program in line with their program requirements from their post-secondary academic institution.

CSIS is committed to building a workforce that is truly representative of the Canadians it serves by cultivating a diverse and inclusive workplace environment. This will be achieved by increasing employment equity group representation (including persons with disabilities, visible minorities, Indigenous peoples and women) at all levels within the organization through hiring and talent management practices. We will also ensure that appropriate accommodations are made (e.g., specialized equipment, changes to the physical workspace) to provide employment opportunities for all qualified candidates. In support of achieving a greater, diverse and skilled workforce, we strongly encourage those individuals who belong to one or more of the employment equity groups to self-identify when applying.

CSIS is looking for students who thrive on tackling diverse challenges in a unique environment. Students will have the opportunity to cultivate their skills and knowledge by being paired with experienced employees who will provide feedback during the work term. CSIS offers opportunities for students to gain valuable experience with the possibility to return for multiple placements. Our program is designed to identify and develop potential full-time employees.

If you are up for the challenge and want to join one of our highest performing teams, your contributions to CSIS will provide a meaningful impact to our mission of helping keep Canadians safe against national security threats.

Special consideration may be given to those with a proficiency in both official languages of Canada.

Summary Of Functions

Students will assist with tasks including but not limited to the following:

Stream 1: Strategic Policy, and Foreign Relations

• Support the development and coordination of strategic policy or foreign relations files by providing advice to senior management, such as recommendations on the management of Cabinet and Parliamentary business, foreign travel and allied engagement;
• Prepare briefing material, correspondence and presentations for senior officials, the Director and the Minister for meetings with domestic or foreign partners;
• Formulate and participate in the drafting of Cabinet documents (such as Memoranda to Cabinet, Aide-Memoire, talking points, decks);
• Conduct consultations on matters before Cabinet and in Parliament, or in advance of Executive foreign visits and travel;
• Research, analyse and interpret Cabinet documents, Parliamentary committee reports, foreign reporting and messages, and other documents; and
• Assist in the coordination and preparation of Executive foreign travel and visits.
  
  

Stream 2: Communications and Issues Management

• Support the development and coordination of strategic communication files by providing related advice to senior management;
• Prepare briefing material, speeches, media lines, correspondence and presentations for the Director, Minister and senior officials;
• Draft rapid response briefing notes relating to ongoing political, legal, and corporate issues as well as fast-moving operational issues;
• Assist in the development and implementation of communication strategies. This might include drafting strategic content for social media channels, and coordination with stakeholders to elevate the public dialogue on national security;
• Monitor and analyse media reporting to detect and respond to emerging trends or changes within the security environment (foreign and domestic) that could have consequences for the reputation and operational interests of CSIS.
  
  

Education

Applicants must be registered as a full-time, post-secondary student in an accredited academic institution recognized in Canada during their work term.

Stream 1

At the time of placement, candidates must be currently enrolled in a graduate level program (Masters or Doctorate level or law degree).

Must Be In a Field Of Study Relevant To The Functions Of The Position For Which The Candidates Apply To; Such As, But Not Limited To:

• Political Science
• Strategic Studies
• Public Administration
  
  

Stream 2

Candidates must be registered full-time in one of the following academic paths and years at the time of placement:

• College Diploma student in their 3rd year;
• Undergraduate degree student in their 3rd year or higher;
• Graduate-level student (Master’s or Ph.D.)
  
  

Must Be In a Field Of Study Relevant To The Functions Of The Position For Which The Candidates Apply To; Such As, But Not Limited To:

• Communications
• Journalism
  
  

Experience

Candidates with experience with the following is preferable:

Experience may have been acquired through formal and informal settings (e.g. school, volunteer, work experience or projects).

Stream 1

• Providing strategic advice, conducting analysis and making recommendations;
• Compiling and analyzing information to support the drafting of documents for briefing, decision making or for planning initiatives;
• Collaborating, liaising, and coordinating with stakeholders;
• Ability to work under pressure, prioritize and meet tight deadlines.
  
  

Stream 2

• Writing and editing communication products for various audiences. This includes social media content, communication plans, fact sheets, backgrounders, media responses and media lines;
• Collaborating, liaising, and coordinating with stakeholders; and
• Ability to work under pressure, prioritize and meet tight deadlines.
  
  

Assets

Stream 1

• Experience in national security, Cabinet or Parliamentary Affairs, strategic policy, or foreign relations.
  
  

Stream 2

• Experience with social media platforms and tools such as Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Hootsuite and Instagram.
  
  

Competencies

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

Notes

How To Submit An Application:

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

Name Of Student:

Graduation date:

Program Of Study:

Post Secondary School:

Post Secondary School:

• Specify if you are enrolled in a co-op placement or internship.
• Indicate your desired stream(s) in order of preference.
• 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); and
• Projects (where applicable).
  
  

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.

Salary Range

College or undergraduate

Annual Rate: $46,548-$66,035

Hourly Rate: $23.79-$33.75

Graduate

Annual Rate: $53,220-$67,151

Hourly Rate: $27.20-$34.32

Reference Links

• Hourly salary
• Public Service Commission Approved CO-OP (Co-operative Education)/Internship Programs
  
  

Security Requirements

Candidates must be eligible to receive an Enhanced Top Secret security clearance. The process involves a security interview, a polygraph, and a background investigation that includes credit and financial verifications. The use of illegal drugs is a criminal offense. Drug use is an important factor considered in your reliability and suitability assessment during the selection process. Therefore it is important not to use any illegal drugs from the time you submit your application.

Others

Important

Applicants must clearly demonstrate in their application how they meet each Education and Experience criteria. Failure to do so will result in the applicant being screened out of the career opportunity.

CSIS is a separate employer and is not subject to the Public Service Employment Act (PSEA) . CSIS has its own classification, compensation system, and a different staffing regime. As such, we use a different staffing process and terminology.

CSIS is committed to building a workforce that is truly representative of the Canadians it serves by cultivating a diverse and inclusive workplace environment. This will be achieved by increasing employment equity group representation (including persons with disabilities, visible minorities, Indigenous peoples, and women) at all levels within the organization through hiring and talent management practices. We will also ensure that appropriate accommodations are made (e.g., specialized equipment, changes to physical workspace) to provide employment opportunities for all qualified candidates. In support of achieving a greater, diverse and skilled workforce, we strongly encourage those individuals who belong to one or more of the employment equity groups to self-identify when applying.

Should you require accommodation in relation to a disability, please tell us at the beginning of the selection process. This information will be kept confidential.

CSIS Offices in Canada are located on various ancestral and traditional lands. In the spirit of reconciliation, we acknowledge all Indigenous People across Canada and their connection to these lands.

The personal information provided in your application is protected under the Privacy Act and will be held in Personal Information Bank SIS/P-PU-025.

We thank all applicants for their interest in CSIS. However, only those who are selected for further consideration will be contacted.

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