Co-op: Intelligence Analysis

Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) | Service canadien du renseignement de sécurité (SCRS); Ottawa; On-site; CAD 47,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

The Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) is seeking students for a Co-op or internship from January 2028 to April 2028. Opportunities are designed to build skills within ITAC and CSIS offices across Canada, with a focus on diversity and inclusion and accommodations as needed.

The program emphasizes feedback, mentoring, and potential multiple placements toward a career in national security. CSIS notes that most work will occur in-office, with a pathway to full-time opportunities for

Qualifications

• Registered full-time student in a college or university program related to CSIS functions.
• Enrollment in 3rd year or higher for undergraduate studies, or graduate-level study.
• Field of study relevant to the functions of the position (e.g., Social Sciences, Public Policy, Law).

Responsibilities

• Research, consult, analyze, compile, and validate information to support intelligence analysis.
• Collaborate with intelligence analysts on complex projects, programs, and products.
• Prepare briefing notes, talking points, and speeches for senior management.
• Communicate with domestic and international partners.
• Coordinate agendas and programmes for meetings and visits.

Skills

Analytical Skills

Communication

Adaptability

Organizational Skills

Problem Solving

Education

College Diploma (3rd year)

Undergraduate degree (3rd year+)

Graduate-level studies (Master/PhD)

Job description

Job Summary

The Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) is seeking to hire students who are looking for a Co‑op or internship placement opportunity from January 2028 to April 2028.

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. Should you require accommodation in relation to a disability, please notify us during the recruitment process, as we will ensure that appropriate accommodations are made (eg. 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 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.

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.

CSIS offers opportunities for students to gain valuable experience with the possibility to return for multiple placements in different areas.

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.

Our program is designed to identify and develop potential full-time employee.

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

Work Term

Winter 2028 (January – April 2028)

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.

Integrated Threat Assessment Centre (ITAC)

This process is intended to staff positions in the Integrated Threat Assessment Centre (ITAC). This process may also be used to staff positions elsewhere in CSIS.

ITAC is a specialized organization in the Canadian intelligence community, responsible for providing timely, relevant and objective assessments based on all-source information and intelligence that enables senior decision-makers and security partners, both public and private, to safeguard Canadians and advance Canadian interests at home and abroad. ITAC is a resource for the Government of Canada, and is housed within CSIS national headquarters in Ottawa.

ITAC employs a combination of permanent employees and seconded professionals from other federal and subnational departments and agencies. Seconded employees bring with them professional networks, specialized expertise, information, ideas, knowledge of relevant legislation, and unique situational awareness to their work at ITAC. ITAC offers a dynamic and varied work environment, and embraces diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

Summary Of Functions

• Research, consult, analyze, compile, and validate information to support intelligence analysis production;
• Collaborate with intelligence analysts on complex intelligence analysis projects, programs, and products;
• Prepare briefing notes, talking points, and speeches for senior management use in interdepartmental and international meetings and engagements;
• Communicate with domestic and international partners;
• Coordinate agendas and programmes for foreign and domestic meetings and visits.

Education

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

• Social Sciences
• Humanities
• Public Policy
• Law
• Business/Commerce
• Economics
• Statistics
• Administration

Experience

Candidates with experience in the following are preferable:

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

• Experience producing a variety of written reports, such as briefing notes, reports, assessments, summaries and/or memorandums;
• Experience researching and analyzing information in order to draw inferences and/or make recommendations;
• Experience interacting with internal and external stakeholders at different levels in order to obtain or provide information.

Competencies

• Analytical Skills
• Communication
• Adaptability/Flexibility
• Organizational Skills/Multitasking
• Problem Solving

Tips For Your Cover Letter And Resume

• Tell us your story: why do you want to work for CSIS?
• Clearly demonstrate in your resume and cover letter any experience you have that meets the Experience criteria.
• Provide concrete examples to illustrate this experience or other related skills, such as relevant technical abilities, specific objectives or projects for your volunteer or work experience, or school assignments/projects.

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
• Self-assessment language tests

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

We encourage interested candidates to apply promptly, as we will be reviewing and screening applications on a rolling basis until all available positions are filled. Federal Workforce Adjusted (WFA) employees are encouraged to apply for available positions and clearly indicate in their WFA status on their cover letter.

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. Gaps have been identified among Indigenous peoples and visible minorities for this position. 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 is 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.