Co-op: Policy, Compliance & Review

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

Job summary

CSIS is offering a Winter 2028 co-op/internship placement (January–April 2028). The role emphasizes policy, planning, compliance, privacy, and education streams. Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited Co‑op or Internship program and eligible for government security clearances.

The organization promotes diversity and equity and notes most work occurs in office settings. Eligible candidates gain exposure to high‑level policy development, analysis and reporting, with opportunities for

Qualifications

• Competencies include analytical thinking, clear communication, teamwork and professional judgement.
• Experience interpreting policy provisions and drafting briefing materials is valued.
• Ability to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders and manage tight deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Support development and coordination of operational or strategic policy files for senior management.
• Prepare briefing materials, correspondence and presentations for meetings with domestic or foreign partners.
• Draft Cabinet documents and participate in consultations with Parliament or other bodies.
• Research, analyse and interpret policy documents and regulations; assess risks for CSIS programs.

Skills

Analytical Skills

Communication

Interpersonal Skills

Judgement

Problem Solving

Education

Graduate studies (Masters/PhD)

Public Administration

Political Science

Strategic Studies

Information Studies

Job description

Job Summary

Work Term: Winter 2028 (January – April 2028)
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.
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. 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 (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 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. 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

Stream 1 – Policy, Planning, and Accountability

• Support the development and coordination of operational policy, strategic policy, or foreign relations files by providing advice to senior management, such as recommendations on the management of Cabinet and Parliamentary business, and allied engagement;
• Prepare briefing material, correspondence and presentations for senior officials, the Director and/or 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;
• Research, analyse and interpret Cabinet documents, Parliamentary committee reports, foreign reporting and messages, and other documents;
• Assess legislative regulations, policy obligations and potential risks posed by new or substantially modified CSIS programs / activities.

Stream 2 – Review, Complaints, Compliance, and Privacy

• Conduct research and analysis to identify relevant and pertinent information, and provide such information in a timely manner;
• Provide advice and recommendations to management and other stakeholders on complex and sensitive issues, such as: compliance, external review, complaints, litigation, privacy, injury to CSIS and to CSIS investigations;
• Assess legislative obligations and potential risks posed by new or substantially modified CSIS programs / activities;
• Collaborate, coordinate, consult and engage with internal and external stakeholders;
• Implement CSIS’ process for addressing compliance or privacy breaches.
• Identify, create and update databases;
• Prepare reports, briefing material, correspondence, communications or training related to specific programs;
• Promote a healthy workplace by fostering a respectful work environment free from harassment, discrimination, racism, bullying and reprisal. Adhere to the mandatory on-line training on creating a respectful workplace.

Education

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
• History

Stream 2

Registered full‑time in one of the following academic paths and years at the time of placement:

• College Diploma student in their 3 rd 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:

• Public Administration
• Political Science
• Strategic Studies
• Communications
• Legal Studies
• Sociology
• Governments, Law and Policy
• Information Studies

Experience

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

• Experience interpreting and applying policy provisions, guidelines or laws;
• 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 individuals at different levels, both within and outside the organization, in order to obtain or provide information.

Assets

Stream 1

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

Competencies

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

Notes

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
• 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

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.

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. 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 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.