Policy Assistant (Student) - Refugee Hub Knowledge Team

University of Ottawa; Winnipeg; Hybrid; Part time

Job summary

A leading research institution is seeking Policy Assistants for the 2025/2026 academic year. This hybrid position in Ottawa involves supporting research and policy analysis related to refugee issues. Ideal candidates will be enrolled in a law or graduate degree program and possess strong research and communication skills. Compensation is $26.33/hour for 10 hours per week with potential for renewal until April 2026.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 1 year relevant experience required.
• Proficient English writing skills essential.
• Interest in refugee law or migration policy is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Provide policy analysis and research support.
• Contribute to content development for projects.
• Assist with grant proposals and reports.

Skills

Research skills

Analytical skills

Coordination skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Education

Enrolled in law or graduate degree program

Job description

Overview

The University of Ottawa Refugee Hub works at the intersection of research, policy, and programming to champion and design protection solutions for refugees. Our unique Knowledge Team, based at the University of Ottawa, ensures that the organization’s policy and programmatic work is fully informed by world-class knowledge generation. This includes substantive research and knowledge creation and translation with a focus on refugee sponsorship, resettlement, and complementary pathways.

In addition to a wide range of direct support to key stakeholders, our current flagship partnerships include: The Global Refugee Sponsorship Initiative (GRSI); The Third Country Solutions Identification and Referral Network; EU-PASSWORLD; Resettlement Plus.

About the role – What will you do?

We are seeking four students to join us as Policy Assistants for the 2025 / 2026 academic year. Under the supervision of the Principal Analyst, you will play a key role in supporting the University of Ottawa Refugee Hub’s Knowledge Team.

Responsibilities

• Providing policy analysis, research support, documentation, data management, and administrative assistance.
• Contributing to content development for projects.
• Assisting with database management and organization.
• Supporting the development of Hub communication products to disseminate knowledge.
• Assisting with the publication and promotion of knowledge products.
• Supporting the Hub’s participation in and hosting of academic and civil society conferences, workshops, meetings, and lectures.
• Assisting in the preparations of grant proposals and reports for funders and stakeholders.
• Providing support as determined and required by the Principal Analyst related to the Refugee Hub Knowledge Team’s priorities.

About you – Who are we looking for?

• A minimum of 1 year relevant experience.
• Strong research, analytical, and coordination skills, with exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent communication skills, including proficient English writing skills.
• Interest in and/or experience with policy and research in the fields of refugee law, global migration policy, or migration issues is an asset.
• Demonstrated maturity, tact, integrity, and diplomacy, with a professional presence and capable of exercising independent judgment and flexibility.
• Must currently be enrolled in a law or graduate degree (social sciences) program and plan to maintain enrolment for 2025/2026 academic terms.

Location

This is a hybrid position based in Ottawa, combining remote work with in-person hours at the University of Ottawa Refugee Hub office.

Contract

Start date: Begin immediately upon completion of recruitment.

Duration: Until April 2026, with the possibility of renewal.

Compensation: $26.33 / hour for 10 hours per week, with occasional overtime as needed.

How to apply

Please apply through Workday by August 8 at 11:59 pm Eastern Standard Time to be considered for this position.

Your application must include:

• A cover letter (describe your policy / research interests and/or experiences)
• Current curriculum vitae (CV)
• Academic transcripts

Prior to May 1, 2022, the University required all students, faculty, staff, and visitors (including contractors) to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 as defined in Policy 129 – Covid-19 Vaccination. This policy was suspended effective May 1, 2022 but may be reinstated at any point in the future depending on public health guidelines and the recommendations of experts.