Generalist – Student for the Trade Commissioner Service

Important messages

We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the hiring process. If you need to be accommodated during any phase of the evaluation process, please use the Contact information below to request specialized accommodation. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.

Assessment accommodation

Please note that preference is given to Canadian students over permanent residents and non-Canadian students who are eligible to work in Canada, as per the Directive on Student Employment - https://www.tbs-sct.canada.ca/pol/doc-eng.aspx?id=32638

The Federal Public Service is stronger and most effective when we reflect the rich diversity of the Canadian population that we serve. Global Affairs Canada (GAC) is committed to building a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace where all employees feel empowered to be authentic. At GAC, we believe that by leveraging all available strengths that exist within the diversity of Canada’s population, we can reach the highest levels of professionalism, innovation and productivity. Don’t miss your opportunity to not only enjoy the unparalleled benefits of the public service, but to work for a department where your voice is heard, valued, respected and amplified. All candidates who believe they are qualified are encouraged to apply, including Black, other racialized and Indigenous peoples, women, persons with disabilities and persons of the 2SLGBTQ+ community. We encourage candidates to indicate voluntarily on their application if they are a member of one of these groups and complete the Employment Equity (EE) section of the application. If you would like to learn more about self-declaration, please consult this website: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/jobs/opportunities/government/self-declaring-government-canada-jobs.html.

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.

For further information on the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service, please visit http://www.tradecommissioner.gc.ca/.

For further information on the organization, please visit Global Affairs Canada - https://www.international.gc.ca/global-affairs-affaires-mondiales/home-accueil.aspx?lang=eng.

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

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

A covering letter "In 450 words (maximum): Written in a business letter format, the cover letter should describe the experience and skills that you would offer the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service and explain why you believe you would be a good candidate for this type of position. Please indicate if you wish to be considered only for work that can be done remotely, or if you would be available to work in Ottawa or at one of GAC’s regional offices across Canada. Please state whether you currently have a valid security clearance with the Government of Canada. FSWEP students are asked to indicate whether they are available for full-time work or part-time work."

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.

List of validated post-secondary academic institutions and programs: https://www5.psc-cfp.gc.ca/coop/noitcanoitutitsnimargorphcraes.do

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.

Degree equivalency

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

Information on 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.

Other information

The Public Service of Canada is committed to building a skilled and diverse workforce that reflects the Canadians we serve. We promote employment equity and encourage you to indicate if you belong to one of the designated groups when you apply.

Information on employment equity

Self-declaration: Want to learn more? - https://www.canada.ca/en/services/jobs/opportunities/government/self-declaring-because-we-care.html

The ability to communicate in writing will be assessed through your application and cover letter. Other criteria may be required depending on the placement needs and tasks. They may be assessed at a later date through exams, interviews and/or reference checks.

Communication for this process will be sent via email. It is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure accurate contact information is provided and updated as required. Candidates who apply to this process should include an email address that accepts email from unknown users (some email systems block these types of email).

Applications will be accepted on-line only. Please click on the button “Apply online” below.

Persons with disabilities who cannot apply online are asked to send a message to the email address below under Contact information.

For further information on student rates of pay, please visit Treasury Board Secretariat guidelines for student employment - https://www.canada.ca/en/treasury-board-secretariat/services/pay/rates-pay/student-rates-pay.html

On October 6, 2021, the Government of Canada announced details of its plans to require vaccination across the federal public service.

As per the new Policy on COVID-19 Vaccination for the Core Public Administration, including Global Affairs Canada, federal public servants in the Core Public Administration and members of GAC must attest to their vaccination status. The requirement for employees to be fully vaccinated applies whether they are teleworking, working remotely or working on-site. This is a condition of employment, and it applies to indeterminate (permanent), determinate (term), casual, and student hiring. Should you reach the point in the selection process where it is necessary to verify terms and conditions of employment, then the hiring manager or a human resources representative will contact you to complete an attestation.

Preference

Preference will be given to veterans first and then to Canadian citizens and permanent residents, with the exception of a job located in Nunavut, where Nunavut Inuit will be appointed first.

Information on the preference to veterans

We thank all those who apply. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.