Young Professional Internship Program

Eligibility criteria

MAC sponsors international internship placements with its partner organizations in the global movement to ban landmines. Young Professionals (YPs) work in diverse environments to build the capacity of international partners and gain valuable career-related work experience.

Nine of the YPs have been recruited and deployed. Learn more about the already filled placements. One final placement from July to December is now open for recruitment.

Candidates interested in this placement are required to meet the general eligibility requirements outlined below, and to submit all the application materials requested. Only complete and eligible applications will be considered.

PLEASE note that the DEADLINE for applications is June 1, 2012.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Five-month overseas placements focus on building the capacity of partner organizations in the international movement to ban landmines and cluster munitions. Young Professionals (YPs) are involved in mobilizing local young people in the movement for a mine-free world, developing advocacy and education materials, researching landmine-related topics, and assisting with program management. Placements offer YPs an exciting opportunity to be involved in a matter of foreign policy for which Canada is a global leader, contribute to an innovative civil society initiative, and gain valuable skills and international work experience.

Upon their return, YPs will take on public education, fundraising and advocacy work in Canadian communities during the month following their placements. This advocacy work provides a chance to link back to Canada, develop career-related networks, showcase their international experience and expertise, and develop skills in public engagement, media, and advocacy.

In general, international mine action placements include:

one-week self-directed Independent Study at the YP’s home
Pre-Departure briefing from Mines Action Canada staff
approximately five-month international placement
post-placement debriefing session
approximately one month of public engagement and advocacy in Canada post-placement

YPs have a designated supervisor at their host organization and receive ongoing support and communication from MAC staff in Ottawa.

YPs receive a monthly stipend of approximately $1300, from which all living expenses must be paid. MAC will cover the costs of domestic and international travel, heath insurance, immunizations up to $150 and visas. Stipends are issued monthly, and EI, CPP and tax deductions are taken at source.

As a YP, you are responsible for:

covering your monthly living expenses;
providing MAC with the name and address of a person authorized to deposit cheques on your behalf into a Canadian bank account and who can make transfers to overseas banks on your behalf if necessary;
registering with the Canadian embassy/consulate upon arriving at your placement;
reporting on your activities on a regular basis; and
having the best experience of your life!

Eligibility criteria

To be eligible to apply, applicants must be:

Canadian citizens or permanent residents;
30 years of age or under;
ready to join the workforce — i.e., you are out of school, not enrolled in an educational program, and have no current plans to return to school;
unemployed or underemployed (working part-time or not in your field);
available for the duration of the placement (July - December)
have not previously participated in any YES-funded internship programs; and
have not had any previous career-related paid / subsidized work experience abroad for any period of time.

Preference will be given to candidates who:

hold a college or university degree in the social or political sciences;
possess volunteer or study-related experience in the areas of social justice, international development/relations or mine action;
have experience working or volunteering with a non-profit / non-governmental organization;
have experience coordinating public awareness campaigns, fundraising events and/or event planning;
have cross-cultural knowledge and skills (e.g. travel experience, sense of humour, diplomacy, ability to handle stress);
have experience authoring funding proposals, conducting media outreach, or mobilizing and retaining volunteers;
in addition to fluency in English, have knowledge of the relevant language (Nepali);
want to start a career in the areas of social justice, international development, or mine action;
are computer literate (competent in e-mail, word processing, spreadsheet and database software);
have excellent interpersonal skills and sound writing skills; and
are very flexible, adaptable, patient and can handle the stress of working and living abroad.

TO APPLY:

Read the eligibility criteria above thoroughly and make sure you qualify!
Check out the job description below.
Fill in the online application form.
Email your cover letter and CV to Erin Hunt, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it before June 1, 2012.

Please note: This internship will deploy in mid-July and return to Canada in mid-December.

Have an inquiry? E-mail our International Youth Program Officer at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Young Professional Internship Program

Location: Kathmandu, Nepal

Mine Action Support Officer, Ban Landmines Nepal
There are two positions offered sequentially with this partner. This position will take over from the YP currently in Nepal. The YP will work on Ban Landmines Nepal’s landmine and cluster munitions campaigns, which includes research, advocacy for effective implementation of the Ottawa Treaty banning landmines and generating support for the Cluster Munition Convention. Ban Landmines Nepal also works on a variety of issues to promote peace and security in the country following years of conflict including: small arms and light weapons, youth peacebuilding, women’s issues and education.

Job profile:

Coordinate and expand current youth volunteer program including mobilization, skills training, community activities
Manage and promote the BLN Resource Centre as a focal point in the community
Coordinate and implement awareness events for the public
Draft reports and funding proposals as required for the youth program and resource center
Represent BLN at relevant events and conferences
Manage and draft reports for BLN’s projects on education, small arms, light weapons and peacebuilding etc as needed.

Desired qualifications:

Experience in working with volunteers
Experience in coordinating events
Experience in the development and facilitation of public education programs
High level of comfort with Web 2.0 strategies
Post-secondary degree in development studies or a related field
Volunteer or study-related experience in the areas of social justice or mine action
Ability to work on a variety of issues simultaneously
Excellent English writing skills
Nepali or Hindu language skills an asset