Canada, Ontario, Ottawa

Applications due: 03 Oct, 2025

Job Synopsis

The Advocacy Intern, based in Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) Canada’s Peace & Justice Office (P&J), supports the organization’s capacity to advocate for peace and justice at the federal level. This four-month position combines research, communications, administrative, and project support responsibilities. Working closely with the P&J staff and members of the Canadian Advocacy Network, the intern assists in monitoring Canadian government policy developments, drafting research and communication materials, and providing logistical support for learning events and advocacy initiatives. This role requires initiative, independent work, and a commitment to MCC’s peace and justice priorities, while offering opportunities for personal learning and professional development in advocacy and public engagement.

This position is primarily supervised by one Peace & Justice Office staff person but requires close and ongoing collaboration with other members of the Peace & Justice Office team. This internship is available on a living wage basis from 18.75 hours up to 37.5 hours per week and is located in Ottawa. Due to the short-term nature of this position, relocation policies and benefit package do not apply.

This position is available on an hourly basis. Only those candidates who are legally eligible to work in Canada should apply.

Job Details

Hourly Employee Full Time

Qualifications

All MCC workers are expected to exhibit a commitment to: a personal Christian faith and discipleship; active participation in a Christian church or Christian community; and nonviolent peacemaking. MCC is an equal opportunity employer, committed to employment equity. MCC values diversity and invites all qualified candidates to apply.

Essential

• Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a university program in a related field (e.g., political science, international development, history, or a comparable field).

• Ability to analyze and engage with new issues and fields of study.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present complex information clearly and to diverse audiences.

• Collaborative team player with the ability to engage effectively and respectfully with people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

• Self-motivated, proactive, and able to take initiative in developing and implementing ideas.

• Understanding of Canadian government structures, policy development, and decision-making processes.

• Police record check.

Preferred

• Fluency in French.

• Understanding of social justice issues related to the priorities of MCC.

Key Responsibilities

Major Responsibilities

10% Creation of learning objectives

20% Research

15% Meeting attendance

30% Communications

25% Administration for special projects

Duties:

10% Creation of learning objectives

• Take initiative to help shape the direction of the internship.

• Establish personal learning objectives in alignment with Peace & Justice research priorities.

20% Research

• Assist in monitoring and analyzing Canadian government legislation, policies, and activities.

• Track developments through mainstream and specialized media sources.

15% Meeting attendance

• Attend and report back on public events, lectures, conferences, and coalition meetings.

• Participate in regular staff meetings with the Peace & Justice team, Canadian Advocacy Network, MCC Canada, and others, including shared times of devotions and prayer with all in attendance.

30% Communications

• Draft policy briefs, research summaries, and internal event reports on federal government agendas.

• Support social media updates to engage MCC supporters in the work of the Peace & Justice Office.

• Contribute to additional public engagement writing as required.

25% Administration for Special Projects

• Assist in planning and delivering learning events for MCC supporters.

• Provide logistical and hosting support for office projects and special initiatives.

Other Duties:

• Ensure that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is exemplified in the performance of all job responsibilities and through personal example.

• Model non-violent peacemaking through daily interactions with staff and the public.

• Participate in a local church and gatherings, being willing to use their gifts within the local faith community.

Carry out additional responsibilities as assigned.

Contact/Relationships:
Based in the Peace & Justice Office, the Advocacy Intern will be part of a team that provides expertise and support for MCC Canada’s advocacy efforts. The intern will work primarily with P&J staff and will also engage with members of the Canadian Advocacy Network.

Supervision:
No supervisory responsibilities.

Complexity/Competencies:
During this four-month position, the intern will assist with monitoring and conducting background research on Canadian federal government policy issues, as identified by their supervisor. The intern will also contribute to routine office administrative tasks and provide logistical support for a variety of projects, including significant support for learning activities for MCC supporters.

Independent Action:
Following direction on key research priorities, the intern is expected to take initiative and work independently, with regular supervision meetings scheduled several times per month.

Initiative and Ingenuity:
The intern will take initiative in supporting and contributing to the direction of the internship. This includes assisting in the development of personal learning objectives that align with established P&J Office priorities.

Communication/Interpersonal Skills:
Ability to write various kinds of communication on a regular basis for internal MCC staff and external MCC supporters.

Mental/Physical/Visual Demand:
This position requires desk-based work with significant screen time. It also requires engagement with stories and reports addressing global injustice, conflict and violence.

End Result:
MCC Canada’s capacity to effectively advocate for peace and justice is enhanced through strengthened research, communications, and supporter engagement.

Start Date

08 Jan, 2024 - Yes

Term Length

4 months

Salary Details

Base salary: $22.8. This position is being paid a living wage in Ottawa of $22.80 per hour.

Benefits

Due to the short nature of this position, there are no benefits.

Location Description

Located on the banks of the Ottawa and Rideau rivers in the picturesque Ottawa valley of eastern Ontario, Ottawa offers a wide range of services and attractions. As the nation's capital, this city is home to over 1 million residents. It hosts more than dozen museums and galleries, plus many annual festivals. More than 150 km of recreational pathways wind through the city providing ample opportunity for walking, cycling, or in-line skating. In winter the Rideau canal becomes one of the world's largest outdoor skating rinks. The hills of Gatineau Park are only a twenty-minute drive from downtown Ottawa and offer year-round recreational activities including hiking, biking, camping, swimming, and cross-country skiing. The city of Montreal is only a two-hour drive east.

As an educational center, Ottawa boasts two major universities, a small Catholic university, and a community college. The growing computer technology industry plays a significant role in the local economy.

A multi-cultural city, Ottawa is home to many diverse ethnic communities. Languages spoken in Ottawa include English (50%), French (30%), and a host of other languages including Italian, Chinese, Spanish, Portuguese and Arabic.