Public Policy and Advocacy Internship – Halifax, NS

Do you have a passion for public policy? Are you a problem solver? Do you want to work for an organization that believes in people’s potential?

We are looking for a Public Policy and Advocacy Intern in Halifax!

At CFIB, your work supports small businesses in your community and across the country. You’ll have a hand in shaping the economy and future of the country. You will be independent through flexibility and accountability, so you can live and work at your best. You will work closely with colleagues both locally and across the country – building upon synergies and learning from one another. You make a difference when you work at CFIB.

We have an exciting opportunity for a full-time contract position as a Public Policy and Advocacy Intern in either our Halifax office or a hybrid work arrangement. While local applicants will be given preference, others based elsewhere in Atlantic Canada may still be considered.

What will you do?

The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) is a non-partisan, not-for-profit advocacy group representing the interests of 100,000 small and medium-sized businesses across Canada. CFIB was founded 50 years ago in reaction to a piece of public policy that, at the time, would have been devastating to the Canadian independent business sector. Now, CFIB’s advocacy, as well as the savings and support that it provides to its members, continues to be essential to the success of Canada’s small business community.

We are offering a four-month Public Policy and Advocacy Internship to work with CFIB teams in Halifax. The position will run for 17 weeks from May 20^th to September 19^th.

CFIB has taken great care in developing a coveted Public Policy and Advocacy Intern Program that will not only advance our small business members’ priorities but also provide a meaningful and enriching opportunity for the interns.

Responsibilities:

Reporting to members of the legislative teams, you will work directly on project(s) that support CFIB’s mission to ensure Canada’s small business community thrives, including research, analysis, content creation, communications, and marketing. Throughout the program, you will build a portfolio of work to your name, which may include reports, news releases, social posts, survey questions, and more. Your work will become a component of CFIB’s advocacy work on CFIB members’ top priorities. This year, the Halifax intern will work cross-departmentally and split their time working on legislative projects for both provincial teams.

Highlights Of Responsibilities

In consultation with and direction from your CFIB Intern Managers, you will:

• Refine the content creation plan and develop weekly completion targets
• Meet agreed upon weekly completion targets
• Gather relevant data from CFIB member surveys, government and other sources
• Analyze data and write draft final content, e.g. report
• Work collaboratively with other CFIB Public Policy and Advocacy Interns and CFIB colleagues across Canada
• Provide research assistance on other small business issues, as necessary
• Provide office administrative help and assist small business members, as necessary

What makes a successful Public Policy and Advocacy Intern?

Candidates must possess:

• Desire to learn more about the small business sector and its role in the Canadian economy

• Interest in government relations/politics/public policy
• Strong research skills to undertake qualitative and quantitative analysis, check sources and facts, and develop key arguments
• Superior written communication skills
• Commitment to accuracy and thoroughness
• Expertise in word processing, spreadsheets and graphs
• Proven ability to work interdependently in a collaborative environment with colleagues in a small office environment
• Ability to step in to help keep the office running (answer phone, administrative tasks), if necessary
• Good interpersonal skills
• Objectivity and non-partisanship
• Fluency in English language is a requirement (written, oral and reading)

Note: Recent graduates (2024 or 2025) of relevant post-secondary education are encouraged to apply. Preference will be given to those students located in the specified cities/regions (above) and are able to complete the internship without interruptions.

Remuneration: $3,000/month gross (paid bi-weekly, less statutory deductions)

Writing sample:

This application process requires a sample of written work you have completed. The writing sample should be a brief example of your research and writing abilities. The sample does not necessarily have to be related to small business issues. For example, you may want to use a portion of a paper that you submitted for a school course. Please keep your writing sample to two pages. If needed, further samples may be requested from short-listed candidates.

CFIB will be reviewing applications as they are submitted. We encourage you to apply early. All applications will be acknowledged; however, please note that only those applicants that meet the criteria will be contacted for an interview.

Please ensure to apply for the job posted in the location of your choice and indicate in your cover letter, which city you are applying for.

What do we offer?

• Career advancement
• Flexibility
• Supportive leadership
• Diversity and inclusion
• Training and development

CFIB has a diverse workforce. We believe in and are committed to a workplace culture of respect, inclusion, and diversity. CFIB is committed to providing accommodation for people with disabilities through the interview process and while employed. If you require accommodation, please let us know and we will work with you to meet your needs.

As Canada’s largest association of small and medium-sized businesses, CFIB is in business to provide independent business with the resources they need, to give them more value, and to have their voice heard at all levels of governments.

Be a part of the solution and apply today!

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