Career Opportunity
Summer Youth Opportunity- Public Policy and Programs Officer
Competition #: 2026-04
Posting Period: April 22, 2026
to May 3, 2026
Location: Ottawa (Hybrid)Position Status: 8 weeks, 35 hours per weekNumber of positions available: 1Hourly Wage: $23.40
Position Summary and Responsibilities:
Please Note: This position is partially funded by the Canada Summer Jobs program. To apply you must be:
- Must be between 15 and 30 years of age (inclusive) at the start of employment.
- Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or persons to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act; and
- have a valid Social Insurance Number at the start of employment and be legally entitled to work according to the relevant provincial or territorial legislation and regulations.
- International students are not eligible.
This role is based in Ottawa, but serves the region of Prescott-Russell, Ottawa, Lanark and Renfrew Counties. This position is a hybrid position with two days a week expected onsite.
Tasks and Responsibilities:
United Way East Ontario has an agency-style Marketing and Communications Shop that offers an amazing summer development experience for a young professional interested in using their skills to make local impact. We are currently working in a hybrid office setting using a variety of virtual engagement and digital project management tools.
The Public Policy and Programs Officer will:
- Support social research tasks on various important emerging issues (e.g., children and youth, seniors, newcomers, social issues such as mental health, addictions, social mobility, gender-based violence, housing and homelessness etc.).
- Collect, analyze, and organize data using different methods, which will be presented in reports or oral presentations.
- Monitor key legislative policy developments, debates, and consultations, and prepare briefing documents.
- Monitor key policy influencers and stakeholders across the region.
- Prepare reports and briefing notes on selected studies and articles.
- Attend and participate in key virtual and in-person community briefings, workshops, and networking events to advance organizational knowledge and networks.
Qualifications:
- Preferred post – secondary degree or diploma in /Public Policy/Public Administration, Political Science, Social Services/Sciences/Public Affairs/Communication or related areas.
- 2+ years of experience in Policy Analysis, Social Justice, Public Ethics, Social Finance, Economics, and demonstrated talent in Research and Analysis is considered an asset (this includes student experience).
- Some Customer Service or Office Experience is beneficial.
Skills:
- Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong judgment, discretion, and critical thinking skills.
- Ability to translate complex information into easy-to-understand reports or briefs.
- Excellent project and time management skills.
- Experience with editing, proofreading, and fact-checking.
- Proactive research practices to stay up to date on relevant issues.
- Strong listening skills and the ability to work independently.
- Experience with Microsoft Office software.
- Criminal and Credit Checks are required
This position provides a great opportunity for young professionals interested in gaining experience in public policy, research, and community programs while making a local impact.
Interested and qualified candidates are invited to submit a detailed cover letter and a resume indicating their interest in the role in confidence by May 3rd , 2026. Please quote the competition number when submitting your resume. One writing sample welcomed. This could include a briefing note, memo, blog posts, op-eds/opinion pieces or articles and others.
United Way East Ontario does not use artificial intelligence to screen, assess, or select applicants for the position.
United Way East Ontario encourages qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds, including those who may need accommodation, to apply to join our staff team. Please advise if you require accommodation throughout the recruitment process.
We thank all applicants for their interest but only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.
