Internships

Note from the editor: this section provides historical information and does not accurately reflect the situation since the Rideau Institute staff moved to home offices in March of 202o. It will be further updated regarding the 2024 summer term once we are able to better assess our needs and our capacity to effectively oversee one or more summer interns.

The Rideau Institute provides opportunities for students and recent graduates who want to gain hands-on experience in a non-governmental organization with a focus on foreign and defence policy. Our mission is to help revitalize Canada’s peacekeeping, diplomatic peacemaking and peacebuilding roles in the world, through creative, innovative and inclusive multilateralism, strengthening the UN capacity for conflict prevention1 and peaceful conflict resolution and the progressive enhancement of international law.We advocate for made-in-Canada policies that recognize the interdependence of the global community, and the equal right of all peoples to peace, security and justice.

The Rideau Institute often has unpaid positions for volunteers and interns from accredited institutions. Each academic term and in the summer months, we typically have one full-time “anchor” intern (four or five days per week) who is receiving course credit for the internship. In addition, we might also have two or three interns working at least two days per week. Volunteers typically contribute on an “as required” basis or may dedicate one day per week to specific administrative and donor-related activities.

The Institute blends research and analysis with media and Internet communications techniques as it advances its policy agenda for Canada. Officially, the Rideau Institute is a non-partisan, independent policy-relevant research and advocacy think-tank in Ottawa. Unofficially, it is known as one of the most active and influential progressive policy-focused foreign policy organizations in town.

Typically, the Institute will be busy with its extremely active social engagement program of social media posts and website blogs. Another key activity is preparing the regular direct mail and email campaigns to engage its 20,000 supporters. In addition, the President will be launching reports commissioned by the Rideau Institute, speaking at, and participating in, conferences and roundtables, engaging with the media through articles and interviews, testifying before Parliamentary Committees, interacting with Members of Parliament, policy makers and officials, and working with other likeminded non-government organizations to advance our progressive policy agenda.

Peggy Mason, the Institute’s president, describes the experience like this: “We are a small, tightly knit organization, and while it can a bit hectic at times – it is an exciting workplace where everyone helps out when needed. We want our interns and volunteers to be ready to “pitch in wherever needed” as we work help give Canada a stronger, fairer, more inclusive voice on the world stage.

To inquire about volunteer or internship opportunities, send a letter of
inquiry and résumé to:
operations@rideauinstitute.ca
or call 613 565-9449.

Past Rideau Institute Progressive Public Policy Interns (2022 )

Alexander Rizkallah

I am a third-year student at the Université de Montréal in their Security and Police Studies program. My experience with public and foreign policy spans over 6 years with my involvements in Model United Nations conferences and mock parliament. With the Rideau Institute, my primary research will focus on potential policy applications for Canada with regards to the use of artificial intelligence in kinetic warfare. I will also be closely monitoring and analysing Parliamentary sessions to stay up to date on the progress of foreign, public and defence issues of importance to the Rideau Institute.

Past Rideau Institute Progressive Public Policy Interns (2019-2020)

Tehreem Fatima

I am stepping into my fourth year at the University of Toronto, specializing in Political Science and majoring in Philosophy. As an experienced grassroots organizer, I have supported and led human rights campaigns covering a plethora of topics, including the “migrant crisis”, access to education, environmental justice, and feminist peacebuilding. I have a keen interest in conflict prevention and resolution – with the Rideau Institute, I will focus on discourse surrounding rethinking security and identifying developing pathways towards a global security approach that is capable of meeting the challenges of today.

Rosalind Ward

I am a fourth year student at Carleton University in the honours bachelor of Global and International Studies with a Specialisation in Global Politics and a minor in European and Russian Studies. I have experience with Canadian policy research, including a report on COVID-19’s disproportionate effects on temporary migrant workers. With the Rideau Institute, I will be focusing on the House of Commons and Standing Committees, tracking various issues such as China’s treatment of the Uighur minority and the Canadian arms exports to Saudi Arabia and Turkey.

Najila Mohamed

I am a third-year student specializing in Global Politics at Carleton University, interested in security, human rights, and international development. My recent involvements include serving as a volunteer for the Somali Education Fund, a research assistant with the Canadian Arab Institute, and senior editor at Kroger Policy Review.

Murad Ali

I am a third-year student at Carleton University studying Public Affairs and Policy Management with a concentration in International Security and Intelligence Policy. I have prior experience in policy in my position with an Ottawa City Councillor in addition to substantial analysis relating to Canadian foreign and security affairs. With the Rideau Institute, my project focus is to help develop and prepare a conference on Arctic Security to be co-hosted by the Canadian Pugwash Group and Trent University.

Anjana Balachandran

I am a second-year student at the University of Ottawa in the honours bachelor of Political Science and Juris Doctor program. I have worked on several community projects including member of Senator Mcphedran’s youth advisory, the Canadian Council of Young Feminists. With the Rideau Institute, my research focus is disarmament and gun violence in Canada with a view of possible policy implications.

Inaara Savani

I am a third-year student at Western University doing an Honours Specialization in International Relations with an interest in African conflict and security. With Rideau Institute, my focus is to provide perspectives from selected countries in Africa on Canada’s foreign policy efforts in the areas of gender, peace, and security. As the co-managing director of a youth non-profit based in Kenya and Uganda, Stand Up Shout Out World, I have gained experience in non-profit management, and running independent campaigns related to social, economic, and sustainable development in East Africa. I am currently working with software such as R and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) that can be applied to Canadian foreign policy analysis and satellite surveillance.