Internships

Internship FAQs

• Who can apply to an internship?
• What kinds of internships does Oxfam Canada recruit for?
• When can I apply?
• Where can I complete my internship?
• Why intern?
• How do I apply?

Who? Internships have no particular age, geographic or educational requirement

Oxfam Canada is looking for highly motivated people of all ages who are passionate about tackling the root causes of poverty.

Interns are usually Canadian residents, but students from other countries may apply. Oxfam Canada is unable to arrange visas, travel, housing or other logistics for international applicants.

Each internship posting lists the particular experiential and educational requirements. Fluency in spoken and written English is essential.

What? Oxfam Canada has internship opportunities across the organization

Oxfam recruits for interns for our Organizational Services, Fund Development, Policy & Outreach, International Programming and Program Development departments.

Internships are voluntary (unpaid), although Oxfam will cover costs for expenses directly associated with the intern position activities, such as any required travel.

When? Oxfam Canada recruits three times a year

Oxfam Canada typically recruits interns for the following periods:

• January - May
• June - August
• September - December

We usually post positions at least one month beforehand. If there are currently no internship opportunities posted, consider joining Oxfam Canada as a member. It’s free, and you will receive timely notices about volunteer openings.

Placements typically require a commitment of 21hrs/week, for four months.

Where? Each of Oxfam’s Canadian offices host internships

Oxfam Canada has offices across the country in Vancouver, Saskatoon, Toronto, Ottawa, Halifax and St. John’s.

Oxfam Canada does not offer overseas internships. View a list of organization that do.

In some cases, interns may complete part or all of their work in a 'virtual' placement, at home or at school. Such agreements can be negotiated on a case-by-case basis with the hiring supervisor.

Why? What’s in it for me?

• An orientation and ongoing support from a specific staff person
• Insight into the inner workings of an international NGO
• Practical experience for your résumé
• Opportunities to network with many experienced staff members
• A reference upon successful completion of a placement

Although it is not uncommon for former interns find paid employment within Oxfam, we cannot guarantee jobs to interns or other volunteers. View Oxfam Canada’s current employment opportunities.

How? Send an application to internships@oxfam.ca

Interns are formally recruited. To apply for a specific posting, email your cover letter and résumé, quoting the competition number, to internships@oxfam.ca.

General applications are kept for a period of six months; however, applying to specific internship postings allows us to better assess your candidacy.

Please be sure to provide the following details in your application:

• The location(s) that interest you (St. John's, Halifax, Ottawa, Toronto, Saskatoon and/or Vancouver)

• Highlights of your skills, experience and educational background as they relate to the requirements of the internship

• The educational institution you are a student with, if any, and its requirements for the placement (number of hours or schedule to be worked, deadline to confirm a placement, internship deliverables, reporting requirements, etc.)

• Availability (start date, hours, schedule, time period)

Applicants who are not selected for an internship are often considered elsewhere in the organization.

 - Back to top