Internship opportunity – Coordination Assistant – IHRTP

Be a part of positive social change

Imagine working for an organization whose primary mission is to advance equality, social justice and respect for human dignity. Imagine that your work aligns with your personal values and that you participate every day in creating positive social change through transformative human rights education programs. Alongside 55 like-minded colleagues in Canada and partners around the world, you could help empower people to address inequality and discrimination, and work to build more inclusive and rights-respecting communities with Equitas. 

The Opportunity

Each year in June, Equitas organizes its three-week, intensive International Human Rights Training Program (IHRTP) at John Abbott College in Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, where approximately 90 human rights workers from around 50 countries come to gain knowledge, skills and strategies related to human rights education.  

Equitas offers a number of internships as Coordination Assistants for the IHRTP. The position entails a combination of logistical and administrative support. We are currently searching for an intern to support the planning of the IHRTP in the months leading up to the program as well as during the program held in June. 

Tasks and Responsibilities

The intern’s responsibilities include a variety of tasks related to planning for and/or running a major international event in an intercultural context. The intern will be involved in the following activities:    

Before the IHRTP:  

• Communicating with program participants to respond to their queries, follow-up for information and coordinate requests; 
• Managing participant information in Equitas’ database (Salesforce); 
• Supporting the process for obtaining participant visas; 
• Supporting the communication process with the travel agency to coordinate participants’ requests and statuses; 
• Preparing documentation for the program; 
• Researching various suppliers for the program;  
• Supporting inventory management. 

During the IHRTP: 

• Supporting program events and organizing social events;   
• Planning the arrivals and departures of international participants;   
• Coordinating on-site accommodations;   
• Preparing the participants’ directory, program handbook and welcome kits;   
• Coordinating logistical support at John Abbott College during the Program; 
• Running the on-site Equitas office;   
• Coordinating participants’ insurance;  
• Looking for sponsors and purchasing goods;   
• Running the participants’ lounge and computer lab;   
• Generally supporting participants and facilitators during their stay at John Abbott College. 

What we offer

• We offer the chance to be a part of and make up a diverse and engaged team that are all meaningfully contributing to positive social change in Canada and around the world in their own way; 
• We value self-care, inclusion, and empathy towards all team members and place a strong emphasis on work-life balance; 
• We have a centrally located office with a magnificent view of Mont Royal.  The intern will work primarily at Equitas’ office in Montreal and at John Abbot College in Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue; 
• We believe in trust and openness and offer a flexible work environment; 
• We believe in creating space for everyone to lead and offer opportunities within our governance structure to allow for individuals in all roles to take on opportunities for leadership. 

About you

You are passionate about human rights and social justice. You are motivated by and strongly committed to Equitas’ mission, vision and values. You are motivated to foster an inclusive work environment that reflects the diversity of the Equitas community. You have logistical experience and/or experience coordinating events, you like working in a team environment and you are looking for a stimulating internship. 

What is essential for the role?

• Eligibility to work in Canada; 
• Very organized and strong sense of initiative; 
• Excellent communication skills;   
• Autonomous;   
• Attention to detail;   
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and work with strict deadlines in a fast-paced environment; 
• Familiarity with technology and Excel; 
• Ability to communicate orally, read and write in French and English (it’s OK if one language is stronger than the other); 
• Ability to work in a team and in a cross-cultural environment; 
• Strong interest in issues related to human rights in Canada and around the world; 
• Availability to work long hours, including on week-ends and evenings when necessary. 

What is an asset?

• A valid driver’s license. Please indicate if so in your cover letter; 
• Prior experience in communications could also be an asset, but is not a requirement. Please indicate in your cover letter; 
• Good knowledge of Montreal and surroundings; 
• Be enrolled in a post-secondary program on a full-time basis and planning on returning to their studies full-time in the fall 2023. Please indicate if so in your cover letter. 

How to Apply

Please send by email and in one PDF document your cover letter and resume to: 

Caroline Iliescu 

IHRTP Program Officer 

E-mail to pifdh-ihrtp@equitas.org 

We encourage applicants to submit as early as possible, as applications are reviewed upon receipt.