As an International Affairs Clerk, you play a vital role in supporting Canada's diplomatic and international relations activities. You work in a fast-paced environment where communication, attention to detail, and organizational skills are essential. Whether based at National Defence Headquarters, a Canadian embassy, or an international organization, you contribute to Canada's global presence and international commitments.
Your day-to-day responsibilities include managing correspondence, coordinating meetings and events, maintaining records and databases, and supporting international agreements and negotiations. You prepare briefing materials, track administrative timelines, and ensure that international initiatives progress smoothly. You work closely with policy advisors, diplomats, and international partners, often handling sensitive information that requires discretion and professionalism.
This career offers exposure to global issues, diverse teams, and the opportunity to see how Canada engages on the world stage. You'll develop expertise in international protocols, develop strong communication skills, and build a network across government and international circles.
Key Responsibilities
Perform international affairs duties within the relationship management function, Prepare reports and documentation as required, Collaborate with team members and stakeholders, Maintain records and ensure compliance with relevant policies
Post-secondary education or equivalent experience relevant to the position
Training
Typically, you'll need a high school diploma or equivalent to enter this career. Many successful candidates have completed college-level courses in business administration, public administration, or international studies. Government of Canada positions often value strong written and verbal communication skills in both English and French.
Once hired, you'll receive on-the-job training in government systems, security protocols, and the specific international files your team manages. Many employees pursue professional development through Government of Canada learning programs, including courses in international relations, project management, and language training. Bilingualism (English and French) is an asset and may be required for some positions, particularly in Ottawa or at headquarters locations.
Entry Plans
You can enter the International Affairs Clerk career through several pathways within the federal Public Service. The most common route is through open competitions advertised on the Government of Canada Jobs website (jobs.gc.ca), where you can apply for positions in the CR (Clerk) group. Some departments also recruit through inventory lists or internal appointment processes.
The Canadian Armed Forces and Department of National Defence periodically offer student summer employment and co-op programs for high school and post-secondary students interested in government careers. These programs provide valuable experience and can lead to permanent positions. Lateral moves from other clerical or administrative positions within the Public Service are also possible, particularly if you have relevant experience in international contexts, communications, or records management.
Depending on your qualifications, you may need to complete a reliability clearance and sometimes a secret-level security clearance, as these positions involve access to government information and international correspondence.
Part-Time Options
Part-time and flexible work arrangements are available in many International Affairs Clerk positions, though availability depends on operational needs and specific work locations. Positions based in Canada, particularly in Ottawa or regional offices, tend to offer more scheduling flexibility than roles at embassies or international organizations, where on-site presence may be required.
Remote work options have expanded within the Government of Canada since 2020. Many administrative and support functions can be performed from home, particularly for correspondence management, data entry, and preliminary research. However, some duties—such as in-person meetings with international visitors, handling classified materials, or attending coordination meetings—may require workplace attendance.
If you're interested in part-time or flexible arrangements, discuss options during the hiring process or with your manager once employed. Telework agreements and flexible hours are part of the Public Service and can often be negotiated based on departmental operations and team needs.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
