Special Assistant

Job ID:

Classification: SPA: $55,105 – $71,637

Job Type: Determinate Appointment (part-time)

Location: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Closing Date: Wednesday, December 31, 2025

About the Senate

The Senate plays a unique role in shaping our country's democracy. As members of the upper house of Parliament, senators examine legislation, study public policy, champion causes and conduct interparliamentary diplomacy.

As a workplace, the Senate is composed of dynamic people representing our nation's diverse talents, backgrounds, and perspectives. We are committed to building and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone is provided full and equal opportunity and access to employment, development, and advancement. Build and advance your career by joining a team of dedicated professionals who are committed to excellence in support of senators and the institution.

How will you contribute?

Join Senator Mary Coyle's team and support her leadership on climate solutions. Senator Coyle's work in the Senate focuses on advancing thoughtful, evidence-based approaches to climate policy, social and economic development, and inclusive prosperity for Canadians. As part of this work, she serves as a Co-Chair of Senators for Climate Solutions, a collaborative group committed to strengthening senators' understanding of climate issues to inform their legislative responsibilities.

This part-time Special Assistant position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to Senator Coyle's climate-focused initiatives, including her work within Senators for Climate Solutions. The successful candidate will play a central role in coordinating research, communications, stakeholder engagement, event management and programming that supports the Senator's climate leadership.

You will report directly to Senator Coyle's office and collaborate closely with her team. Key responsibilities include:

• Planning and organizing virtual and in-person meetings related to Senator Coyle's climate work, including discussions, strategic planning sessions, and expert panels featuring academics, policymakers, civil society, scientists, and industry leaders;
• Preparing briefing notes, summaries, and communication materials through a climate lens, analyzing government announcements, budgets, legislation, and international climate developments relevant to the Senator's initiatives;
• Supporting communication efforts, including drafting content, producing digital media materials, and helping develop strategies to raise awareness about climate-related work;
• Monitoring national and international news, research, and policy developments related to climate and environmental issues;
• Engaging with stakeholders from government, civil society, academia, industry, and youth organizations, helping to maintain and grow strategic relationships;
• Collaborating with parliamentarians and groups interested in climate policy, including domestic and international partners, as relevant to the Senator's priorities;
• Supporting the coordination and follow-up of shared climate-related initiatives, such as youth engagement efforts and climate assembly recommendations.

Open to

The general public to staff one (1) determinate part-time position – 20 hours/week (one-year contract with possibility of extension) in the Office of the Honourable Senator Mary Coyle.

The Senate of Canada is committed to building a skilled and diverse workforce that reflects the Canadians we serve, starting with an inclusive and barrier-free hiring process. You can request to be accommodated during any phase of the evaluation process. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential. We promote employment equity and encourage you to indicate if you belong to one of the designated groups when you apply.

Prerequisites

• Post-secondary education in political science, public policy, communications, environmental studies, journalism, or a related field, or a combination of education, training, and relevant experience;
• Proven experience providing administrative, communications, or policy support in a professional environment, including drafting briefing materials, preparing correspondence, communications products, coordinating meetings or events, and managing logistics;
• Experience supporting outreach, stakeholder engagement, or work with community, academic, governmental, and climate-focused organizations;
• Experience researching legislation, academic materials, government announcements, and civil-society reports;
• Experience drafting and producing social media content and engaging with conventional media;
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and anticipate needs in a fast-paced parliamentary environment;
• Demonstrated discretion, professionalism, and judgment when handling sensitive or confidential information;
• A strong interest in public policy, climate change, environmental issues, and parliamentary work; knowledge of the Senate and the legislative process is considered an asset;
• English essential, with excellent written and verbal communication skills. Bilingualism is considered an asset.

Competencies

Integrity

Respect

Service

Action Management

Adaptability

Communication

Dependability

Judgment

Teamwork and Cooperation

Organizational Needs

The Senate of Canada is committed to building and maintaining an inclusive workplace where all employees are provided full and equal access to employment, development, and advancement opportunities.

Conditions of Employment

Candidates must consent to supply personal information and obtain a security accreditation to be eligible for appointment.

How to apply

Please save a copy of the notice of job opportunity. Once the closing date has passed, these documents will no longer be available.

Relocation and travel expenses incurred during this process are the applicant's responsibility.

Communication for this process will be sent via email. It is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure accurate contact information is provided and updated as required. You must consent to receiving e-mails from our system in your online profile.

The Senate of Canada reserves the right to retain a determined number of candidates who best meet the essential requirements of the position.

The Senate of Canada is a separate and distinct employer from the federal public service and is not subject to the Public Service Employment Act.

We thank all those who apply to this selection process.

The posting closes at 11:59 p.m. EDT on the closing date stated above.