Internship Program

The NATO Association of Canada engages Canada’s citizenry in global security by providing a forum for Canadians to learn about and discuss our country’s contribution to international affairs, peace, and security. The NATO Association’s Volunteer Internship Program offers a unique opportunity for young Canadians to cultivate new skills and develop professional competency in a variety of areas within and outside of international relations. Interns may join us at the NATO Association’s office in Toronto or remotely. The goal of the four-month Volunteer Internship Program is to help students and recent graduates transition from post-secondary education to a rewarding career in fields such as defence, security, international affairs, and business.

About the Internship Program

The Internship Program offers unique and challenging opportunities for motivated individuals wishing to display their knowledge of NATO, international affairs, and Canadian defence, as well as marketing, social media, and event and project management. We provide interns with a space to hone current skills and cultivate new ones.

There are three Internship Sessions per year: January to the end of April (Winter Session); May to the end of August (Summer Session); and September to the end of December (Fall Session). The internship lasts for a duration of four months on a part-time basis and is an unpaid position.

General Qualifications

We look for motivated and knowledgeable individuals with a proven track record in project management and meeting deadlines. The intern should be capable of contributing to a diverse team and fulfilling the assigned responsibilities.

Benefits of the Internship

By interning at the NATO Association, you stand to gain:

• Valuable project management experience and professional skills;
• Access to high-profile events during your session at the NAOC;
• Publication opportunities on the NATO Association’s website and in other media;
• Networking opportunities with members of the government, foreign service, and industry — both domestic and international;
• A meeting with the President of NATO Association to discuss your future after the internship;
• A reference letter from the Robert Baines, President and CEO of the NATO Association of Canada.

The Internship Program is designed to foster important skills in young people as they transition from the academic to the professional world. More information about what you stand to learn as an NATO Association Intern can be found here.

The Internship Program is centered on project management and allows interns to take ownership of their output. These projects are taken on voluntarily or created by interns themselves, allowing interns to develop their professional aptitudes through a hands-on approach to project management. The overall emphasis is on each intern’s professional development and project management skills.

How to Apply

Application Deadline for the 2026 Summer Session: Monday, March 2, 2026, at Midnight (EST)

Applications for the Volunteer Internship Program are accepted year-round, with the deadlines to apply for each term landing in February, June, and October, respectively.

View available roles and submit your application for the internship by completing the Application form.

Junior Research Fellowships

Junior Research Fellowship Description:
The NATO Association of Canada engages Canada’s citizenry in global security by providing a forum for Canadians to learn about and discuss our country’s contribution to international affairs, peace, and security. 

The Volunteer Junior Research Fellowship is a remote part-time volunteer research and writing position, and involves writing one article each month over a 4-month period on a designated topic of interest. It is ideal for those with an aptitude for research who wish to publish articles on subjects of interest. Junior Research Fellows complete a probation period in the first month of their internship, during which they must publish at least one article to continue their internship term.

Minimum candidate qualifications:

• Be enrolled in at least their second year, or have completed a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor’s degree or equivalent) OR be enrolled in, or have completed a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher). 
• As the NATO Association of Canada engages with matters of domestic and international developments tied to Canada, interns should have a clear connection to Canada (citizenship, residency, study/work history, or sustained involvement with Canadian institutions/communities).

View available programs and submit your application for the Junior Research Fellowship by completing this Application Form.