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Canadian Public Health Association

Practicum Placement Opportunity

Developing Policy Materials

You’re reading this posting, so you clearly have an interest in public health, but are you: 

  • Energized by developing ideas based on the best available information?
  • Excited by working on a variety of issues ranging from cannabis to basic income?
  • Comfortable working in an open, collaborative, team-based environment?

If you can answer yes, we might have a spot for you. CPHA is looking for a great student to fill an unpaid practicum position with its policy team.  

Candidates should be enrolled in a Masters of Public Health (MPH) or equivalent degree program in Canada. We will also consider fourth year students in a health science program that requires a practicum placement.

You’ll help CPHA develop its policy-related positions and documents through a combination of independent and group-based activities that could include: 

  • Conducting literature reviews and analysis of public health topics of interest to the Association;
  • Preparing draft versions of position papers, briefing notes and other related materials;
  • Preparing blog postings for our revamped web site and articles for the CPHA Health Digest; and 
  • Supporting the logistics and organizational needs of CPHA’s policy-related activities. 

To accomplish this work, you’ll use and develop the following skills: literature searching; quantitative and qualitative data analysis; science and policy integration; and communications including writing for a general audience, social media and webpage content. Oral and written fluency in both of Canada’s Official Languages is a highly-valued asset.

Learning Outcomes for you include: 

  • Experience working with a national, non-governmental, not-for-profit association;
  • Knowledge of and contribution to the advancement of CPHA’s vision and mission;
  • Experience in implementing partnership, collaboration and advocacy strategies;
  • Experience working on public health issues/initiatives with a variety of stakeholders;
  • Experience in the preparation of briefings/reports in support of policy development and advocacy; and
  • Knowledge of public health issues, social determinants of health and health promotion approaches.

Compensation

This position is an unpaid practicum placement. CPHA will provide office accommodation and equipment; mentoring; and a dynamic and friendly working environment.  Our preference is for the student to work at CPHA’s office in Ottawa. Please note that students from outside the Ottawa/Outouais region will be responsible for their travel/relocation and accommodation expenses.

Period of Work

This practicum placement is available between May and September 2018, dependent upon program requirements and student availability. Incumbents may work full-time (7.25 hours/day; five days a week), however, there is flexibility to work part-time provided the minimum requirements for their practicum placement are met.

Please send your CV, a cover letter, and a letter of support from your academic supervisor to the CPHA Office Manager at manager@cpha.ca by Tuesday 20 February 2018. Please note that all applications will be reviewed, but only those candidates selected for an interview will be notified.

CPHA is committed to providing accommodations for people with a disability in all aspects of the recruitment and selection process in accordance with Accessibility for Ontarians with a Disabilities Act (AODA 2005). As required, please inform the Office Manager of the nature of any accommodation(s) that you may require to ensure your equal participation.