We are seeking a highly motivated and versatile Summer Student / Program Assistant to join our team for a 5-month term (April - August) to support Council Protocol and External Relations primarily with the UNESCO Edmonton Learning City program. This program focuses on establishing Edmonton as a global leader in promoting lifelong learning, driving social inclusion, and fostering sustainable development based on Edmonton’s Community Learning Action Plan. 

The successful candidate will play an integral role in achieving strategic objectives including: Defining and Amplifying Edmonton’s Learning City Story and Engaging with new and existing Learning Partners, and Refining Edmonton’s Learning City International Profile. 

In addition to the Learning City program, the summer student will support the Council Protocol and External Relations team with other various tasks, projects and events. This role offers hands-on experience in research, program development, council protocol, external relations, international relations and event logistics in a municipal context. 

What will you do?

The Summer Student will primarily focus on supporting the successful execution of the UNESCO Edmonton Learning City Program which includes but is not limited to:

• Research and Jurisdictional Scans: Conducting in-depth research and analysis to support the identification of 1-2 strategic focus areas (such as Inclusive and Safe Communities or Sustainable and Resilient Communities). This includes performing jurisdictional scans on best practices related to the selected focus areas
• Amplify Edmonton’s Learning City Story: Supporting programs and initiatives that effectively tell Edmonton’s Learning City story and highlight its successes
• Event Planning and Logistics: Providing logistical and administrative support for key 2026 events, including the study tour during the Federation of Municipalities Conference and preparatory work for the Edmonton Celebration of Learning Month in October
• International Relations Support: Assisting with briefs and research for UNESCO (or UNESCO related) requests, contributing to the goal of Refining the International Profile
• Documentation and Reporting: Organizing project documentation, developing summary reports on research findings, and tracking progress against key milestones in the execution plan

The successful candidate will also support the Council Protocol and External Relations Team with various tasks, projects and events that include but are not limited to:

• Supporting the reputation of the City, Mayor, and Council in official functions, meetings, celebrations and commemorations
• Providing analysis and support on impactful relationships needed to achieve City Priorities
• Develops a variety of materials such as briefs, reports, presentations, charts, and graphs to present information and guide understanding and decision making
• Supports meetings and events through documentation preparation (agendas, meeting materials, correspondence, etc.), working with contractors and vendors, and assisting with day-of event tasks

• Applicants must currently be, or have been, enrolled in a program at an accredited post-secondary institution, preferably in Public Administration, Social Sciences, Business, Public Relations, Communications, Political Science or a related field

Assets:

• Familiarity with research and writing for briefs and presentations
• Event planning and project management experience
• A keen interest in city-building, lifelong learning, or international cooperation (e.g., UNESCO)

Skills required for success:

• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to draft clear and professional documents
• Proven ability to conduct effective online research and synthesize complex information into digestible summaries
• Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously
• Proficiency with Google Suite tools (Google docs, sheets, slides, etc.)
• Alignment to our Cultural Commitments and Leadership Competencies (https://bit.ly/4brRrXm)
• Embracing a culture of equity, diversity, reconciliation, and inclusion

Conditions of Employment:

• The City welcomes applications from any students currently enrolled in a related post-secondary program. Applicants should apply online and include a cover letter, resume, updated official transcripts, and the names of two references
• Applicants may be tested

Work Environment:

• Note: This position ​may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement ​with ​the flexibility to work from both home and the worksite as per the Letter of Understanding between the City of Edmonton and Civic Service Union 52
• The weekly hours of work for this position are currently under review and may change at a future time. Any changes will be made in accordance with the City of Edmonton/Civic Service Union 52 collective agreement, and the incumbent will be notified in advance

The City of Edmonton values applicants with a diverse range of skills, experiences and competencies, and encourages you to apply. We strive to provide reasonable access and accommodations throughout the recruitment process. To request an accommodation, please contact [email protected]. Learn more about our benefits https://bit.ly/COEbenefits

Up to 1 temporary full-time position for up to 5 months

Hours of Work:  40 hours per week

Salary Range: $21.586 - $27.472 (Hourly)

Recruitment Consultant: SM / JR

Edmonton rests in the heart of Treaty Six territory in Alberta and the homelands of the Metis Nation.