High Commission of Canada in the United Kingdom | Haut–commissariat du Canada au Royaume–Uni
Program Assistant

How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
SUMMARY OF DUTIES
This competition is to be used to staff LEA2 positions (Program Assistant or Administrative Assistant) that may arise within the next 12 months in various sections of the High Commission and can be used for positions of varying tenure that may become available (indeterminate, term, and emergency) throughout the High Commission.
Duties may include but are not limited to:
- logistics and protocol related to official and VIP visits
- preparing reports, programmes, and other correspondence
- conducting research and analysis
- arranging and supporting events
- managing databases
- performing financial related functions
- managing shared email inboxes
- supporting immigration related functions
- processing passport/citizenship applications
- assisting with emergency consular support services
- coordinating meetings, travel, and hospitality
- supporting recruitment related functions
- completing data entry
- maintaining relevant client management systems
- monitoring social media
- supporting procurement related functions
- other miscellaneous tasks
For a detailed range of duties and sections who may use this pool to staff positions, please see Annex A (below)
AREA OF SELECTION
This selection process is open to all candidates who:
- currently resident in the United Kingdom and who hold the right to work in the United Kingdom without restriction, who meet all of the essential requirements stated below, and whose applications are received by the closing date.
- currently work for Global Affairs Canada (including as locally engaged staff at missions abroad), who have valid Government of Canada security clearance AND who hold the right to work in the United Kingdom without restriction, who meet all of the essential requirements stated below, and whose applications are received by the closing date.
Please note that candidates holding visas or other immigration documentation that cannot be renewed in the UK will only be considered for this position where their visa has at least 12 months’ validity remaining at the time an offer of employment is made.
Please note that the High Commission of Canada to the United Kingdom does not sponsor work authorizations directly or indirectly.
The Government of Canada is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from diverse sections of the community. Candidates will be considered based on merit. Our organization offers an inclusive workplace where respect, teamwork, and collaboration are part of our culture. Canada’s missions abroad are committed to promoting and supporting an environment free from harassment and discrimination, as well as encouraging and supporting employees to learn and develop their skills and competencies.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
See breakdownIt searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS
All essential qualifications will be assessed. Methods of assessments and screening of candidates may include but are not limited to: verification of credentials, resume and letters of presentation; interviews, exams and practical tests; presentations or other types of assessments. Candidates must clearly demonstrate when applying to the position how they meet each of these essential qualifications.
Education
Candidates will be required to provide proof of their education.
Language
The following languages and proficiency levels are required for this job. Candidates will be formally assessed or requested to provide proof of certification on these levels.
- An advanced proficiency level in English
Experience
In order to perform the duties relevant to this job, the following experience is required.
- Professional experience working in an Administrative support or Program support or business development environment or in a client service capacity.
Competencies
All competencies will be assessed. All competencies must be met prior to appointment.
- Ability to conduct research
- Thinking Things Through
- Organizational and Coordination
- Planning
- Focus on Quality and Detail
- Initiative and Action Oriented
- Effective communication
- Working with Others and Horizontal Leadership
- Client Orientation
- Professional Integrity
For more information on competencies: Competency Dictionary
ASSET QUALIFICATIONS
Preference may be given to candidates who meet the Asset Qualifications. Where applicable, candidates must clearly demonstrate how they meet any asset qualifications.
- An intermediate level in French
- Experience working on a High level Visit and/or event management or Trade Show
- Experience working with a financial system such as SAP/IMS
- University degree or degree level qualification
- Experience working for IRCC and/or experience using GCMS
- Passport Canada certification
- Knowledge of the Trade Commissioner service mandate within the UK
- Extensive knowledge of Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, SharePoint, Lists etc.) data base management or AI tools


Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
ORGANIZATIONAL NEEDS
This process will be used to create a pool of candidates for similar positions either full time or part time and indeterminate, term or temporary (emergency)
OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Operational requirements will be assessed on a meet/does not meet basis and can be used to determine right fit of a candidate for the position.
- Hours of Work: Normal hours of work for this position are in accordance with Locally-Engaged Staff regulations of 37.5 hours per week.
- Overtime: Willingness to work overtime on short notice, may be required on occasion. Depending on the position it may require duties to be performed outside normal working hours (i.e., evenings and weekends / in emergency situations)
- Travel: Depending on the position it may require extensive overtime and travel during High level visit
- Work Location: Depending on the operational requirements of the position, work from home and/or remote working may not be possible
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
Conditions of employment must be met or complied with before being appointed to a particular position. They are to be maintained throughout the employment period.
- Valid work authorization: Ability to obtain and hold a valid work authorization covering the entire employment period.
- Security screening: Obtain and maintain a Reliability Status (security level) which includes a criminal and credit background check from the Government of Canada covering the entire employment period.
Other conditions of employment: All offers of employment are subject to receipt of satisfactory employment references and character references.
Additional Comments:
Applications from Canadian citizens - it is important to note, The High Commission of Canada is obliged, as the employer, to deduct at source Canadian Income Tax (IT), Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and Employment Insurance (EI) for locally engaged employees who are Canadian citizens. Canadian citizens who therefore choose to undertake employment with the High Commission will be subject to pay Canadian taxes on their salaries earnt until such time as the employee provides the necessary Residency Determination Waivers from the Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA). Further information will be provided to successful candidates.
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Location