Internship – Northern Participants and Programs

Onsite Full-Time Contract Position – May-August 

Northern Youth Abroad (NYA) is a small, charitable organization that serves youth living in Nunavut and the Northwest Territories (https://nya.ca/about-us/). We offer experiential education programs that aim to foster cross-cultural awareness, individual career goals, and global citizenship in Northern youth. Created in 1998, NYA has more than 600 program alumni from across Nunavut and the NWT, 98% of whom are Inuit, First Nation, or Métis.   

We are currently accepting applications for staff to join our team and learn many functions of working at NYA – including office work at the NYA Office in Ottawa, and on-site support for young Nunavummiut attending summer camp at YMCA Camp Wanakita. 

Priority will be given to Inuk applicants from Nunavut who would be a great fit for a post-secondary student.   

Working at NYA

  • The most important aspect of every job at NYA is supporting the success of our Participants and Alumni. This means that our approach, hours, and philosophies support their needs, their potential, and their excellence. 
  • Our work and approach are directed by our guiding principles (https://nya.ca/about-us/who-we-are/). 
  • We are a northern-serving and northern-focused organization. Every staff member must be knowledgeable and connected to the people and places we serve. Through diversity, openness, and collaboration, NYA provides a unique opportunity to learn, share, and grow while reflecting the culture and lifestyle of the Canadian North. 
  • NYA’s environment is a balance of fun, flexibility, and friendliness; passionate and energetic; and committed. This means it is a good fit for people who like versatility, a fast pace, and working together to take on big challenges. 
  • We consider ourselves a training organization and offer lots of opportunities to be involved in program creation, learning new areas, and contributing ideas and input, even for short-term staff. 

Job Details

  • This is an opportunity for someone, especially a student, to learn different aspects of what it is like to work at NYA. It will be a dynamic role, with the chance to learn a lot of new skills, take on new challenges, and do meaningful work. 
  • This role will include working on-site at summer camp Wanakita for two weeks in July, as well as other on-site opportunities. 
  • You will work with other program staff to coordinate and facilitate NYA’s summer programming and its participants. This will involve being a part of many parts of the organization, working with all team members, and balancing individual work with collaboration. 
  • Assist with the coordination of participant work placements, including recruiting partner organizations, providing orientation before placement, support during placement, and assisting in the evaluation post-placement. 
  • Assist in the preparation of the NYA Orientation and Reorientation events and attend. 
  • Support and arrange logistics relating to travel, event coordination, and program placements. 
  • Assist in participant, host family, and work placement support. 
  • Work independently while the Executive Director and/or senior staff are away from the office. 
  • Assist with program administration, promotion, and publicity. 

Additionally, during the on-site camp placement, you will: 

  • Mentor and supervise 16 Nunavummiut youth (ages 14) in a safe, inclusive environment. 
  • Participate in and oversee camp activities like swimming, canoeing, and team-building. 
  • Support youth mental health and positive behavior development. 
  • Foster leadership, resilience, and personal growth. 
  • Collaborate with staff to create a fun, engaging camp experience. 

What We’d Like You to Bring

  • Enthusiasm for learning, goal-setting, and hands-on experience.  
  • Experience mentoring youth, working with volunteers, or in non-profits (an asset).  
  • Strong teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving skills.  
  • Comfort chaperoning youth and enforcing program policies.  
  • On the land knowledge and outdoor skills (camping, canoeing, etc.) are an asset.  
  • Comfort living in a camp environment. At Camp Wanakita, staff will have staff accommodations but need to be comfortable outdoors and in a rustic setting for the project duration (bugs, no air conditioning, outdoors most of the day, etc).   

More information

  • The majority of this position will be based out of the NYA Office in Ottawa. 
  • For two weeks at Camp Wanakita and during other on-site programming: all travel, accommodation, food, and related incidentals are covered during all aspects of placement. This position requires mentors to live onsite for the duration of the camp and take part in activities throughout the placement. 
  • Priority for this position will be given to those from Nunavut however, it is not a requirement to be currently living in the North. 

Apply Now

Apply by March 3rd, 2025

Please apply using the online form below. Only those invited for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls, please.

Apply Now