Summer Student - Regional CDO (Designated)

Designation Status

Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the citizens we serve.  Under the Government of Nova Scotia’s Employment Equity Policy, and due to the nature of this project, this is a designated position. 

This position is restricted to individuals who identify as African Nova Scotian (Black) with genealogical/ancestral connections to a historical African Nova Scotian/Black community; and/or African Nova Scotian (Black) who is a Canadian citizen, whose parent(s)/guardian(s) is(are) of Black African descent; and/or Afro-Caribbean.

About Us

African Nova Scotian Affairs (ANSA) works with government, communities and partners to help provide services and programs for the African Nova Scotian community. We work within the community to keep African Nova Scotians informed and to encourage involvement. We also support activities that bring African Nova Scotians and people of African descent together to network, share ideas and identify opportunities for development and growth.

About Our Opportunity

The Regional Community Development Officer (Summer Internship) is a unique opportunity for a student to gain hands-on experience in community development and public service within the provincial government. Reporting to the Regional Program Administrative Officer (PAO) for the Southwestern/Annapolis Valley Region, the intern will support the development and implementation of programs and initiatives aimed at strengthening and empowering African Nova Scotian and people of African descent. This position offers valuable exposure to government operations and provides an opportunity to contribute to meaningful, inclusive community development efforts.

African Nova Scotian Communities in the region: Jordantown, Acaciaville, Conway, Digby, Danvers Weymouth Falls, Southville, Hasset Lequille, Granville Ferry, Inglewood (Bridgetown) Middleton.

Primary Accountabilities

Responsibilities include:

• Support outreach and engagement efforts by connecting with community leaders, organizations, and residents
• Help organize and coordinate regional community events, meetings, and workshops.
• Assist in the research and development of existing and future community development programs,
• Provide administrative support for ongoing community development projects and initiatives
• Attend training sessions and shadow government staff and volunteers/staff of community organization to gain deeper insight into government operations and community development practices.
• Additional tasks as requested by the Regional Program Administrative Officer (PAO)

Main Projects:

• JACBA Centre of Excellence: with the Regional PAO the Regional CDO will assist with outreach efforts to local African Nova Scotian/Black communities and help organize events that promote the Centre's resources and services.
• Emancipation Day: the Regional CDO will assist in organizing events and activities for Emancipation Day, which includes supporting outreach efforts, coordinating with local organizations and government staff
• Community Summer Events: in collaboration with community groups and other partners, the Regional CDO will assist in the planning and coordinating community summer events aimed at fostering engagement and celebrating local African NS culture and heritage
  

Careers Related to this Work:

The student will gain transferable skills such as effective communication, event planning, research and analysis, community engagement, and problem-solving, all of which are essential in a variety of careers:

• Social Worker
• Nonprofit program coordinator/manager
• Community Outreach Coordinator
• Project Manager
• Public/Community Relations Specialist
• Program Officer/Coordinator/Manager
  
  

These skills will also provide a strong foundation for future roles in public service, social justice, and community-oriented fields.

Qualifications and Experience

These opportunities are open to full-time students, including those who are graduating from Grade 12 this year, those attending community and professional colleges, and university students, who are currently enrolled and returning to school in Fall 2025 or the next applicable semester.

Additional Information

This is a summer student position with an anticipated end date of August 30, 2025

What We Offer

•        Career development where you have access to career guidance, tools, resources, and ongoing training for every stage of your career
•         Engaging workplace: our employees feel valued, respected, connected, and tuned in, we have forward-thinking policies and strategies
•         Countless career paths