Position Title: Intern, Global Development & Research
Location: Remote - Virtual International Placement
Positions To Be Filled: 16
About CNIB
Founded in 1918, the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) Foundation is a non-profit organization driven to change what it is to be blind today. We deliver innovative programs and powerful advocacy that empower people impacted by blindness to live their dreams and tear down barriers to inclusion. Our work as a blind foundation is powered by a network of volunteers, donors, and partners from coast to coast to coast. We are also part of the global fight against poverty and illiteracy, and in support of human rights, for people who are blind in developing countries.
I. Scope and Summary of Primary Responsibilities
CNIB is providing international internships for Canadian citizens and permanent residents who identify as living with a disability (preference for visual based disability) aged 18-30. The internship will be full time, paid, and virtual. Internships will span 12 weeks comprising of two weeks of onboarding and training, nine weeks of remote placement with participating disability-serving organizations in the Global South, followed by one week of concluding activities (reflection and debriefing). Internships will work from home with a paid salary of $24.17/hr.
II. Essential Functions
- Support host organization through assigned daily responsibilities and duties
- Engage in disability-inclusive international development as assigned by preceptors
- Manage a project designated by the host organization. This may include research, business administration, information technology, human resources, marketing, communications, program creation and management, organization capacity building, funding and philanthropy, and more
- Engage in learning and mentorship activities
- Prepare plain language and accessible documents
- Attend project meetings with host organization members and preceptor, as required
- Attend regular meetings with the CNIB International Youth Internships team
- Develop and engage in knowledge translations activities
- Other related administrative duties as required
- Other duties as assigned
III. Qualifications
- All persons aged 18-30 years who identify as living with disability
- Canadian citizenship
- Willingness to engage in eight consecutive weeks of international placement
- Willingness to participate in disability-inclusive international development
- Openness to engage in learning and mentorship activities
- Excellent written and communication skills
- Knowledge of accessibility, inclusion, and disability
- Knowledge of the international disability rights movement
- Ability to work with multiple deadlines
- Ability to work independently and within a team environment
- Ability to use Office 365 suite (or equivalent) and communication technologies (Zoom/Teams)
Internship Dates
June 1, 2026 to August 21, 2026
Hours
A time commitment of 35 hours per week is expected during all aspects of the internship.
Renumeration
Remote internships are renumerated at $24.17/hr.
Application Process
Submit a resume and cover letter, which includes answers to the following four questions, by May 16 at 11:59 PM PST to michael.trolio@cnib.ca or through CNIB’s online application system.
Please ensure that all documents are submitted using Arial or Verdana font, minimum 12-point size, single spaced, and only as a word document (or equivalent). Please refrain from submitting PDFs. Documents in PDF form will not be assessed. Resumes should be no longer than 2 pages. Responses to the following questions being no longer than the provided word limits. Please also provide the contact information of two individuals you wish to act as a professional reference (to be provided in the cover letter). Please refrain from using friends or family members as your professional references.
- Why do you think you are an excellent candidate for this program? (150 words or less)
- What is your understanding of disability inclusive international development and advancement? (150 words or less)
- What is your experience with inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility? (200 words or less)
- What was your most meaningful extracurricular experience? What did you learn from it? (250 words or less)
Please note that surpassing the page, spacing, and font limits for accessibility reasons are encouraged. CNIB recognizes and supports each applicant’s diverse accessibility needs.
Should you have any questions, or would like to discuss any concerns, kindly email michael.trolio@cnib.ca.
CNIB is committed to accommodating applicants with disabilities and will work with applicants requesting accommodations at any stage of the hiring process.
