Co-op Student and Internship Programme (Communications)

Commonwealth of Learning (COL) is an intergovernmental organisation of the Commonwealth that helps governments and institutions expand the scale, efficiency, and quality of learning through new approaches, appropriate technologies, and open and distance learning methodologies. Headquartered in British Columbia, Canada, COL promotes innovation and works with Member States to facilitate learning in support of sustainable development. COL is funded by voluntary contributions from Commonwealth governments.
Overview of the PositionCOL’s Communications Co-op Student and Internship Programme offers students and emerging professionals an opportunity to gain practical experience while contributing to meaningful work in an international organisation. Applications are welcome from students completing a formal co-op placement and from individuals independently seeking an internship experience.
Through hands-on assignments, participant will apply their academic knowledge in a professional communications international environment while strengthening their skills in writing and editing, digital storytelling, social media, audiovisual content, website management and performance analysis. The communications team will provide guidance, constructive feedback and opportunities to contribute to projects supporting COL’s work across the Commonwealth.
Duration of Contract: 3-6 month rotationPosition Location: Vancouver, British Columbia
Key Responsibilities

• Assist in writing, editing and adapting content for COL’s website, social media, newsletters and other communications products for diverse audiences.
• Draft, schedule and organise platform-appropriate social media content; maintain the content calendar and tag relevant partners and stakeholders.
• Support digital campaigns by developing on-brand copy and basic visual assets aligned with COL’s editorial, accessibility and brand guidelines.
• Assist in planning, script writing, filming and editing short-form videos and other audiovisual content for digital storytelling to Commonwealth countries.
• Help keep COL’s website current by drafting and uploading content and coordinating inputs from colleagues.
• Monitor social media channels and identify timely opportunities for engagement, amplification and stakeholder visibility.
• Research platform trends, audience practices and partner activity, and contribute ideas for content, campaigns and emerging formats.
• Track social media and website performance and help prepare concise analytics and insights to improve future communications.
• Maintain digital contact information for key partners, ministries of education, media and other Commonwealth stakeholders.
• Provide communications support for programmes and initiatives and undertake other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a post-secondary programme in communications, journalism, marketing, public relations, digital media, international relations, education or a related field; preference may be given to students in their third or fourth year or a work-integrated learning programme.
• Recent graduates who completed their studies within the past six months may also be considered.
• Strong writing, editing and proofreading skills, with the ability to produce accurate short- and long-form content.
• Demonstrated interest in social media, digital storytelling and platform-native content, including short-form video.
• Basic experience with one or more of the following: social media copywriting, video or photo editing, graphic design, audiovisual production or web content.
• Creative and curious, with an interest in research, trends, audience insights and new approaches to communications.
• Organised and proactive, with the ability to manage priorities, meet deadlines and work independently and collaboratively.
• Strong interpersonal skills and an inclusive approach, with sensitivity to cultural, ethnic, and gender diversity.
• Interest in international development, education and the Commonwealth would be an asset.
• Familiarity with Adobe Creative Cloud, social media management platforms such as Hootsuite, content management systems, or website and social media analytics tools would be an asset.

The Communications Co-op Student and Internship Programme is a learning and professional-development opportunity and does not guarantee employment with COL upon completion. However, participants who demonstrate strong performance, professionalism and alignment with COL’s values may be considered for suitable future opportunities. Any consideration will depend on organisational needs, the availability of positions, the individual’s qualifications and eligibility, and COL’s established recruitment processes and policies.
To Apply: Applications are being reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Interested applicants should apply online by September 30,2026. We thank all applicants for their interest in COL. Applicants who have not been contacted by October 30, 2026, should consider that there may be no follow-up to their application for the above position. Please note: Background checks are a mandatory part of the employment process as an intergovernmental organisation.