CASIPA

Innovation Partnerships and Global Engagement Intern

Partnerships & Global Engagement

Toronto, Ontario (Remote)
Internship
Remote
3 to 6 months

Overview

Support CASIPA's institutional outreach efforts by researching potential partners, drafting professional engagement communications, and helping develop the Canada-Africa innovation corridor. This role is for individuals with strong research and relationship-building instincts.

About This Role

As the Innovation Partnerships and Global Engagement Intern, you will work directly with the CASIPA leadership team to identify, research, and engage strategic partners across Canada and Africa. You will be responsible for mapping the institutional landscape, preparing outreach materials, and supporting the development of CASIPA's bilateral partnership pipeline. This is not a passive role. You will be expected to take ownership of assigned research tasks, produce structured outputs, and communicate your progress proactively. If you are interested in international innovation, bilateral institutions, and want to contribute to something that matters, this is your opportunity.

Key Responsibilities

  • Research and map innovation hubs, universities, accelerators, and institutions relevant to CASIPA's mandate
  • Draft professional outreach emails and partnership inquiry communications
  • Maintain and update CASIPA's partnership pipeline and institutional contact database
  • Support the preparation of partnership decks, briefing documents, and engagement materials
  • Coordinate scheduling and logistics for institutional meetings and bilateral exchanges
  • Monitor global innovation ecosystem news relevant to Canada-Africa partnerships
  • Contribute to CASIPA's partnership strategy documentation

Required Skills

Strong written communication
Research and synthesis ability
Professional email drafting
Attention to detail
Self-directed and initiative-oriented
Interest in international development, innovation, or diplomacy

Preferred Qualifications

Background in international relations, public policy, business, or related field
Prior experience in outreach, research, or institutional coordination
Familiarity with African innovation ecosystems or Canadian innovation institutions
Experience using CRM tools or partnership tracking systems

What You'll Gain

You will build a real portfolio of institutional partnership work, develop professional outreach skills, and gain deep exposure to the Canada-Africa innovation landscape. You will be connected to CASIPA's network of founders, investors, researchers, and institutional partners. This experience is directly applicable to careers in international organizations, innovation institutions, development finance, and bilateral policy.

Selection Process

1. Application review by CASIPA team 2. Pre-screen conversation (15 to 20 minutes). Internship details, including structure, schedule, and terms, are discussed at this stage after application review 3. Role-specific task or document review 4. Final interview with CASIPA leadership 5. Offer and onboarding

Eligibility

Open to students, recent graduates, and early-career professionals with demonstrated interest in Canada-Africa innovation, bilateral partnerships, or institutional outreach. Remote participation accepted. Applicants from Canada and Africa are strongly encouraged to apply.

Ready to apply?

Complete our application form with your information and screening responses.

Position Details

Position Type

Internship

Location

Toronto, Ontario (Remote)

Work Arrangement

Remote

Duration

3 to 6 months

Questions?

For best consideration, please complete the official CASIPA application form and upload your resume, cover letter, and portfolio or work samples if available.

Applicants who require support with submission may contact:

innovation@casipa.ca