Specialize in Political and Economic Affairs
The Political/Economic (P/E) stream of the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade offers some of the most
varied and interesting work opportunities available in the Canadian foreign service.
Whether at headquarters or abroad at our embassies, P/E officers are in the forefront of shaping Canada's international policies.
International human rights, environmental concerns, disarmament, the Middle East peace process and World Trade Organization disputes are
the of types of far-ranging issues that challenge a P/E officer.
At our embassies across the world, P/E officers are responsible for promoting our bilateral and multilateral agenda with countries or
with international organizations such as the United Nations. The unique aspect of a P/E job at post is that there is no typical job: at
some posts P/E officers spend considerable time promoting Canada's peace building and democratic development initiatives; at another,
the emphasis will be on negotiating an audio-visual co-operation agreement that will enhance the cultural links between countries.
P/E officers spend a considerable amount of their time meeting and working with their international counterparts. P/E officers
participate in the fair running of elections, assist in brokering peace agreements between disputing factions and advance Canada's
policies on international crime and terrorism.
As Canada's representative to a country, you will be expected to provide the crucial information allowing our leaders to make decisions on the most pressing issues of the day. The following are the types of questions with which P/E officers are confronted on a continual basis. How bad is the health situation following a tornado? What needs to be done to resolve an impasse in a multilateral treaty on disarmament? Is the safety of Canadians in question following a military coup?
The diversity of the work places a premium on flexibility, adaptability and sound judgment. If you think you possess these skills,
perhaps you have what it takes for a career in the foreign service as a Political/Economic officer.
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