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Term Position
Intern: 40th IBBY World Congress 

Deadline for applicants: November 19, 2025

Term Dates: January 12, 2026, to August 28, 2026, for a total of 33 weeks

Background

IBBY Canada (International Board on Books for Young People – Canadian Section) is a not-for-profit charitable organization dedicated to creating a more inclusive and equitable world by connecting children to books that spark the imagination, challenge thinking, and promote friendship and understanding between cultures around the world. 

In August 2026, IBBY Canada will proudly host the 40th IBBY World Congress in Ottawa. Over four days, more than 400 national and international colleagues from the world of children’s books will gather for connection, culture, celebration, and exploration of the theme, “Listening to Each Other’s Voices.” 

Position Description

Under the guidance of the IBBY Canada Executive Committee and with support from an active volunteer team, the Intern for the 40th IBBY World Congress will have a unique opportunity to contribute to the event’s success by assisting with various tasks and initiatives, to include: 

1.     Congress Materials: compile and edit materials related to the Congress program, including keynote speaker profiles, panelist contributions, and book catalogues 

2.     Exhibitions & Displays: liaise with partners and help organize various book exhibitions, including From Sea to Sea to Sea: Celebrating Indigenous Picture Books, and 25 Years of Governor General’s Literary Award for Young People’s Literature

3.     Public Library Engagement: collaborate with libraries across the nation to promote Congress reading lists featuring keynote speakers, honourees, and award-winning works

4.     Support Book Sales: create an online Congress “bookstore” featuring titles featured a Congress and linking to independent booksellers.

5.     Picnic and Parade Logistics: organize the Congress’s closing Saturday event, open to the public, which will feature Canadian writers and special guests.

6.     Assistance with delegate relations before and during Congress, helping welcome the world of children’s books to Canada.

Qualifications

The Intern will work in a varied, fast-paced environment with a timeline of the August 2026 Congress date. Ideal qualifications include

  • Team player with the ability to work independently
  • Strong social media, writing, and editing skills
  • Excellent organisational and time management skills
  • Flexible and able to adapt to changing circumstances
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook).
  • Experience using Google Workspace (Drive, Docs, Sheets) for file organization, collaboration, and data management.
  • Competency in French would be an asset

Hours, Pay and Location

This is an hourly paid position of 35 hours per week at $23.00/hour for thirty-three weeks. 

Given the geographical scope of the Congress, events and meetings may fall on weekends or outside of regular work hours.

This is work from home position except for time in Ottawa the week before and the week of the Congress (6-9 August 2026).

How to Apply

If you are interested in applying, please send a resume and cover letter by November 14 2025 to hi-bonjour@ibbycongress2026.org

We thank all those who apply, but only those under consideration for an interview will be contacted.

About IBBY Canada: www.ibby-canada.org

About the 40th IBBY World Congress: www.ibbycongress2026.org

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