Development Programs

Students Providing Aligned Research and Knowledge (SPARK) - Information for Students

Students Providing Aligned Research and Knowledge (SPARK) is a pilot initiative of the Canada School of Public Service (CSPS) in cooperation with the Public Service Commission (PSC). The program is targeted at university graduate students.

The two main objectives of the program are to:

• Better align the intellectual capacities of students and professors in academia with the public administration and public policy research needs of the federal Public Service; and
• Provide high-performing students the possibility of being considered for future positions in the federal Public Service.

Under SPARK, selected graduate students will be paid for research projects in areas of public administration and public policy, gain knowledge and experience addressing practical, real-life issues, and can potentially be hired into an indeterminate position upon graduation. Further, working with a professor in a supervisory role, students will be able to carry out research from their current location.

Information for Students

Information for Managers

Information for Students

The Student Application Process

Research opportunities will be posted on the Public Service Commission's Research Affiliate Program (RAP) website (http://jobs-emplois.gc.ca/rap-par/index-eng.htm). For each project, the description and requirements will be provided.

Current Opportunities are listed here: Apply Now

Required elements of the application package are:

• submission of the on-line application form;
• a written confirmation from a professor who agrees to supervise the work (to be sent to spark-eclair@csps-efpc.gc.ca);
• two references (one of which must be provided by a professor who has graded the student's work); and
• a copy of the student’s most recent Curriculum Vitae.

The Selection Process

Applicants will be initially assessed on the quality of their research proposal, and the amount of previous course work and/or research experience relevant to the topic. Successful candidates will be hired by the sponsoring organization and be held accountable to deliver on the number and quality of the deliverables identified in their assignment.

The Potential for Employment in the Federal Public Service

SPARK offers graduates the possibility of employment with the Public Service (a process often referred to as bridging). Upon completion of the assignment and graduation from their programs, high-performing candidates may be considered for jobs with the federal Public Service.

Combining SPARK with Course Credit

SPARK projects can be undertaken in addition to, or as a part of, a student's course requirements. In the latter case a student may submit their SPARK research as a term paper. If the SPARK project is undertaken as a part of a student's course requirements:

• the student must be enrolled in a course that is scheduled concurrently with their employment under SPARK;
• the research being conducted under SPARK must be of applicable subject matter; and
• the course professor and hiring organization must be aware of and in agreement with the arrangement.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Frequently Asked Questions: Information for Students

Information for Managers

SPARK utilizes the eligibility criteria and application process of the PSC's Research Affiliate Program (RAP). Therefore, to submit SPARK research opportunities, please use the RAP job posting request template (see http://www.psc-cfp.gc.ca/sas-sde/stf-dot/frm-eng.htm). When filling in the template for each posting, hiring managers are recommended to:

• use plain language and be clear and concise;
• ensure the field marked Work Environment / Challenge includes:
  • short context on the research topic;
  • the main research question(s);
  • expected deliverables and delivery dates;
  • any preferred research methodology; and
• clearly indicate that the template is being submitted under the SPARK program.

Managers should also double check to ensure they have completed all fields for each posting and submit the template in both official languages. Failure to do so may cause a delay in the posting of the advertisement.

For more information, please consult the Suggested Good Practices Guide for Managers (DOC Version, 878 kb / PDF Version, 259 kb), Appendix A of which provides an annotated RAP Job Posting Request Template.

The Potential for Employment in the Federal Public Service

SPARK offers graduates the possibility of employment with the Public Service (a process often referred to as bridging). Upon completion of the assignment and graduation from their programs, high-performing candidates may be considered for jobs with the federal Public Service.

Process for re-employment

SPARK students are eligible to be re-employed, simply consult the Public Service Commission's Research Affiliate Program webpage for more information.

Contact Us

For more information about the program please contact:

John Kehoe
Partnerships and Best Practices
Canada School of Public Service
Telephone: 613-947-9209
Facsimile: 613-992-1736
Email: john.kehoe@csps-efpc.gc.ca