Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation

The Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation, in collaboration with the Centre of Excellence for Light-Frame Housing Technologies is looking for two motivated, intelligent persons to act as  ambassadors for Canadian housing technologies in Russia. These positions are based in Tver, north-west of Moscow. 

Employer Information Company/Business/Organization: Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, in collaboration with the Centre of Excellence for Light-Frame Housing Technologies in Tver. 

Description of Position for Interns: Educational Background  We are looking for intelligent, businesslike and positive-minded interns to act as "ambassadors" for Canadian technologies in housing, while improving their skills in Russian. Background in business, economics or international affairs is desirable, but an interest in and aptitude for the type of work, combined with general academic success (demonstrated by graduation with good standing from a university program) and an ability to achieve goals without close supervision in an unfamiliar setting are more important
qualities. 

Skills Required 
1. Intelligence and a businesslike, positive-minded approach to problem solving
2. Conversational and reading/writing ability in Russian. The intern will have some support (the Director General has a reasonable command of English), but the intern will be in a fully Russian-language environment in many instances.
3. Ability to manage Russians' expectations and present a positive image (good impression) despite imperfect command of Russian and lack of full technical background. 
4. Ability to communicate in English effectively with CMHC, private companies and other Canadian organizations.
5. Ability to set priorities, keep records, organize files and handle other information in a small office.
5. Ability to use standard office software (e-mail, word processing, spreadsheet, presentations). 

Anticipated Job Duties:  These are duties for BOTH intern positions. After the interns are selected, the individuals' interests and skills will be taken into account in deciding which intern will take the lead role in which areas. 

1. The intern will carry out his or her work to support the following objectives of the Centre of Excellence:
-- to stimulate low-rise frame housing construction in different areas of Russia;
-- to train Russian homebuilders in energy efficient technologies; 
-- to participate in selecting Russian and Canadian building materials and construction equipment meeting quality and cost-effectiveness standards to be used for building houses based on Canadian technology; and 
-- to distribute technical manuals and other publications about Canadian and Russian experience in light-frame construction. 

2. In order to contribute to these objectives, the intern will carry out the following duties: 

2.1 Provide information to CMHC, Canadian exporters, associations and other Canadian bodies on business opportunities in Russia for Canadian companies; 

2.2 Obtain and forward requested information to Russian builders and government representatives on Canadian residential construction technologies and the capabilities of Canadian companies, laboratories, agencies and other organizations; 

2.3 Obtain promotional documents and specifications of Russian and Canadian building products and materials to be used in houses that are built in Russia using Canadian technology; 

2.4 Provide administrative support for training in light-frame construction, project management and housing finance for clients who are interested in light-frame construction projects; 

2.5 Assist with the organization of a series of professional exhibitions, trade shows, seminars, matchmaking events, conferences and competitions related to Canadian housing products and technologies; 

2.6 Assist with the promotion of light frame housing construction through
-- promotion, distribution and sale of CMHC publications, 
-- distribution of technical manuals,
-- Review and comment on proposals for translation of CMHC
publications and other English language publications into the Russian language 

2.7 Prepare analyses and supporting documentation for a business plan which shows planned activities and how the Centre could operate without subsidy from CMHC or CIDA in the year 2001 and beyond. Assist the Director General of the Centre with the preparation for presentation of the Centre's business plan to the Canada Russia Working Group on Housing and Construction, along with a report on progress. 

2.8 In collaboration with CMHC and the Director General of the Centre, develop a list of building activities associated with specific residential construction projects that are worthy of being monitored, and participate in the implementation of a
monitoring plan; 

2.9 Other related duties that support the objectives of the Centre as outlined in 1. above. 

Level of Russian Language: At least an intermediate level of Russian is required (ability to maketelephone calls, make appointments, etc..) 

Intern Salary: CMHC, in collaboration with the Centre of Excellence will provide free accommodation to the interns, but will not be able to contribute directly towards an intern's stipend. 

Office Space/Management: Office space will be provided by the Centre of Excellence. 

An internship of six months would most suit the needs of CMHC. Longer terms would be considered.