Volunteer Portal

Welcome to the NC-CIPSeR Volunteer Portal

This is your one-stop hub for everything you need as a volunteer with the National Centre for Critical Infrastructure Protection, Security, and Resilience (NC-CIPSeR). Whether you’re just starting your journey or are an active contributor, this portal is designed to support your work, learning, and connection to our national mission.

You’ll find access to all key resources: application, onboarding materials, training modules, guidebooks, secure forms, program updates, skip-level meetings, engagement surveys and more. We’ve created this space to ensure that every volunteer—no matter their background or role—feels informed, supported, and equipped to contribute meaningfully to our shared work.

You can return to this portal anytime to stay current, download documents, track your hours, or prepare for mentor check-ins. If you ever have questions or suggestions, your NC-CIPSeR support team is just a message away.

Let’s get to work—together, we’re helping protect what matters most.

Application Process

Joining NC-CIPSeR is a structured and supportive process designed to set you up for success. From your initial application through to orientation and project assignment, each step is intentional—ensuring you understand our mission, meet foundational requirements, and are fully prepared to contribute meaningfully. Once completed, you’ll be matched with a mentor and begin your journey on a project that aligns with your skills and interests. This process helps us maintain a high standard of engagement, professionalism, and impact across everything we do.  We collaborate and work together with intention.  Once an application is received and the initial screening has occurred, an interview will be set up and next steps discussed.

Onboarding Process and important Information/links:

1. Opportunities

2. Application Portal

3. Reference portal

4. Reference Interview

5. Applicant Interview

6. Privacy & Confidentiality, Code of Conduct and Conflict of Interest Policy and Guidelines:

7. AODA, Human Rights Code and Safety Awareness training   (online and free).

8. Volunteer Guide & Onboarding Process

9. Volunteer Agreement – tailored and signed (only after all other admin has been completed)

10. Volunteer Orientation – Annual Date TBD

11. Mentor Assigned and Projects Assigned

12. Volunteer Pulse Check | Skip-level Meetings

13. Annual Volunteer Engagement Survey

14.Quarterly Engagement Survey – Mentors/Mentees

15.Volunteer Hours and Project Reporting

Volunteer Orientation at NC-CIPSeR

Our Volunteer Orientation is an essential first step in your journey with the National Centre for Critical Infrastructure Protection, Security, and Resilience (NC-CIPSeR). It’s designed to help you feel informed, connected, and confident as you begin contributing to work that supports Canada’s safety, security, and resilience. Once you have completed all of the administrative requirements, and attended our volunteer orientation, you’ll be connected with your assigned mentor or coordinator to begin your first assignments.

During orientation, you’ll:

• Learn about NC-CIPSeR’s mission, values, and the national role we play

• Get an overview of our key programs, research priorities, and partnerships

• Review important policies, including our Code of Conduct, Privacy and Confidentiality Agreement, and Conflict of Interest Guidelines

• Explore the tools and resources available to support your volunteer work

• Understand what to expect from your role, including check-ins, training, and mentorship, quarterly and annual surveys

About NC-CIPSeR

The National Centre for Critical Infrastructure Protection, Security, and Resilience (NC-CIPSeR) is a non-profit organization based at Carleton University dedicated to advancing Canada’s understanding and capability in safeguarding critical infrastructure.

We work at the intersection of research, policy, education, and collaboration—bringing together experts from government, industry, and academia to address the evolving threats and vulnerabilities facing Canada’s essential systems. From cyber and physical security to natural disasters and emerging technologies, our work helps protect the infrastructure that supports national security, economic stability, and public well-being.

The National Centre for Critical Infrastructure Protection, Security and Resilience (NC-CIPSeR) at Carleton University invites experienced professionals and industry veterans to join our mission as Volunteer Researchers, Analyst & Mentors. This dual-faceted role allows you to make significant contributions to safeguarding Canada’s critical infrastructure while guiding and inspiring the next generation of experts. If you have a rich background in project management, intelligence, data analysis, cybersecurity, emergency management, or threat and risk assessment, and are driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact and nurture emerging talent, this opportunity is for you.

About Carleton University

Located in Ottawa, Carleton is an innovative teaching and research institution with a tradition of leading change. Internationally recognized academics, staff, and researchers engage more than 31,000 students in over 100 programs of study. Carleton has long been known for promoting research excellence and connectedness and is involved in partnerships around the globe. With strong leadership, it enjoys a healthy financial position and our proximity to government and cultural institutions, media, and a thriving knowledge economy make Carleton and Ottawa a great place to work, learn, and live. Our picturesque campus is fully accessible and, along with award-winning student services, Carleton’s Paul Menton Centre for Students with Disabilities has been heralded as the gold standard for disability support services in Canada. Learn more about our university and the city of Ottawa at https://carleton.ca/deputyprovost/jobs/.

Carleton University is committed to fostering diversity within its community as a source of excellence, cultural enrichment, and social strength. We welcome those who would contribute to the further diversification of our university including, but not limited to: women and gender equity-seeking groups; racialized individuals; Indigenous Peoples; persons with disabilities; and persons of any sexual orientation and/or expression. Furthermore, Carleton understands that career paths vary and interruptions will not prejudice the assessment process. We invite you to review our revitalized Indigenous strategy, Kinàmàgawin at https://carleton.ca/indigenousinitiatives/cu_file/kinamagawin/ and visit our Department of Equity and Inclusive Communities at http://carleton.ca/equity for information about our commitment to leadership in the areas of equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Accessibility is a university strategic priority and applicants selected for an interview who require accommodations are invited to contact us as soon as possible to ensure that appropriate arrangements may be made.