Cyber Clinic for Consultants
Frequently Asked Questions
Program
The Catalyst Cyber Clinic provides an opportunity for Catalyst graduates to work directly with non-profit and other community organizations, addressing their cybersecurity needs through consulting projects.
The first step in building the cyber resilience of the client is to conduct a threat and risk assessment.
You will collaborate with the client on an asset inventory, business impact analysis, threat catalogue, and cyber readiness assessment.
Your project will then culminate in a final report and presentation to the client offering low-cost, easily implemented recommendations, in the form of a Cybersecurity Action Plan.
You will gain real-world consulting experience, working with a client to improve the organization’s cybersecurity. This builds practical skills and confidence as you apply your training in real-world scenarios.
Throughout the clinic program, you’ll also learn from experienced mentors, strengthen your professional network, and engage directly with non-profit leaders.
Roles
Consultant Roles include Technical Analyst, Client Relations Specialist, Presentation/Documentation Specialist, and Team Lead.
The Technical Analyst conducts cybersecurity assessments for the client, and identifies actionable next steps to improve their security. Responsibilities may include:
- Analyzing client responses and documentation
- Identifying security risks, gaps, and vulnerabilities based on the information provided by the client
- Developing actionable, practical recommendations to improve the organization’s security posture
- Working with others on the team, and the Mentor, to ensure findings and recommendations are accurate and effectively communicated
- Staying informed about emerging cybersecurity threats and industry best practices to provide up-to-date recommendations to clients
The Client Relations Specialist liaises directly with the client, building trust and managing the relationship between client and Consultants. Responsibilities may include:
- Serving as the primary liaison between the client and the consulting team, ensuring clear communication and trust throughout the engagement
- Facilitating meetings and check-ins to understand client needs and concerns
- Ensuring that client expectations, priorities, and challenges are reflected in all project activities
- Working with others on the team, and the Mentor, to ensure client needs are effectively addressed
The Presentation/Documentation Specialist creates professional, client-ready reports and presentations, uniquely tailored to non-profit environments. Responsibilities may include:
- Developing reports and documents that clearly communicate findings and recommendations
- Translating technical cybersecurity assessments into actionable, easy-to-understand insights for nonprofit leadership and staff
- Ensuring documentation is structured, concise, and aligned with client needs
- Working with others on the team, and the Mentor, to produce high-quality, professional deliverables.
The Team Lead oversees the project team, delegates tasks, and ensures the project deliverables are completed on time. Responsibilities may include:
- Overseeing the entire client engagement, ensuring that deliverables meet quality standards and deadlines
- Assigning responsibilities and coordinating tasks among Technical Analysts, Client Relations Specialists, and Documentation Specialists
- Leading kick-off meetings, status updates, and final presentations with clients
- Ensuring that services are conducted according to program standards
- Serving as the escalation point for any challenges or issues arising during the engagement
- Working with others on the team, and the Mentor, to maintain quality and consistency in service delivery
Eligibility and Application
To apply for a Consultant role with the Cyber Clinic, you must be a CLIC graduate who is eligible to work in Canada, and be able to commit to the program duration.
Cybersecurity work experience is not required beyond the completion of the CLIC program.
The Catalyst Cyber Clinic is in its pilot stage and will open for applications soon.
Fill out an online application form, confirming that you meet the eligibility requirements and indicating your preferred Consultant role. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to a 30-minute interview. Final acceptance is conditional on a criminal record check.
Applications are assessed based on interest, teamwork, and communication skills, and the applicant’s performance in the CLIC program.
Yes.
Details on the acceptance timeline will be provided at the time of application.
Via email.
Please email cyberclinic@torontomu.ca
How It Works
All activities are completed virtually.
Four to six weeks. Work is capped at five hours per week for each consultant. Most work is flexible, but client meetings occur during business hours.
Consultants receive a series of competency-based workshops, which enhance your existing training in technical cybersecurity skills.
Training covers how to understand nonprofits and their challenges; consulting skills and communication; and how to develop the Cybersecurity Action Plan.
Consultant teams receive training, consulting resources, and a dedicated Mentor throughout the client engagement. The Mentor meets with the Consultant teams weekly to ensure the project is achieving high-quality results and provide career development coaching.
Each team is supervised by a Mentor, and guided by the Consultant assigned the Team Lead role.
Yes: Consultants are paid $20 CAD per hour for the project work under a temporary employment contract.
