Lead Advisor, Human Rights Office

University of Ottawa; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 108,000 - 134,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Ottawa is seeking an experienced HR investigator to advise on legal obligations under human rights and harassment law, conduct confidential investigations, and draft detailed reports. This role provides leadership on related policies, programs, and training, and oversees responses to incidents of non-sexual harassment and discrimination.

In a multi-union environment, the successful candidate will bring a law degree or related advanced qualification, substantial experience, and

Qualifications

• Law degree required (LL.B or J.D).
• Management degree in industrial relations or related field, or equivalent experience.
• At least 10 years' experience managing conflict and incidents of harassment or discrimination.
• Advanced knowledge of workplace anti-harassment and anti-discrimination legislation.
• Extensive experience (10 years) in conflict management in a multi-union environment.
• Extensive experience in complaint investigation and confidential processes.
• Extensive knowledge of anti-harassment and discrimination programs including training.
• Ability to resolve disputes, listen, and facilitate dialogue.
• Initiative in developing interventions, training, and prevention strategies.
• Discretion handling sensitive information.
• Strong analytical and evaluative skills with independent judgment.
• Proven ability to write reports and procedures.
• Proficiency with word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and presentation software; strong research.
• Bilingual English/French (strong oral and written skills).

Responsibilities

• Advises on the University's legal obligations under human rights, harassment and sexual violence legislation.
• Conducts confidential, neutral, and impartial investigations and writes investigation reports as required.
• Provides leadership and expertise on related policies, programs, and training and public education content.
• Manages reported incidents of non-sexual harassment and discrimination.

Skills

Bilingual English/French

Discretion handling confidential info

Report writing

Analytical skills

Communication and interpersonal skills

Education

LL.B or J.D

Industrial relations or management degree or equivalent experience

Tools

Word processing (MS Word)

Spreadsheets (Excel)

Databases

Presentation software (PowerPoint)

Job description

Job Type: Employee

Hours per week: 35

Salary Grade: Non-Union Grade NM1

Salary Range: $107 503,00 - $134 379,00

Duration (for contracts and temporary assignments): N/A

Department: Human Rights Office

Campus: Main Campus

Union Affiliation: N/A

Position Purpose

Advises on the University’s legal obligations under human rights, harassment and sexual violence legislation. Conducts confidential, neutral and impartial investigations and writes investigation reports as required. Provides leadership and expertise on related policies, programs, and training and public education content. Manages reported incidents of non-sexual harassment and discrimination.

Requirements

• University degree in law (LL.B or J.D)
• University degree in discipline such as industrial relations or management, or relevant experience
• At least 10 years’ experience in management of situations of conflict and/or incidents of harassment and/or discrimination
• Advanced knowledge of workplace anti-harassment and anti-discrimination legislation
• Significant experience (10 years) in conflict management in a multi-union environment
• Extensive experience in complaint investigation and confidential processes
• Extensive knowledge and experience regarding anti-harassment and discrimination programs, including training and prevention campaigns
• Ability to resolve disputes and problems, listen actively and facilitate dialogue
• Initiative in development and use of intervention, training, education and prevention strategies
• Absolute discretion when handling sensitive and confidential information
• Sound analytical and evaluative skills, with independent judgment
• Demonstrated ability to write reports and procedures
• Proficiency in word processing, spreadsheets, databases and presentation software with highly developed research capabilities.
• Bilingualism — English/French (strong oral and written skills)

Key Competencies

• Planning: Organize in time a series of actions or events in order to realize an objective or a project. Plan and organize own work and priorities in regular daily activities.
• Initiative: Demonstrate creativity and initiative to suggest improvements and encourage positive results. Is proactive and self-starting. Show availability and willingness to go above and beyond whenever it is possible.
• Client Service Orientation: Help or serve others to meet their needs. This implies anticipating and identifying the needs of internal and external clients and finding solutions on how to meet them.
• Teamwork and Cooperation: Cooperate and work well with other members of the team to reach common goal(s). Accept and give constructive feedback. Able to adjust own behaviour to reach the goals of the team.

Diversity and Inclusion Statement

The University of Ottawa embraces diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We are passionate about our people and committed to employment equity. We foster a culture of respect, teamwork and inclusion, where collaboration, innovation, and creativity fuel our quest for research and teaching excellence.

While all qualified persons are invited to apply, we welcome applications from qualified Indigenous persons, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, women and LGBTQIA2S+ persons.

The University is committed to creating and maintaining an accessible, barrier-free work environment.

The University is also committed to working with applicants with disabilities requesting accommodation during the recruitment, assessment and selection processes. Applicants with disabilities may contact [e-mail] to communicate the accommodation need.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

Eligibility and Priority

Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

Application Deadline

Applications must be received BEFORE (YYYY/MM/DD): 2026/09/14

Telework Policy

This position may be eligible for a telework arrangement. Learn more about our telework guidelines.

Union Information

Note: if this is a union position: The hiring process will be governed by the current collective agreement related to the union affiliation noted above.

Certification Requirements

If this is a front-line position with responsibilities to interact with students, selected candidates must be rated at the Low Advanced proficiency level or higher for both oral comprehension and reading comprehension in their second official language. The rating is determined by a proficiency test designed by the Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute.

Vaccination Policy

Prior to May 1, 2022, the University required all students, faculty, staff, and visitors (including contractors) to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 as defined in Policy 129 – Covid-19 Vaccination. This policy was suspended effective May 1, 2022 but may be reinstated at any point in the future depending on public health guidelines and the recommendations of experts.

Benefits

The University of Ottawa offers a generous pay and benefits package that includes a competitive salary, a defined benefit pension plan, group insurance coverage and an employee and family assistance program. Explore Our Benefits

About the University

The University of Ottawa is the largest bilingual (English-French) university in the world. Located at the heart of Canada’s capital, we have ready access to the great institutions of our country. Our advances in social sciences, health, engineering, science and the humanities make uOttawa a unique place to learn, grow and excel. The University of Ottawa aspires to employing a staff that fully represents the diversity of Canada's population. As a result, it is committed to employment equity principles and aims to provide an inclusive and barrier-free workplace.