Lead Advisor, Human Rights Office (Sexual Violence Prevention)

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

Job summary

University of Ottawa is seeking a senior leader in human rights governance to advise on legal obligations, lead sexual violence prevention, and conduct confidential investigations. The role oversees policies, training, and outreach while managing resources and supervising staff involved in prevention programs.

The position requires a law degree, extensive experience in conflict management and multi-union settings, and bilingual English/French communication.

Qualifications

• 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 conflict, harassment or discrimination incidents.
• Advanced knowledge of workplace anti-harassment and anti-discrimination legislation.
• Knowledge, training and experience in sexual violence investigations and related issues.
• Significant experience (10 years) in conflict management in a multi-union environment.
• Extensive experience in complaint investigations and confidential processes.
• Extensive knowledge and experience regarding anti-harassment and discrimination programs, including training and prevention campaigns.
• Ability to resolve disputes, 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).

Responsibilities

• Advises on the University's legal obligations under human rights, harassment and sexual violence legislation.
• Leads strategic and operational sexual violence prevention activities and provides specialized support for survivors, including accommodations and referrals.
• Conducts confidential, neutral investigations and writes investigation reports as required.
• Provides leadership on policies, programs, training and public education content related to prevention and culture.
• Manages reported incidents of non-sexual harassment and discrimination and oversees resources and budgets.
• Coordinates and supervises students, volunteers and other resources contributing to program delivery.

Skills

Conflict management

Investigation skills

Discretion

Analytical skills

Report writing

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Initiative

Multilingual communication

Education

LL.B or J.D. in law

Degree in industrial relations or management

Job description

Posting Details

Posting Reason: New Position

Job Type: Employee

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

Job Family: Governance

# of Open Positions: 1

Faculty/Service - Department: Human Rights Office

Campus: Main Campus

Union Affiliation: N/A

Date Posted (YYYY/MM/DD): 2026/09/21

Applications must be received BEFORE (YYYY/MM/DD): 2026/10/02

Hours per week: 35

Salary Grade: Non-Union Grade NM1

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

The Human Rights Office supports the University of Ottawa in maintaining a learning environment that fosters understanding and respect for the dignity of the University community, is free from harassment, discrimination, and sexual violence, and is inclusive and accessible.

Position Purpose

Advises on the University's legal obligations under human rights, harassment and sexual violence legislation. Leads the University's strategic and operational sexual violence prevention activities and provides specialized expertise in supporting survivors, including with respect to support measures, accommodations, and referrals to appropriate resources. 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, including the design, implementation, and evaluation of initiatives, training programs, and awareness activities aimed at preventing sexual violence and fostering a culture of respect, inclusion, and safety. Manages reported incidents of non-sexual harassment and discrimination. Oversees the resources and budgets associated with prevention activities, as well as the coordination and supervision of students, volunteers, and other resources contributing to the delivery of programs. This unique and exclusive mandate carries a very high level of responsibility in ensuring that complaints of discrimination, harassment and sexual violence are addressed appropriately and in a timely and effective manner in respect to our obligations in regard to policies and legislation in place.

What you will bring

• 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
• Knowledge, training and experience in sexual violence investigations and related issues (asset)
• 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 at uOttawa

Here are the required competencies for all or our employees at uOttawa:

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.

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 Unive