The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) is actively seeking a qualified individual to fill a temporary position of Senior Officer to work in the Human Rights Branch at the National Office of the Canadian Union of Public Employees, located in Ottawa, Ontario. This assignment will begin immediately and is expected to continue until May 1, 2026.

As a bona fide occupational requirement, this position is designated for people who identify as one or more of the following groups: Black and racialized people, Indigenous people, women, persons with disabilities and 2SLGBTQI+ people.

GENERAL FUNCTION

Under the direction of the Human Rights Branch Director, the Senior Human Rights Officer, is responsible for the development and delivery of national programs and initiatives, advancing work on women’s rights, gender justice, equity and human rights issues and services at all levels of the union.

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SUMMARY OF DUTIES

  • Provide support and expertise on equity and human rights issues, including women’s rights and gender justice, for national campaigns and programs.
  • Provide advice and support on equity and human rights issues, particularly women’s rights and gender justice, to the CUPE National Officers and other elected officers.
  • Analyse and report on equity-related legislation, human rights law, regulations, and government reports and policies.
  • Conduct research on equity and human rights issues, particularly women’s rights and gender justice, as required and develop national materials for locals and members.
  • Provide resources and services to national committees and other union committees which deal with women’s rights, gender justice, equity and human rights issues.
  • Prepare, advise on and facilitate workshops and training sessions for CUPE members, elected officials and staff on matters related to anti-oppression, women’s rights, gender justice, anti-racism, disability justice and other human rights and equity issues.
  • Liaise on women’s rights, gender justice, equity and human rights issues with other national and international unions, community-based organizations, governments, boards, commissions, and task forces, as required.
  • Develop and coordinate campaigns and other initiatives, and prepare and present briefings, reports, policy statements, articles, CUPE publications, and other materials as required.
  • Assist in the planning and coordination of national human rights and equity conferences.
  • Evaluate and make recommendations on requests for funding and endorsements from ally organizations.
  • Perform other related duties as may be assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

This position requires a highly motivated individual with considerable experience in providing professional support and advice on women’s rights, gender justice, equity and human rights issues and services for union members. Proven leadership abilities, strategic skills, and a strong anti-oppressive analysis of complex issues are essential.  Sound judgement, resourcefulness and flexibility within a highly challenging political environment are also key requirements.

The incumbent must also possess:

  • A university degree in social sciences or a related field, or equivalent experience.
  • Knowledge, experience in and commitment to the trade union movement and human rights struggles.
  • In-depth knowledge and understanding of the policies, programs, structure, function, and objectives of CUPE.
  • Knowledge, experience, and skills required to develop and communicate CUPE’s positions on equity and human rights issues, including ableism, employment equity, human rights-based violence and harassment, homo/transphobia, racism, sexism, and other issues, to members and staff, the labour movement, government-appointed bodies, organizations engaged in similar work, and the general public where required.
  • Lived experience in one or more of the following groups and direct experience working with these communities: women, Black and racialized people, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities and 2SLGBTQI+ people.
  • Thorough knowledge and understanding of government legislation, policies, agencies and commissions as they relate to human rights and issues affecting equity-deserving groups.
  • Demonstrated ability to do independent research, to prepare briefs and presentations, and to develop other materials appropriate to the goals of CUPE’s policies and programs.
  • Strong communication skills in English, including the ability to speak and write clearly and succinctly to diverse audiences and in a variety of settings, styles and media.
  • Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to effectively use new media and current technology, such as Word, Excel, X, Facebook, listservs, electronic file management systems and databases and online meeting platforms.
  • Ability to read, write and speak French would be an asset.
  • Free to travel and work weekends and holidays, as required.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT as set out in the collective agreement between CUPE and the CSU National Office Component.

WEEKLY SALARY RANGE:  $2,635.33 to $2,718.78

Persons interested should apply through the CUPE website Jobs at CUPE | Canadian Union of Public Employees, by selecting the desired opportunity, clicking Apply to Work for Us, selecting National Office (Ottawa) and Human Rights and following all required steps. We ask that candidates include a cover letter and resumé when applying.

Persons interested should click on the Apply to Work for Us button below and submit their resumé and cover letter, mentioning Posting No. CSU-2514C.

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CUPE is committed to fostering a representative workplace and a culture grounded in respect, diversity and inclusiveness at all levels of our organization to ensure that our workforce reflects the diverse CUPE membership and the diverse communities in which we live and serve. CUPE encourages applications from qualified members of equity-deserving groups, including women, Black and racialized people, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQI+ people. We will provide reasonable accommodations for candidates on any protected human rights grounds at any stage of the selection or recruitment process. Please inform us if you require accommodations by contacting us at hr@cupe.ca (All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply. However, CUPE members and existing CUPE staff will be given priority.)