Working for social justice and human rights organizations is both challenging and rewarding. Organizations look for passionate, organized employees who understand the threats to human rights and can work to develop and promote solutions. Canada is a democracy with a decent reputation as a human rights leader, but many issues remain. Indigenous rights, immigration detention, disability rights, and more need to be better addressed. Interested in working for an NGO in Canada? Here are 10 organizations offering jobs:
Action Against Hunger Canada
Action Against Hunger serves in more than 50 countries. They have programs focused on nutrition, safe water, sanitation, hygiene, and food security. There’s been an office in Canada since 2006. The organization is a member of the Humanitarian Coalition, which consists of 10 leading aid organizations that provide Canadians with an easy way to donate during international humanitarian disasters. For jobs, some examples include program development and financial analysis positions.
Alberta Human Rights Commission
The goal of this Alberta-specific human rights commission is to reduce discrimination in the province. They accomplish this by examining and resolving discrimination complaints through settlements, court hearings, and human rights tribunals. They are responsible for administering the Alberta Human Rights Act.
The Canadian Coalition for the Rights of Children
Founded in 1989, this coalition of more than 50 NGOs is a leading children’s rights group in Canada. Using the Convention on the Rights of the Child as a guide, the coalition’s work includes monitoring and promoting children’s rights in Canada; connecting with other groups concerned about children’s rights; and educating the public about children’s rights.
The Centre for Law and Democracy
This nonprofit based in Nova Scotia works globally to promote and protect human rights. Their focus is on the human rights essential to democracy, such as the freedom of the press, freedom of assembly, and the right to information. Their work includes consulting on legislation, conducting field research, publishing reports, and helping with litigation. Specific project examples include digital rights, global transparency work, and freedom of expression in Myanmar. Internships and volunteer positions are available on a rolling basis.
The HIV Legal Network
This organization is Canada’s leading advocacy group for the legal and human rights associated with HIV and AIDS. While based in Canada, the organization works internationally. Their work includes research, analysis, education, and advocacy. They also work on issues like drug policy, immigration, prisons, sex work, LGBTQ+ rights, and women’s rights.
Canadian Human Rights International Organization (CHRIO)
This nonprofit works with civil society to promote human rights. Their work involves monitoring human rights abuses, promoting solutions, and educating the public. Programs include human rights, mental health, and youth human rights. CHRIO is also committed to helping Canadian citizens, residents, immigrants, and people who live abroad access services like family counseling, employment training, translation, artistic training, and more. For immigrants new to Canada, CHRIO helps them settle down and transition smoothly.
Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion
This national charitable organization helps individuals and organizations be more inclusive. First founded to address antisemitism and to promote interfaith dialogue, the Canadian Centre for Diversity merged with another organization to become the Centre for Diversity and Inclusion. They promote awareness and action on diversity and inclusion issues.
Equitas
This organization uses human rights education programs in Canada and internationally to promote equality, human rights, and social justice. Their approach consists of three pillars: participatory human rights education, a human rights-based approach, and gender-based analysis. Their mission is that their human rights education activities address systemic discrimination and other human rights violations.
Amnesty International Canada
Amnesty International is one of the biggest human rights organizations in the world. It monitors, exposes, and protects against human rights violations. Priority issues include the death penalty, women’s rights, climate justice, indigenous peoples’ rights, and business and human rights. In Canada, AI focuses on how actions from the Canadian government and people can impact human rights. According to their website, job openings are rare at Amnesty International Canada.
Montreal Institute for Genocide and Human Rights Studies (MIGS)
MIGS is a leading Canadian research and advocacy institute focused on genocide prevention, violent extremism, and mass atrocity crimes. The institute performs in-depth research and proposes policy recommendations to stop conflicts from escalating. Through its DMAPLab, a policy hub, MIGS is currently working on countering violent extremism. In addition to research, MIGS provides consultancy services to national and international governmental agencies.
