Special Advisor to the Chief Commissioner

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Join a Leader in Human Rights

The Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) is committed to advancing human rights and building a more inclusive Ontario. We're looking for a highly skilled and strategic Special Advisor to the Chief Commissioner—someone who thrives in a fast-paced, high-impact environment and is passionate about substantive equality and justice – to join our team and provide critical support to the Chief Commissioner in navigating complex human rights issues.

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About the job

As the Special Advisor, you'll work closely with the Chief Commissioner and play a key role in:

• Providing confidential, strategic advice on complex and sensitive human rights issues.
• Reviewing incoming information, conduct environmental scanning, and analyze political sensitivities
• Managing the day-to-day operations of the Chief Commissioner's Office (CCO).
• Acting as a liaison between the OHRC, the Attorney General's Office, and external partners.
• Leading special projects, including communications, research, and stakeholder engagement.
• Supporting the appointment and performance management of Order-in-Council (OIC) appointees.
• Representing the Chief Commissioner on external committees and initiatives.

About the Team

The Chief Commissioner's Office sets the strategic direction for the OHRC and ensures the Commission fulfills its mandate to promote and protect human rights in Ontario. The team is collaborative, mission-driven, and committed to making a difference.

Note: The successful candidate will be expected to attend the office in accordance with Ontario's Secretary of the Cabinet direction, currently a minimum of 3 days per week.

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What you bring to the team

Expertise in Human Rights and Public Policy

• Knowledge of the Ontario Human Rights Code and related legislation (e.g., PSOA, ESA, FIPPA).
• Understanding of Ontario's human rights system and the broader legislative landscape.
• Understanding of the OHRC's mandate and it's role within Ontario's human rights system.

Strong Communication and Relationship Skills

• Ability to build trust and communicate effectively with senior leaders, elected officials, and diverse stakeholders.
• Skilled in preparing briefings, correspondence, and presentations on sensitive topics.
• Skilled at navigating sensitive or contentious issues and communicating clearly and diplomatically

Strategic Thinking and Sound Judgment

• Experience navigating politically sensitive issues with discretion and tact.
• Ability to assess risks, manage competing priorities, and provide confidential and strategic advice/recommendations.
• Understanding of human resources processes and can provide advice on matters such as conflict of interest, compensation, entitlements, and performance management

Research and Analytical Skills

• Ability to scan the environment, identify trends, and connect short-term issues to long-term strategies.
• Skilled in preparing the Chief Commissioner for meetings, events, and public engagements.

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Don't meet every qualification?

If you are excited about this position and meet most, but not all, of the listed qualifications, please still consider applying. We recognize that no one person might have every qualification in this job ad, and you just might be the right candidate!

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How we support diversity, inclusion and accessibility

We are building an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We encourage everyone interested in working with us to apply, including people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black and racialized individuals, as well as people from all ethnicities, cultures, sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions.

Our hiring process is accessible, consistent with Ontario's Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005. We are working to prevent and remove barriers in our hiring processes and can offer  accommodation to address specific needs related to Code-protected grounds such as disability, family status and religion. For more information about accommodation during the hiring process please  contact us.

Learn more about the work the OPS is doing to create an inclusive, anti-racist, accessible and diverse workplace:

• diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives
• accessibility
• Anti-Racism Policy

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What we offer

The Ontario Public Service is one of Ontario's largest employers. Employees work for a wide range of ministries, with offices in more than 70 cities across the province. We offer:

• a career that can grow across ministries and job functions
• flexible learning and developmental opportunities, including education and mentorship programs
• many employee networks offering support for and education about underrepresented groups
• tailored work arrangements, including opportunities like flex hours, self-funded leave and more

Our comprehensive compensation and benefits package includes:

• a defined-benefit lifetime pension plan (guaranteed, ongoing inflation-protected income after retirement)
• group health, dental, life and disability benefits
• a range of vacation and leave options
• an Employee and Family Assistance Program, which provides confidential counseling services

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Additional information:

Note:

• About security checks:
  A criminal or other federal offence record does not automatically disqualify you from the position. We consider each situation based on the position's responsibilities.
  If a check is needed and you've lived outside of Canada in the past 5 years for 6 or more months in a row, or if you are not a Canadian resident, you'll need to provide an out-of-country police clearance certificate from the country you lived in.
  Employment screening checks are only reviewed and evaluated by the Transition and Security Office, which also maintains them and keeps them strictly confidential.
• The information that you provide for the purpose of this competition and the results from this competition may be used to fill other positions. These positions may be of various tenures including short-term assignments. Your information and the results from this competition will be retained for the purpose of filling vacancies in accordance with the applicable collective agreement or policy provisions.
• E-AG-232668/25

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How to apply:

1. You must apply online.
2. Your cover letter and resume combined should not exceed five (5) pages. For tips and tools on how to write a concise cover letter and resume, review the Writing a Cover Letter and Resume: Tips, Tools and Resources.
3. Customize your cover letter and resume to the qualifications listed on the job ad. Using concrete examples, you must show how you demonstrated the requirements for this job. We rely on the information you provide to us.
4. Read the job description to make sure you understand this job.
5. OPS employees are required to quote their WIN EMPLOYEE ID number when applying.
6. If you require a disability related accommodation in order to participate in the recruitment process, please Contact Us to provide your contact information. Recruitment services team will contact you within 48 hours.

Language requirements and assessment:
All external Ontario Public Service (OPS) job ads are posted in English and French. Check the "position(s) language" section at the top of each job ad for the language requirements. For all roles, candidates are assessed in English, the business language of the OPS. If the position is bilingual (English/French), you'll also need to pass a French-language proficiency test.

Exigences en matière de langue et évaluation:
Toutes les offres d'emploi externes de la fonction publique de l'Ontario (FPO) sont affichées en français et en anglais. Consultez la section « Langue du ou des postes » en haut de chaque offre d'emploi pour connaître les exigences linguistiques. Pour tous les postes, les candidats sont évalués en anglais, la langue d'affaires de la FPO. Si le poste est bilingue (anglais/français), vous devrez également passer un test de compétences linguistiques en français.