Women's Rights Policy & Advocacy Specialist

Internal/External Posting Notice

Title:                                            Women's Rights Policy & Advocacy Specialist                                  

Department:                                Policy, Campaigns & Communications

Status:                                         Full-time, 22-month, unionized            

Immediate Supervisor:               Manager, Policy and Advocacy

Salary:                                          $71,937 - $93,410

Level:                                           Band 3  

Application Deadline:                 July 18, 2025                      

Oxfam Canada is an affiliate of the international Oxfam Confederation networked in over 85 countries as part of a global movement for change. Our mission is to build lasting solutions to poverty and injustice with a focus on improving the lives and promoting the rights of women and girls. We work directly with communities, partners and women's rights organizations to challenge the systems that perpetuate inequality and keep people poor. Together we seek to influence those in power to ensure that women trapped in poverty have a say in the critical decisions that affect them, their families and entire communities. That’s why we believe that ending global poverty begins with women’s rights.

Oxfam Canada offers a generous compensation and benefits program, but more than that, we offer the opportunity to be a part of our global movement for change. If you advocate for gender equality, are passionate about women’s rights, and share our values of Equality, Empowerment, Solidarity, Inclusiveness, Accountability, and Courage – we want you on our team!

SCOPE OF POSITION:

Reporting to the Director, Policy, Campaigns & Communications, the Women’s Rights Policy & Advocacy Specialist is responsible for developing policy and advocacy strategies in support of raising Oxfam Canada’s recognition as a thought leader on issues related to poverty, gender justice and inequality, both in Canada and globally. The focus of this position will be on Oxfam Canada’s work to advance women’s economic justice.

The Women’s Rights Policy & Advocacy Specialist will work with Oxfam stakeholders - supporters, partner organizations and allies, as well as communications, campaigns, and long term development and humanitarian assistance staff, to develop initiatives that advance Oxfam policy in Canada and as part of the global policy and advocacy work of Oxfam International.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES: (This is not an exhaustive list of duties to be performed)

• Develop and execute impactful policy and advocacy strategies to advance women’s economic justice in Canada and globally.
• Convene, implement and facilitate policy and advocacy initiatives drawing on issue experts from different departments in Oxfam Canada, the larger Oxfam confederation and partners  
• Act as an internal subject matter expert on women’s economic justice but also contribute to a range of policy and advocacy issues and functions.
• Produce high quality policy and advocacy products (policy briefs, reports, op-eds, etc.).
• Provide expert capacity in policy and advocacy relationship-building, writing, media, publications and coordination.
• Represent Oxfam in policy and advocacy forums as well as in the media.
• Provide strategic advice to the senior management team and board of Oxfam Canada on policy and advocacy issues.
• Working closely with Oxfam Quebec to coordinate gender rights activities in regard to policy and advocacy issues
• Develop relationships with key officials, Ministers and their staff/committee staff, as well as other elected officials to effectively advocate for Oxfam policy objectives.

• Build support for Oxfam Canada’s strategic policy initiatives vis-à-vis the federal government, allies and the private sector.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES:

• Master’s degree in relevant field of study (such as Political Science, Gender/Women’s Studies, International Relations or Development) or equivalent education and experience.
• Minimum of seven years of related work experience with a minimum of five years in a comparable policy/advocacy position.
• Demonstrated experience in research and writing for policy development.
• Experience leading advocacy campaigns focused on national and global issues.
• At least 3 years’ experience leading policy initiatives, including those focused on women’s rights/gender equality.
• Significant experience in coordinating government relations and representing an organization to the government, preferably for NGOs.
• Significant experience in building networks, coalitions and alliances to support policy and advocacy objectives.
• Knowledge and policy expertise in women’s rights and gender equality, and in particular women’s economic justice.
• Strong knowledge of the Canadian policy landscape and opportunities for influence.
• Demonstrated strong writing and editing skills, especially the capacity to develop policy and advocacy materials (correspondence with government officials and decision-makers, policy papers, briefing notes, discussion papers, submissions to government consultations).
• Ability to communicate effectively in a public forum and in writing with a demonstrated capability to convey complex ideas in plain language to varied audiences.
• Ability to troubleshoot and anticipate challenges, and effectively and efficiently handle multiple, simultaneous, and complex tasks and projects.
• Capacity and desire to develop expertise in new issue areas.
• Proven commitment to Oxfam’s mission and strategic focus on women’s rights and gender justice.
• Demonstrated capacity to work in a cross-cultural environment based on feminist principles.
• Experience working in the Global South on issues related to poverty, inequality and women’s rights.is an asset
• Capacity to take direction, work in a self-directed manner and exceptional skills working within a team setting.
• Proven track record in developing and implementing policy and advocacy strategies and plans.
• Capacity to work in English. French and Spanish is a strong asset.
• Experience working on policy and advocacy issues with the private sector is an asset.
• Experience working with the media a strong asset.

• Demonstrated commitment to feminism, anti-racism, justice, equity, diversity and inclusion.

• Ability to travel periodically in Canada and internationally, sometimes in difficult circumstances.
• Willingness to sign and abide by the Oxfam Code of Conduct.

In addition to competitive pay, Oxfam Canada Offers:

• 35-hour work week and the ability to work flexible hours.
  
• 4 weeks of paid vacation per year, prorated based on FTE equivalence, plus paid office closure from December 27 to 31.
• Extensive health, dental and wellness coverage for staff and their dependents.
• Paid sick days, and additional time off for personal and care responsibilities.
• Pension plan contributions.
• Caring, compassionate and supportive work environment that recognizes that work is one of the many responsibilities we have to prioritize in our lives.
• Regular opportunities for all staff across Canada to meet – in person and virtually – to learn, connect and grow as a team!
  

** MUST be eligible to work in Canada ** 

We recognize that structural barriers shape experiences and job qualifications. If you don’t see yourself reflected in every job requirement listed in the posting above, we still encourage you to apply!

As an organization and as individuals, we stand against all systems of oppression, violence, and hate. We stand for justice, equity, diversity, inclusion (JEDI) and decolonization within our organization and society at large, guided by our Anti-Racism and Anti-Oppression Principles (ARAO), our Feminist Principles, and our six core values: Equality, Empowerment, Solidarity, Inclusiveness, Accountability, and Courage. Our Strategic Framework 2021-2025 has a commitment to grow as a feminist, diverse and inclusive organization. To that end, we have created an Anti-Racism, JEDI and Decolonization Strategy 2023-2025 with a vision to become a more just, inclusive and equitable organization, unbound by the oppressive systems of racism, white supremacy, patriarchy and the legacy of colonialism that have fueled global poverty and inequality.

We prioritize creating a compassionate, inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and connected. We are especially eager to hear from women and gender non-conforming individuals, Indigenous peoples, Black and racialized communities, 2SLGBTQI+ individuals, persons with disabilities, immigrants to Canada, and others from underrepresented groups.

If you require adaptive measures during any stage of the recruitment process, please notify us at CAN-FA-Accommodation@oxfam.ca or (613) 237-5236. We are committed to providing accommodations to meet your needs. Oxfam Canada has an accommodation policy for persons with disabilities. The job posting is available in alternate formats.

Important Note: Offers of employment are conditional upon signing our code of conduct, satisfactory references, and any required screening checks. At Oxfam Canada, we place a high priority on ensuring that only individuals who share and demonstrate our values join our team.

For additional career opportunities, visit oxfam.ca/employment-opportunities. Please note that we do not offer internships or overseas volunteer placements.

We welcome you to join our movement – sign up for news and updates today.

We thank all those who apply, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.