International Research and Campaigns Officer

BACKGROUND

Dignity Network Canada (DNC) is a vibrant network of 60+ member organizations based in Canada, and a growing organization which works with, alongside, and on behalf of this network. Our shared vision is for a world in which people of diverse SOGIESC (often globally termed LGBTIQ+ communities) can survive, thrive, and be treated with dignity, everywhere. We work together to help build a movement in Canada, and globally, that can make this world a reality. Established in 2020, DNC is a national non-profit organization governed by a Board of Directors. As part of our growing global partnerships and programmes work, DNC is partnering with Oxfam Canada to deliver the international programme, CHOICE, which will contribute to sexual and reproductive health and rights outcomes around the world over the next seven years. This role is part-funded by the CHOICE programme, and will support public engagement in Canada, including by building evidence, awareness, and mobilization concerning global SRHR, LGBTIQ+ rights, gender justice, and human rights priorities.

JOB DESCRIPTION

This is an exciting new role to help our organization and network respond rapidly to crises and new trends affecting LGBTIQ+ rights globally. At a time of unprecedented pushback on our communities, the position-holder will provide urgent subject matter expertise and critical analysis concerning a range of pressing global LGBTIQ+ rights, human rights, and gender justice issues. They will monitor the global landscape and build and hold relationships with key civil society partners connected with global movements, and engage Canadian civil society, policy-level, and public sectors in this work. With the support of the Director of Programmes, Partnerships, and Learning, they carry out research projects and write compelling policy and public engagement materials. The right candidate will not only be a dynamic researcher but also an instinctive campaigner. They will be responsible for identifying cases requiring action, implementing network-based public engagement campaigns in support of global human rights and equality outcomes.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Building collaboration and critical knowledge (40%)

• Monitor the context for LGBTIQ+ rights and intersecting issues around the world, ensuring the wider organization and network is kept abreast of breaking news and emerging trends, through regular desk-based research and international civil society and community engagement.
• Lead and coordinate research projects on global LGBTIQ+ rights and related issues, including by working in partnership with network members and wider colleagues, including movements and human rights practitioners in the Global South and East.
• Provide critical analysis and thought leadership concerning trends shaping the global context for LGBTIQ+ rights, gender justice, human rights, and related issues.
• Help build and maintain relationships with researchers working on global LGBTIQ+ issues in academic and non-profit institutions, including through community development and convening.
• Work with the Director of Programmes, Partnership, and Learning to develop and deliver Dignity’s new research and learning strategy

2. Communicating and influencing (30%)

• Write and disseminate a range of policy influencing and public awareness-raising materials, including policy briefings, reports, articles, and social media content, including by working in community to co-develop materials.
• Collaborate with DNC members and staff to help deliver DNC’s influencing work with the Canadian Government, especially through providing subject matter expertise through written policy briefings, and attendance at relevant meetings with policymakers.
• Collaborate with the Communications Officer to help deliver web, social media, and campaigning content which delivers against Dignity’s new Communications Strategy.
• Coordinate the execution of key public engagement events engaging 2SLGBTIQ+ communities in Canada around global issues.
• Work with the wider team to help grow DNC’s international engagement work, increasingly engaging international institutions, networks, groups, and events.
• Represent the organization and network in community and wider public settings, such as through participating in panels and delivering presentations.
• Represent the organization in the media as needed, such as through issuing statements and participating in interviews.

3. Programming and partnerships (20%)

• Work with the wider team to coordinate the delivery of DNC’s activities under the CHOICE programme, acting as day-to-day point of contact concerning the programme, building strong relationships with colleagues across the programme, contributing to efficient financial administration, and preparing narrative reports to the donor.
• Contribute to organizational and network awareness of the operating environment for LGBTIQ+ rights and development work globally.
• Contribute to programme and strategy development.

4. Operations and development (10%)

• Contribute to wider organizational work, including the delivery of key events.
• Help coordinate project and budget management work related to the CHOICE programme.
• Support the DNC management team, Board of Directors, Committees and Working Groups in the ongoing implementation of strategic directions, as requested.
• Comply with all DNC policies, procedures, and codes of conduct.

PERSON DESCRIPTION

• At least three years’ experience working in an internationally focused research, campaigns, or policy role, in a non-profit organization, academic institution, or other highly relevant setting.
• Subject matter expertise in international LGBTIQ+ rights or a closely related field (e.g., global issues related to gender justice, racial justice, SRHR, or human rights), or clear evidence of capacity to develop as a subject matter expert in this area.
• Exceptional writing skills with at least three years’ experience developing policy and/or campaigning materials for a range of audiences.
• Research experience, ideally bringing qualitative research, policy research, and/or community-based or participatory research experience.
• An undergraduate degree in a relevant field (e.g., politics, sociology, anthropology, international relations, development studies, gender studies).
• A critical thinker with demonstrated ability to think and act intersectionally, and to see and build strategic connections between issues.
• Experience living and working in the Global South/East with proven experience working in inter-cultural contexts and advancing a decolonial approach.
• A dynamic and adaptive practitioner, able to work in community and in context, and to safely and equitably navigate complex issues, including those shaped by risk, exclusion, and trauma.
• Experience implementing and, ideally, developing public engagement campaigns or strategic communications approaches.
• Supportive of DNC’s organizational values and policies, including around anti-oppressive practices.
• Experience in public speaking.
• At least professional working proficiency in English; fluency in French a strong asset.
• Project and budget management experience (desirable).

Given the nature of our work, we encourage applications from those with lived experiences within 2SLGBTIQ+ communities, including Black, Indigenous, and people of colour, bisexual, queer, and lesbian communities, Two-Spirit, trans, non-binary, intersex people, and applicants living with a disability. Applicants may wish to self-identify in their applications. We strive to provide a barrier-free experience to applicants with accessibility needs. Please request accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process so we may do our best to support your needs. All applicants must be able to work in Canada. contributions to our wider community and movement building work.

Comment postuler:

Please submit a CV, a cover letter explaining how you meet the criteria in the Job Duties and Responsibilities and Person Description (up to two pages), and two samples of your unedited writing to the application form linked below: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeLR64pi89d6QNQg9toEpTaW7KibYL0IZXKP-p M-3MjPPE0ig/viewform?usp=header

Please submit these no later than Thursday, 9th October (5.00pm Eastern).

All those selected for an interview will be contacted. The first round of interviews should take place between 16-22 October and we hope to fill the position for a start date of 1 December 2025, or earlier if possible.