Program Officer

Be a part of positive social change

Imagine working for an organization whose core mission is to advance equality, social justice and respect for human dignity. Imagine your work aligning with your personal values and being a part of creating positive social change every day through transformative human rights education programs. Alongside 50 liked-minded employees based in Canada, you could contribute to the empowerment of people to address inequalities and discrimination, and work to build more inclusive and rights-respecting communities with Equitas.

The Opportunity

Equitas is seeking a highly motivated Program Officer – British Columbia with a passion for human rights, child and youth engagement, equality and inclusion and experience in project management. Under the responsibility of the Senior Program Officer, BC, the Program Officer is accountable for the planning, implementation, evaluation, and reporting on the project(s) under their responsibility (with a focus on, but not limited to the British Columbia region). The Program Officer should have an understanding of the community sector in British Columbia. They manage relationships with key partners and stakeholders and are the first and main point of contact for all aspects of the project(s) managed in British Columbia. They have an overview of the project and are accountable for overseeing the project from conception to completion.

Tasks and Responsibilities

• Leads the development of the project in line with the Equitas strategic and annual plans
• Builds and manages a network of relationships: liaising with actual and potential partners (e.g. community-based organizations, schools, and municipalities), NGO’s, resource people, funders, and other allies and other key stakeholders.
• Builds and maintains in-depth knowledge of partner needs, goals and realities, and shares this information with project team members so that everyone can do their part to respond to these needs the best of their ability.
• Establishes and maintains good relationships with existing funders and actively explores new funding opportunities, for the program under their responsibility.
• Supports the development and implementation of a fundraising strategy and secures funding for their area(s) of geographic/thematic responsibility.
• Participates in the relevant Project and Program Team(s) and Learning Team(s)
• Works closely with the Education Unit, other program staff, interns, volunteers, outside consultants, and in consultation with partner(s), on all aspects of the design and delivery of projects
• Collaborates with Human Rights Education Advisors on the analysis of evaluation data and on the preparation of activity reports.
• Shares responsibility for the preparation and delivery of program evaluation / progress reports, and is accountable for its finalization and delivery to stakeholders including funders
• Works to develop annual program budget, activity budgets and budgets for funding proposals in close consultation with the Finance team and the Project Team
• Works with the Communications team to develop communications strategy and plans for the project under their responsibility.
• Represents Equitas in meetings, in networks, at conferences, and in other venues
• Performs other duties as determined in consultation with the Senior Program Officer, BC or the Director of the Canadian Programs.

About you

You are passionate about human rights and social justice, particularly for children and youth. You are motivated by and have strong commitment to Equitas' mission, vision, and values. You are motivated by challenges, and you have proven experience developing project proposals, securing funds and managing relationships with donor agencies. You have excellent communication abilities in English.

What is essential for role

• Eligibility to work in Canada and be based in Vancouver.
• Undergraduate degree in a related field such as Child and Youth Care, Political Science, Social Studies, International or Community Development, etc., combined with a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in program/project development and implementation and partnership development. Another combination of experience and education may be considered.
• Experience working with children and youth in school and/or community-based programs
• Knowledge of and commitment to human rights, including human rights education and racial and social justice issues
• Ability to work and communicate effectively in a cross-cultural environment.
• Understanding of the community sector in British Columbia.
• Strong skills in information management (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Project management skills including budget management.

What is an asset to the role

• Experience working in the NGO sector.
• Experience with fund development, including writing applications, correspondence and reports to funders.
• Ability to communicate in other languages including but not limited to French

What we offer

• We offer the chance to be a part of and make up a diverse and engaged team who are all meaningfully contributing to positive social change in Canada and around the world in their own way.
• We value self-care, inclusion and empathy towards all team members and place a strong emphasis on work-life balance. In addition to vacation time, we offer 2 weeks off over the winter holidays.
• We are all about learning and offer all employees the opportunity to participate in Learning Committees based on their interests and participate in a workplace culture that is constantly looking for ways to improve and innovate.
• We have a centrally located office in Vancouver (we offer a hybrid work arrangement).
• We believe in trust and openness and offer a flexible work environment.
• We believe in creating space for everyone to lead and offer opportunities within our governance structure to allow for individuals in all roles to take on opportunities for leadership.
• We offer a comprehensive benefits package, which includes a competitive salary for the NGO sector, 3 weeks paid vacation, paid personal days, medical, dental and life insurance, a group RRSP and much more

Join us

Given the nature of our work, Equitas strongly encourages applications from any candidates who have experienced marginalization, in particular, Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour, 2SLGBTQI+ people, and people living with disabilities. Candidates who wish to do so may selfidentify in their application.

At Equitas, we do not tolerate harassment, discrimination, violence, or abuse of any form. All employment offers are conditional of the signing of Equitas’ Human Resources Policy, our Policy on Preventing Sexual Violence, Harassment and Discrimination and satisfactory references.

All applicants must note that all offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks. Equitas also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. By submitting an application the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures and consents, as part of this recruitment process, to be subject to reference and screening checks, as well as vetting with the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme.

Equitas thanks all applicants for their interest. However, only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

For further information about Equitas consult our websites at

How to apply?

Please send 1 attachment (cover letter and C.V.) with your name and Program Officer - BC in the subject line before May 15th 2024 (Applications analyzed upon receipt) to:

rhequitas@equitas.org