WAGE Settlement Fellowship Program

About the Program

Africa Centre's Gender Equity program launched the Disrupting Inequities in Settlement for Black Newcomer Women project, funded by Women and Gender Equality Canada. This initiative addresses systemic barriers that limit Black newcomer women's economic security and prosperity, with a focus on equitable access to employment, housing, and settlement services. Rooted in a community-driven approach, the project engages Black immigrant women and girls, cultural navigators, community leaders, policymakers, and settlement agencies to collaboratively identify gaps, share lived experiences, and recommend systemic changes. By pairing fellows with settlement agencies, we are creating space for firsthand insights to inform policy, strengthen service delivery, and advance equity in the settlement sector. The ultimate goal is to ensure Black newcomer women can access opportunities that truly reflect their skills, education, and aspirations, while driving systemic change for long-term impact.

Job Summary 

The Fellow will play a key role in identifying gaps and barriers in service delivery within settlement agencies, contributing to the development of best practices and future policy recommendations. They will bring a strong passion for settlement, non-profit, and community development work, along with a proven ability to advocate for the rights and well-being of newcomers to Canada by promoting equitable access to high-quality services. This program is for Black women with lived experience as a newcomer.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Observe, document and assess practices and processes of the settlement agencies as it is related to the identified policy theme.
• Engage with settlement agency staff and other stakeholders to incorporate the recommendations into their practices and processes as well as support the implementation of the policy recommendations.
• Identify key learnings and potential areas for improvements in the processes and practices of the settlement agencies relating to informing best practices and future policy recommendations.
• Submit a monthly report to Manager, Gender Equity Program, Africa Centre as well as any other relevant reporting related to the position.
• Ongoing communication and coordination with project team and partner organization

Other Activities

• Work with settlement agency staff on other projects as needed.
• Compile a summary of activities relating to the identified policy theme observed monthly.
• Participate in the settlement agency staff meeting and other joint program meetings as needed.
• Adhere to settlement agencies policies, procedures and guidelines.
• Other tasks as assigned by the settlement agency supervisor/manager.

Fellowship Experience

Through this role:

• The fellow will strengthen practices within settlement agencies. The fellow will play a crucial role in supporting the improvement of services provided to newcomers within the settlement agencies by reviewing existing policies, practices and processes within the settlement agencies.
• The fellow will contribute to systemic changes in settlement for newcomer communities. The fellow will indirectly impact newcomer communities by helping to inform best practices for settlement agencies and future settlement policy recommendations for newcomers. 

The fellow will also receive support or professional development from their fellowship supervisor/manager, other staff, or the settlement agencies. The fellow will receive consistent support and opportunities for professional growth throughout their role. This includes:

•  Ongoing Supervision: Regular bi-weekly check-ins with their supervisor to provide feedback, address       challenges, and plan for upcoming tasks.
• Training Opportunities: Access to training in Equity & Anti-oppressive, Intersectional, GBA+, Policy implementation to enhance their skills. 
• Skills Development: Hands-on experience to develop skills such as capacity building, stakeholder/people engagement, needs assessment, program and issues management, etc. that will prepare the fellow for future roles/careers in settlement, nonprofit, community development or related fields
• Collaboration with settlement agency staff: The fellow will work closely with experienced settlement agency staff members, gaining insights into settlement work. 
• Networking Opportunities: Exposure to settlement agencies partners and other relevant stakeholders through events and other volunteer opportunities. 

Required qualifications, skills, and expectations:

• Post-secondary education (International education/experience is recognized and valued diploma, degree, Certificates).
  
• Available for the duration of the project (four months).
• Intermediate proficiency using Microsoft Office (Excel and Word) and previous experience working in complex database applications is required.
• Demonstrate a high level of attention to detail, sensitivity, and the ability to prioritize work in a high volume and fast paced environment.
• Some knowledge or lived experience of programs, services and community resources for newcomers
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with people from different backgrounds.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills. 
• Understanding of confidentiality and boundaries in a community setting. 
• Ability to work independently.   
• Ability to act with honesty and ethics.

Who We Are

Council for Advancement of African Canadians in Alberta (CAAC), operating as Africa Centre, is the largest pan African non-profit organization in western Canada, serving as a community hub that provides programs and services from a place of cultural awareness and competency to the families in our diverse community. We acknowledge the diversity of our cultural background as a source of the strength that brings capacity and competencies to shape a thriving community in Alberta. We have a strong African indigenous cultural foundation incorporated across our programs and services.

Closing Date: December 14, 2025