Job Title:  Specialist, Human Rights and Employment Equity

Job Description

Under the functional direction of the Director Employment Policies and Program, and reporting directly to the Manager, Human Rights and Employment Equity (Head Office), the Specialist responds to internal and external inquiries, and provides guidance related to Human Rights and workplace conflict to management staff and employees in the region. Additionally, the Specialist tracks and analyses regional conflict, and is proactive in identifying areas of focus, recommending and deploying solutions. The Specialist participates in the development and implementation of regional and national programs and initiatives, including training, process improvements and conflict management strategies. Working with regional Canadian Human Rights Commission resources, internal Labour Relations, Human Resources, and Operations, the Specialist maintains a network of resources on an ongoing basis to ensure complaints are addressed considering all appropriate aspects.  Additionally, the Specialist is a regional resource and contact for compliance policy and programs overall, as required considering the varying needs of each region.   The Specialist also investigates formal and internal Human Rights complaints, prepares investigation reports and findings, facilitates dispute resolution and settlements, coaches regional operators on managing conflict, and delivers prevention training and awareness programs.

Job Responsibilities

Below are the main job requirements and responsibilities for the Specialist Human Rights and Employment (Head Office).

• Responds to complex enquiries from and provides information to employees, management, unions and associations, federal regulators, on human rights and employment equity issues, the investigative process, and conflict resolution process, and possible outcomes, as well as process requirements, timing, past precedents and jurisprudence.
• Undertakes frequent reporting activities with research and analysis as required, and provides proactive advice and support in the development, implementation and monitoring of Human Rights and Employment Equity national strategies and plans.
• Analyzes and prepares human rights and employment equity reports, presentations, briefing notes on an ongoing or adhoc basis as required (for Senior Management, Board and other Committees, Canadian Human Rights Commission (CHRC), Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), and other internal and external stakeholders as required.)
• As required, independently conducts time-sensitive impartial investigations and analysis for human rights (formal and internal), general harassment and/or violence in the workplace complaints. Gathers and examines confidential documentary and testimonial evidence, determines findings, facilitates the early resolution of complaints where possible and writes investigative reports, in compliance with legislated requirements under the Canadian Human Rights Act, the Employment Equity Act, Canada Labour Code, and the standards, policies and processes of the corporation, including its collective agreements.
• Acts as the subject matter expert in creating training and awareness, in collaboration with Learning and Development, of employment equity, human rights, and conflict prevention policies and programs by participating in the development and delivery of Human Rights and Employment Equity programs and initiatives, including training content development for management and employees.
• Coordinates regular meeting management with internal and external stakeholders, and union meetings with bargaining agents, writing formal meeting minutes, and ensuring follow-up with multiple stakeholders.

Job Responsibilities (continued)

• Takes part as required in the development, delivery, reporting and evaluation of national human rights programs and special projects, and assists in the development and management of the budget.
• Analyzes overall complaint and conflict activity from the regions, and makes national prevention and mitigation recommendations through reporting to management.
• Maintains administration and advancement of the national human rights complaint case management system, and ensures all complaint activities are tracked and up to date and creates frequent reports from the case management system.
• Facilitates the negotiation process to achieve resolution of disputes, including recommendations on terms of settlement as appropriate, considering the interests of the parties and exposure to risk for the corporation. Recommends continuance or discontinuance of the process, tracks and oversees the implementation of settlement agreements.
• As required, consults on policy and process, and supports national and regional initiatives for compliance programs overall, such as supporting the development of policies, practices and processes.
• Keeps current on relevant human rights and employment equity legislation, jurisprudence, relevant areas of the collective agreements and corporate human rights and employment equity programs. Maintains regular collaboration with regional and national resources, particularly within the CHRC, other federal agencies, Health and Safety, Labour Relations and Human Resources.

Qualifications

Education

• Completed post-secondary, preferably in a related field OR a combination of equivalent professional experience and training

Experience

• 1 to 3 years of relevant functional experience
• Bilingualism is considered an asset
• One or more years of experience in a unionized environment is an asset

Other Candidate Requirements

• Proficient computer skills and competent with Microsoft Office programs
• Enrolment in specific designation and or certifications programs may be required for certain positions (e.g. Finance & Engineering).
• Strong communication, analytical, and customer service skills

Other Information