Are you passionate about research, social justice, human rights, equity, and creating meaningful change through evidence-based work? The BC’s Office of the Human Rights Commissioner (BCOHRC) in Canada is currently recruiting a Research Officer, Generalist (Band 2) for a full-time temporary position. This is an exceptional opportunity for professionals with strong research expertise who want to contribute to addressing inequality, discrimination, and systemic injustice while working in a dynamic and impactful environment.
The position offers a competitive salary package, the flexibility to work from anywhere in British Columbia, and the chance to contribute to influential public research that helps shape conversations, policies, and practices related to human rights.
Applications are currently open and interested candidates are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline.
About BC’s Office of the Human Rights Commissioner (BCOHRC)
The BC’s Office of the Human Rights Commissioner exists to tackle the root causes of discrimination, inequality, and injustice across British Columbia. Rather than focusing solely on individual complaints, the organization works to create systemic change through:
- Research
- Public education
- Advocacy
- Monitoring
- Inquiries
- Policy influence
The office aims to transform laws, institutions, practices, and cultural systems that contribute to inequity and discrimination.
Through evidence-based research and collaboration with communities, BCOHRC seeks to amplify marginalized voices and ensure that public decision-making reflects the experiences of people affected by human rights challenges.
Position Overview
Job Title
Research Officer, Generalist (Band 2)
Competition Number
123889
Employment Type
- Temporary
- Full-time
- 12-month contract
- Possibility of extension
Location
Anywhere in British Columbia, Canada
Salary
The successful candidate will receive an attractive compensation package:
- Salary Range: CAD $78,400.17 – $110,800.21 annually
- Starting Salary: CAD $89,140.15 annually
This salary package reflects the importance of the role and the expertise required to conduct high-level research on human rights issues.
Role and Responsibilities
Reporting directly to the Manager, Research, the Research Officer will play a critical role in designing, implementing, and supporting strategic research initiatives related to human rights issues in British Columbia.
The successful candidate will be expected to:
Conduct Research
- Design and carry out primary research projects
- Conduct secondary research and literature reviews
- Utilize both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies
- Analyze complex datasets and evidence
Produce High-Quality Reports
The Research Officer will prepare:
- Public research reports
- Internal research documents
- Briefing notes
- Evidence summaries
- Knowledge products
These publications help:
- Highlight systemic human rights issues
- Amplify the voices of people with lived experience
- Inform public discourse
- Support policy development
Collaborate Across Teams
The role involves working closely with:
- Interdisciplinary research teams
- Community organizations
- Human rights advocates
- Stakeholders
- People with lived experience
Support Decolonial Research Approaches
BCOHRC emphasizes research grounded in the 4Rs framework:
- Responsibility
- Reciprocity
- Relevance
- Respect
Researchers are expected to ensure that their work reflects these principles and contributes to ethical, community-centered knowledge production.
Why This Opportunity Stands Out
Unlike many traditional research roles, this position directly contributes to real-world human rights improvements.
Key benefits include:
1. Meaningful Impact
Your research can influence:
- Public policy
- Human rights conversations
- Government decisions
- Organizational practices
2. Competitive Compensation
Earn a starting salary of over CAD $89,000 annually with opportunities within a salary range exceeding CAD $110,000.
3. Flexible Work Location
The position can be performed from anywhere within British Columbia.
4. Professional Growth
Gain experience in:
- Human rights research
- Public policy analysis
- Community engagement
- Mixed-methods research
- Strategic advocacy
5. Collaborative Environment
Work alongside professionals dedicated to advancing equity, justice, and systemic change.
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Commitment
BCOHRC is actively working to build a diverse workforce with lived experiences relevant to human rights issues.
Preference may be given to applicants who identify as:
- Indigenous peoples
- Black individuals
- People of Colour
- Persons with disabilities
- Individuals with diverse gender identities or expressions
- Individuals from diverse sexual orientations
The organization recognizes the impact of discrimination and approaches recruitment using trauma-informed principles.
Additionally, First Nations, Inuit, and Métis applicants are strongly encouraged to apply as part of broader efforts to address the impacts of colonization in Canada.
Conflict of Interest Considerations
As an independent officer of the Legislature, BCOHRC places significant importance on maintaining independence and public trust.
Successful candidates may be required to step down from:
- Governance positions
- Board memberships
- Leadership roles
- Activities that could create actual, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest
This ensures the credibility and impartiality of the organization’s work.
Important Employment Conditions
Applicants should note the following requirements:
Eligibility to Work in Canada
Candidates must be:
- Canadian citizens, or
- Permanent residents of Canada, or
- Individuals legally authorized to work in Canada through a valid work permit
Employment remains contingent upon maintaining legal authorization to work in Canada.
Criminal Record Check
The selected candidate will undergo a criminal record check.
Importantly, having a criminal record does not automatically disqualify an applicant.
Dynamic Work Environment
The position involves:
- Managing multiple priorities
- Responding to emerging organizational needs
- Meeting competing deadlines
- Working effectively under changing circumstances
Strong organizational and time-management skills are therefore essential.
Application Process
Interested candidates must submit:
Required Documents
- Cover Letter
- Resume/CV
Applicants should clearly demonstrate:
- Relevant educational background
- Research experience
- Human rights-related experience
- Qualifications that align with the job profile
Application Instructions
- Include the position title in the cover letter.
- Include the position title in the email subject line.
- Submit applications directly by email.
Applications should be sent to:
Only applications submitted directly to BCOHRC via email will be considered.
Applications submitted through the BC Government Hiring Centre website will not be accepted.
Selection Process
Shortlisted candidates may be invited to participate in:
Stage 1
- Screening interview and/or written assignment
Stage 2
- Formal interview
The quality and clarity of the cover letter and resume may form part of the assessment process.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to provide detailed examples demonstrating how they meet each qualification requirement.
Deadline
Application Deadline: June 15, 2026, at 5:00 PM Pacific Time (PT)
Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Final Thoughts
The Research Officer, Generalist (Band 2) position at BC’s Office of the Human Rights Commissioner represents a remarkable opportunity for researchers who want their work to contribute to meaningful social change. With an attractive salary, flexible work arrangements, opportunities for collaboration, and the ability to influence human rights policy and public discourse, this role is ideal for professionals committed to advancing equity and justice.
Candidates with strong research skills, experience in qualitative and quantitative methodologies, and a passion for human rights are encouraged to apply before the June 15, 2026 deadline.
How to apply
- Submit a cover letter and resume detailing your relevant work experience and how you meet the stated qualifications.
- Include the position title on the cover letter and in the email subject line.
- Applications must be submitted by email to recruitment@bchumanrights.ca
Learn More
- For more information about this opportunity, Click here
More global Job opportunities for youth, visit the OFY website: Click here
