Human Rights Counsel - Department of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Human Rights - Office of the Vice President People and Culture
$132,643 to $147,060 per annum
The University of Prince Edward Island is located on the unceded land of the Mi’kmaq Nation, of the Wabanaki Confederacy, in the traditional district of Epekwitk. The Department of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Human Rights is seeking candidates for Human Rights Counsel to provide leadership on all aspects of human rights law, as well as to staff working across: the Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Office; and administration of the harassment and discrimination complaint processes.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Reporting to the Director of EDI & Human Rights, the successful candidate for the Human Rights Counsel position will be responsible for provision of expert advice and oversight of sexual violence prevention and response and the administration of the harassment and discrimination policy, as well as the compliant processes associated with both. The Human Rights Counsel will manage staff working across sexual violence and harassment and discrimination. The Human Rights Counsel will provide expert advice and guidance to the Director and to the University’s senior leadership regarding these matters.
Duties will include:
- Lead the legal and complaint processes of the University relating to sexual violence and harassment and discrimination by providing counsel on issues relating to human rights, administrative law, and related matters
- Monitor trends related to human rights, sexual violence incidents and incidents of harassment and discrimination, best practices, and legislation and make recommendations to improve university policy and minimize legal risk
- Recommend and oversee the development of policies and procedures to ensure the protection of human rights on campus.
- Collaborate with other departments and organizations to promote human rights education and initiatives.
- Provide leadership and oversight to staff working in sexual violence prevention and response, and those responsible for implementation and administration of harassment and discrimination complaint processes
- Provide procedural advice to the Director and the University’s senior leadership team
- Retain and instruct investigators and outside counsel on behalf of the University
- Manage the University’s human rights law portfolio, including complaint processes for both sexual violence and harassment and discrimination, provide investigative oversight for these formal complaint processes, provide policy interpretation advice for both sexual violence policy and harassment and discrimination policy, provide procedural advice for the related compliant processes, and administration of informal resolution processes.
- Advise on new laws, regulations and industry trends that could affect the University, proactively make recommendations for changes to human rights practices and policies and provide training to various groups as required.
- Maintain current substantive knowledge and proactively inform university leaders on relevant legislative and regulatory developments and best practices
- Provide advice to staff to ensure all complaint processes through the office follow principles of administrative and human rights law applicable to harassment, discrimination, and sexual violence
- Other duties as required
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor of Laws or Juris Doctor degree
- Eligibility for Membership in the Law Society of Prince Edward Island
- 5-7 years of related work experience
- Deep knowledge of, and experience with the application of, principles of administrative and human rights law applicable to harassment, discrimination, and sexual violence complaint processes, including: evidentiary standards, procedural fairness, and administration of investigative processes
- Demonstrated experience in the field of human rights law
- Demonstrated experience providing prompt, practical counsel on all aspects of human rights law
- Demonstrated experience with oversight and administration of complaint processes
- Demonstrated personal interest and commitment to improvement in the status of peoples, including those covered by human rights legislation
- Expertise in policy development
- Experience in complex or post-secondary institutions would be an asset
- Ability to respond to sensitive and complex situations with sound judgement, discretion and care
- Strong interpersonal and communications skills
- Demonstrated ability to exercise discretion regarding confidential matters
- Knowledge of Microsoft office products
Please submit electronically a cover letter, quoting the competition number, a resume and reference list to be received no later than the closing date via the link posted on the UPEI Human Resources website. Applications will not be accepted via email.
If you are unable to apply online, you can drop off your resume to the Human Resources Department, Kelley Building, University of Prince Edward Island, 550 University Avenue, Charlottetown, PEI C1A 4P3, Fax Number 902-894-2895.
UPEI is committed to equity, diversity, inclusion, and reconciliation and believes in providing a positive learning and working environment where every person feels empowered to contribute. UPEI is committed to the principle of equity in employment and encourages applications from underrepresented groups including women, Indigenous peoples, visible minorities, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity, and others with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. If you require accommodation in any part of the process, please direct your inquiries, in confidence, to our HR Officer, hrofficer@upei.ca.
Only those applicants who are invited to an interview will be acknowledged.
