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:

recruitment@bchumanrights.ca

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

Review Job Profile

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

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