BC’s Office of the Human Rights Commissioner (BCOHRC) exists to address the root causes of inequality, discrimination and injustice in B.C. by shifting laws, policies, practices and cultures. We do this work through education, research, advocacy, inquiry and monitoring.

Reporting to the General Counsel, the Staff Lawyer works as a member of the Commissioner’s legal team on legal matters that arise during the exercise of the powers and duties set out in the Human Rights Code, particularly related to the Commissioner’s intervention, test case and inquiry functions under sections 47.12(1)(j) and (l) and 47.12(2) of the Code. This includes conducting legal research and analysis, preparing legal opinions, providing legal advice and services, and representing the Commissioner during investigations and inquiries and during interventions before courts and tribunals.

Equity and diversity

We are striving to build a diverse team that has lived experience with human rights. To complement the diversity of the BCOHRC team, preference may be given to applicants who are Indigenous, Black or people of colour, people with diverse gender identities or expressions or sexual orientations and/or people with disabilities.

It will greatly assist us with screening if you refer in your application to these stated preferences. Recognizing the impacts of discrimination, we ask for a brief statement only, to the degree you feel comfortable sharing. One of our guiding principles is to operate in a trauma-informed manner and thus, it is your choice whether to volunteer information. We will hold your application in strictest confidence, sharing it only with the hiring panel.

Indigenous identity statement: In responding to the impacts of colonization in Canada, First Nations, Inuit and/or Métis people are encouraged to apply. 

Conflict of interest

BC’s Human Rights Commissioner is an independent officer of the Legislature. This independence lends credibility to our work, gives us the widest scope possible to make effective change, and ensures that the perspectives of a broad range of marginalized people are a meaningful part of our processes and are amplified to decision makers and duty bearers through our work. Avoiding real, perceived and potential conflicts is necessary for maintaining BCOHRC’s reputation for independence. This could mean that successful candidates may be requested to step down from governance or leadership positions such as boards or engagement in other activities that could result in an actual, potential or perceived conflict of interest.

Additional information

• This posting is for one (1) temporary, full-time position located in Victoria or Vancouver, B.C.
• The appointment is for a 12-month duration.
• Applicants must have an LL.B. or J.D. degree.
• Applicants must be lawyers in good standing with a Canadian Law Society, with relevant practical experience, and must be eligible and willing to become a member of the Law Society of BC.
• Applicants must be eligible to work in Canada (i.e., Canadian citizen, permanent resident of Canada or authorized in writing to work in Canada such as via a work permit). Employment is contingent upon continued eligibility to work in Canada (“continued eligibility” here means that eligibility to work in Canada must be maintained to be eligible for continued employment).
• The successful applicant requires a criminal record check. Existence of a criminal record will not result in immediate disqualification.
• This position is excluded from union membership.
• An eligibility list may be established to fill future temporary vacancies.

Informational webinar

We hosted an informational webinar for those curious about this position and interested in learning more about BCOHRC. The recording is now available to watch:

For complete details about this opportunity, including accountabilities and a complete list of required and preferred qualifications, please refer to the job profile.  For specific position related enquiries, please contact .  

How to apply

1. Submit a cover letter and resume detailing your relevant work experience and how you meet the stated qualifications
2. Include the position title on the cover letter and in the email subject line
3. Applications must be submitted by email to

Application tips

• Initial screening will be based on the education and experience qualifications specified in the job profile.
• Please ensure your resume and cover letter clearly specify how your education and experience meet the required job qualifications with specific examples.
• It is a good idea to carefully review the education and experience requirements and tailor your resume and cover letter to respond to them.
• Be as clear and specific as possible in your resume, including the month and year(s) for each job in your employment history as well as the job-related responsibilities.
• The content and/or format of your cover letter and resume may be evaluated as part of the assessment process.
• Please note: If the panel is not able to tell from your resume whether you meet the education and experience requirements for the position, we will not consider your application any further.

Due to a high volume of applications, we will not be able to accept incomplete or late applications.

If your application is shortlisted—next steps

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to the next stage of the hiring process, which may include the following:

• written assignment
• interview

Only those applications submitted to BC’s Office of the Human Rights Commissioner directly by email will be considered. Please DO NOT apply for this position by submitting your profile on the BC Government Hiring Centre website.

Your application must be received by 9:00 a.m. PDT on Thursday, October 24, 2024.

Contact

Abisola Odeyemi, Human Resources Advisor

By submitting your application, you certify that all information submitted is true, complete and correct. Any information provided in your application, any assessment documents or processes and/or an interview that is found to be false or misrepresented in any respect, may eliminate you from further consideration for employment or may result in dismissal.