Resilient Societies Is Hiring a Program Manager to Lead Global Human Rights Work – Apply by 20 September 2026

Overview

Resilient Societies, a Canadian nonprofit, is hiring a Program Manager. The organization protects civic space and strengthens the resilience and agency of civil society actors and human rights defenders, particularly those working in closed or closing civic spaces, including people continuing their activism in exile. It links frontline experience with research, policy influence, collaborative action and practical support.

The role is full-time and remote but based in Canada, with Ottawa or Montréal preferred and Toronto-based applicants possibly considered. It is a two-year fixed-term contract that may be extended depending on funding, with an ideal start in October 2026.

The role

The Program Manager provides strategic and operational leadership across a growing portfolio, working with the Chief Executive Officer and regional partners. An early priority is leading work on building resilience to transnational repression in the MENA region, combining participatory research, advocacy, knowledge mobilization and capacity strengthening. Duties include planning and delivering programmes, developing workplans, coordinating partners and consultants, monitoring budgets and risks, overseeing research products, building relationships with funders, research institutions, civil society, governments and multilateral bodies, contributing to funding proposals, supporting donor stewardship and preparing narrative reports. The work calls for strong standards on confidentiality, safeguarding, research ethics, digital security, duty of care and do-no-harm.

Requirements

Applicants need at least seven years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, civic space, democratic governance, international development or a related area, including managing complex multi-year or multi-partner programmes. Knowledge of transnational repression, human rights defenders, exile and diaspora action or shrinking civic space matters. MENA experience is desirable, and experience managing grants from Global Affairs Canada or the International Development Research Centre is an advantage. A graduate degree is preferred, though equivalent experience may count. Excellent English is required and French is a strong asset. Legal authorization to work in Canada is needed.

What you get

The salary is CAD $75,000 to $80,000 per year, with benefits and paid leave. The job involves roughly two to four international trips a year, mainly to Europe.

How to apply

Candidates send a CV of no more than three pages and a concise cover letter by email, using the subject line Program Manager. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Key dates

The deadline is 20 September 2026.