Communication Assistant – IHRTP 2025

Description of host organization

Equitas was established in Montreal as a non-profit, non-governmental organization in 1967 with a mandate to advance democracy, human development, peace and social justice through transformative human rights education programs.    

Be a part of positive social change  

Imagine working for an organization that’s core mission is to advance equality, social justice and respect for human dignity. Imagine your work aligning with your personal values and being a part of creating positive social change every day through transformative human rights education programs. Alongside 40 liked-minded employees based in Canada, you could contribute to the empowerment of people to address inequalities and discrimination, and work to build more inclusive and rights-respecting communities with Equitas.   

The Opportunity  

The International Human Rights Training Program (IHRTP) is an internationally recognized intensive training program dedicated to building the capacity and skills of human rights educators and defenders. The 42nd edition of the IHRTP includes a 2 weeks in-person training (October 26 – November 7) that will be held in Orford, Canada where approximately 60 to 65 human rights workers from up to 50 countries come to gain knowledge, skills and strategies related to human rights education.    

Equitas is seeking a highly motivated Communications assistant to support the promotion and visibility of the program by creating and publishing articles related to human rights defenders and human rights education.  Under the supervision of the Senior Communications and Community Officer and in close collaboration with the IHRTP team, this person will contribute to create content to Equitas’ social networks and to the organization’s website.  Responsibilities will include a variety of tasks before, during and after the IHRTP, related to running and supporting a major international event in an intercultural context.   

  

Tasks and Responsibilities   

• Conduct interviews with human rights defenders and educators, in English and French, and produce engaging publications and content for web articles and/or podcast episodes based on these interviews  

• Write impact stories highlighting human rights educators and produce engaging publications on topics related to human rights education  

• Design engaging and educational publications related to current human rights issues on social networks, including the Equitas Community (a network of over 4,500 defenders and human rights educators from around the world)  

• Translate the content created  

• Assist in creating visuals, social media content and promotional materials to increase IHRTP visibility in both languages (French & English).  

• Provide assistance to the Director of Education & Communications and the Senior Communications and Community Officer with media relations, and the promotion and coverage of the program and its events   

• Participate in the development of a communication strategy and content strategies to motivate target audiences and donors and implement these strategies along with the Communications Team   

• Support the organization of events before and during the Program  

• Take photos and video footage during the Program and events related to it    

• Support logistical aspects of the Program in collaboration with other assistants 

• Collaborate with team members to ensure consistent messaging and branding.   

Duties and projects may not be as listed. These will depend on the needs of the training program and team.  

  

About you  

You are passionate about human rights and social justice. You are motivated by and strongly committed to Equitas’ mission, vision and values. You are motivated to foster an inclusive work environment that reflects the diversity of the Equitas community.      

What is essential for role  

• Eligibility to work in Canada and be based in Montreal.   

• Excellent command of written French and English  

• Be enrolled in or have completed an undergraduate program in journalism, communications, political science, international relations or other related field (or equivalent experience)  

• Passion for human rights and interest in advocacy, education, and activism.  

• Familiarity with social media platforms and content management systems.  

• Strong planning and organizational skills, including the ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously  

• Ability to work in high-pressure environments, and to react quickly and effectively to changing circumstances.  

• Analytical skills and ability to take initiative.  

• Interpersonal skills: tact, diplomacy and discretion. Enjoys working with others.  

• Excellent computer skills, particularly with online conferencing tools (MS Teams, Zoom, etc.), cloud-based document management (SharePoint) and Office 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).  

• Availability on weekends and evenings when necessary. 

 

What is an asset to the role 

• Experience in nonprofit sector  

• Minimum of one year of experience working in communications is an asset 

• Rigor in information processing and compliance with journalistic standards and practices   

• Experience in international events or contexts   

• Knowledge of web site management, tools and trends in social media   

• Knowledge of graphic design, photography, video and/or video editing or multimedia tools (Canva, Adobe Suite).  

 

What we offer  

• We offer the chance to be a part of and make up a diverse and engaged team who are all meaningfully contributing to positive social change in Canada and around the world in their own way.   

• We value self-care, inclusion and empathy towards all team members and place a strong emphasis on work-life balance.  

• We have a centrally located office with a beautiful view of Mont-Royal (we offer a hybrid work arrangement).   

• We believe in trust and openness and offer a flexible work environment.   

• We believe in creating space for everyone to lead and offer opportunities within our governance structure to allow for individuals in all roles to take on opportunities for leadership.   

 

Join us!  

Given the nature of our work, Equitas strongly encourages applications from any candidates who have experienced marginalization, in particular, Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour, 2SLGBTQI+ people, and people living with disabilities. Candidates who wish to do so may self-identify in their application.     

At Equitas, we do not tolerate harassment, discrimination, violence, or abuse of any form. All employment offers are conditional of the signing of Equitas’ Human Resources Policy, our Policy on Preventing Sexual Violence, Harassment and Discrimination and satisfactory references.   

All applicants must note that all offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks. Equitas also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures and consents, as part of this recruitment process, to be subject to reference and screening checks, as well as vetting with the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme.  

Please Note: 
Equitas thanks all applicants for their interest. However, only short-listed candidates will be contacted. At that time, you may be asked to come in for an interview in the summertime.  

For further information about Equitas consult our website.

How to apply?  

Please send 1 attachment (cover letter and C.V.) with your name and Communication Assistant – (IHRTP) in the subject line by June 27, 2025 to: rhequitas@equitas.org