Resilient Societies Is Hiring a Program Manager to Lead Global Human Rights Work – Apply by 20 September 2026
Professionals with experience in human rights, international development, civic space, democratic governance, research, advocacy and programme management have an exciting opportunity to join Resilient Societies as a Program Manager. The position offers the opportunity to contribute to international work supporting human rights defenders and civil society actors facing repression and shrinking civic space.
The role is a full-time, remote position based in Canada, with candidates in Ottawa or Montréal preferred and Toronto-based applicants potentially considered. The successful candidate will receive an annual salary of CAD $75,000–$80,000, plus benefits and paid leave.
Applications are being accepted until 20 September 2026, although candidates are encouraged to apply early because applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
About Resilient Societies
Resilient Societies is a Canadian nonprofit organization focused on protecting civic space and strengthening the resilience and agency of civil society actors and human rights defenders. Its work particularly supports people operating in closed or closing civic spaces, including individuals continuing their civic and human rights activities while living in exile.
The organization connects frontline experiences with research, policy influence, collaborative action and practical support. This makes the Program Manager position particularly relevant for professionals who want to combine programme delivery with research, advocacy and strategic partnerships.
About the Program Manager Role
The Program Manager will provide strategic and operational leadership across Resilient Societies’ growing programme portfolio.
One of the initial priorities will be leading the organization’s work on building resilience to transnational repression in the MENA region. This initiative brings together participatory research, advocacy, knowledge mobilization and capacity strengthening to support human rights defenders and civic actors affected by transnational repression.
The successful candidate will work closely with the Chief Executive Officer and regional partners to translate organizational strategy into effective programmes and measurable results.
Key Responsibilities
The Program Manager will take responsibility for several important areas of programme management.
These include planning and delivering programmes, developing workplans, coordinating partners and consultants, monitoring budgets and managing risks. The role also involves overseeing research and knowledge products and ensuring that evidence is effectively translated into policy and advocacy.
The successful candidate will also develop and maintain relationships with funders, research institutions, civil society organizations, government officials and multilateral organizations.
Other responsibilities include contributing to funding proposals, supporting donor stewardship, overseeing monitoring and learning, preparing narrative reports and strengthening organizational systems.
Because the position involves work with human rights defenders and sensitive programmes, the candidate will also need to apply strong standards relating to confidentiality, safeguarding, research ethics, digital security, duty of care and do-no-harm practices.
Qualifications and Experience
Resilient Societies is looking for an experienced professional with at least seven years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, civic space, democratic governance, international development or a closely related area.
Candidates should have demonstrated experience managing complex, multi-year or multi-partner programmes involving research, advocacy, capacity strengthening and international collaboration.
Strong knowledge of areas such as transnational repression, human rights defenders, exile and diaspora civic action, authoritarianism or shrinking civic space will be important.
Experience working in the MENA region is desirable, while experience managing grants involving Global Affairs Canada or the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) would be an advantage.
Applicants should also demonstrate strong skills in partnership development, facilitation, team leadership, risk management, budgeting, monitoring and donor reporting.
A graduate degree in a relevant discipline is preferred, although equivalent professional experience and achievements may also be considered. Excellent written and spoken English is required, while French proficiency is a strong asset.
Remote Work and International Travel
Although the position is remote, it is specifically a Canada-based remote opportunity. Applicants must have legal authorization to work in Canada.
The role also includes approximately two to four international trips per year, primarily to Europe. The successful candidate should therefore be comfortable working across different countries, cultures and time zones and undertaking international travel when required.
The position is offered as a two-year fixed-term contract, with the possibility of extension depending on funding. The preferred start date is as soon as possible, ideally October 2026.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should prepare a CV of no more than three pages and a concise cover letter explaining their interest in the position and highlighting relevant experience.
Applications should be sent to careers@rsocieties.org with the email subject line “Program Manager.”
The application deadline is 20 September 2026. Since applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, qualified candidates are encouraged to submit their applications as early as possible.
This opportunity could be particularly valuable for an experienced programme professional seeking to contribute to international human rights, civic space and civil society resilience.
Important: This is a remote position within Canada, so candidates outside Canada should carefully confirm their eligibility and legal authorization to work in Canada before applying.
Learn more and apply: Resilient Societies – Program Manager vacancy
Key Details at a Glance
- Position: Program Manager
- Organization: Resilient Societies
- Location: Remote, Canada
- Salary: CAD $75,000–$80,000 per year
- Contract: Full-time, two-year fixed-term
- Travel: 2–4 international trips annually
- Deadline: 20 September 2026
- Start Date: Ideally October 2026
- Application: CV + cover letter
- Email: careers@rsocieties.org
- Subject Line: “Program Manager”
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Disclaimer: Remote Job Opportunities (RJO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the responsible organization directly. Please do not send your applications to RJO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
