Senior Advisor IDMP

Title: Senior Advisor IDMP

Employee Working Location: Partially Virtual / Hybrid (Ottawa)

Employment Status: Temporary Full-time (12 Months)

The Canadian Red Cross (Red Cross) – an inspirational not for profit organization, helps people and communities in Canada and around the world in times of need and supports them in strengthening their resilience. As a Canada’s Best Employers 2024, we are committed to having an accessible, diverse, inclusive, and barrier-free work environment.

The Red Cross has a strong commitment to supporting people made vulnerable through the process of migration and provides independent monitoring of detention facilities in Canada holding individuals detained pursuant to Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) as a neutral, impartial, and independent organization. Through its Immigration Detention Monitoring Program (IDMP) the Canadian Red Cross provides independent monitoring of detention facilities holding people detained for immigration reasons and routinely visits detention facilities to monitor and assess the system of immigration detention, based on international and Canadian standards - to promote a protective environment in which detained individuals are treated humanely and where their human rights and their inherent dignity are respected.

In this role, you will :

• Provide subject matter expertise and strategic guidance to strengthen program/service effectiveness, ensuring alignment with best practices.
• Conduct research, draft briefing notes and information papers on matters related to immigration detention;
• Monitor national and international migration and refugee trends, analyzes impact on the IDMP program and advises on best course of action.
• Contribute to the development of performance reports, dashboards, and impact narratives for leadership and external stakeholders.
• Monitor accurate reporting on program findings, recommendations and follow up; support the Senior Manager, IDMP on the resolution to contentious detention issues and recommend solutions.
• Assess program/service gaps, analyze trends, and provide recommendations for operational enhancements to improve service delivery, accessibility, and impact.
• Analyze national and international legal standards related to detention and integrate into program tools; produce and revise policies, procedures and tools, develop and implement training materials, toolkits, and resources to support program effectiveness and knowledge transfer.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders, including government agencies, nonprofits, and other key stakeholders to support service delivery.
• Provide technical expertise, training, and mentorship to internal teams and external partners to enhance their capacity in program delivery.
• Ensure compliance with funding agreements, regulatory requirements, and organizational policies, providing advisory support to mitigate risks and improve accountability.
• Lead detention monitoring visits, as needed.

What we are looking for:

• Due to the nature of the program, a government-verified credit check and criminal records clearance (with fingerprints) and vulnerable sector clearance will be required. A valid drivers license is also required.
• The minimum qualifications for this position are the completion of a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution in a relevant field such as migration, law, human rights, health or a related field, and a minimum of 6-9 years of job-related work experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills in French and English are mandatory (other spoken languages are an asset).
• Sound understanding of relevant international and domestic standards and law governing detention conditions.
• Sound knowledge of Canadian and international migration issues.
• Knowledge of key principles in protection (such as child protection).
• Demonstrated experience of working with migrants and refugees and cross-cultural contexts.
• Demonstrated experience in program reporting.
• Proven analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Self-starter and able to work in an environment with ambiguity and be a supportive and productive team member.

Working conditions:

• As we work with and support people (managers, colleagues, beneficiaries/customers, volunteers, donors and external partners) and communities in Canada and around the world, applicants whose first language is not English may be required to perform the responsibilities of the role in English.
• Eligibility to work in Canada: At this time, we welcome applications from candidates eligible to work in Canada. If you are not a citizen or permanent resident of Canada, we encourage you to carefully review your visa to find out whether you are eligible to work in the job you are considering applying for. Refer to our FAQ for more information.
• If you are selected for this role, you will be required to complete a successful pre-employment screening process which includes a satisfactory Enhanced Police Information Check (E-PIC).