Program Officer, Global Pluralism Award

Position: Program Officer, Global Pluralism Award

Type of Contract: 1-year parental leave coverage, with possibility of extension

Location: 330 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, ON

Start Date: January 12, 2026

Salary Range: $60.000 – $70.000

By joining the Global Centre for Pluralism, you will become a member of a committed staff that values collaboration and creativity, and deeply cares about the work we do. We believe that societies thrive when differences are valued. Our mission is to influence perspectives, inform policies and inspire pathways to advance pluralism.

Our work supports societies looking to address division, inequality and exclusion, while remaining grounded in the contexts and lived experiences of each place. We work with policy leaders, educators and community builders around the world to amplify and implement the transformative power of pluralism.

Founded by His Late Highness the Aga Khan IV and the Government of Canada, the Centre’s programs include:

• Global Analysis: Developing action-oriented research and tools to support the implementation of more inclusive policies and practices around the world
• Education and Leadership for Pluralism: Building the capacity of leaders to advance pluralism
• Global Pluralism Award:Celebrating and supporting the work of worldwide leaders working to build more peaceful societies that respect differences
• Peace and Conflict: Applying a pluralism lens to support and sustain peacebuilding processes around the world

About the Global Pluralism Award

The Global Pluralism Award recognizes pluralism in action. Presented every other year to individuals, organisations, governments and businesses from around the world, the Award celebrates the inspiring and brave work that is helping to build more inclusive societies where diversity is valued and protected.  

In addition to a financial Award, the Centre works with our Award laureates to develop a program of in-kind support and engagement to increase the visibility of their work and impact. This may include communications support, opportunities to engage in programmatic activities of the Centre and/or engagement in joint initiatives.

With a total of 50 laureates working in 30+ countries, this incredible network of leaders represents an important, global asset to inspire leadership for pluralism around the world. In 2026 onwards, we will be developing approaches to deepen the Centre’s engagement with Award laureates and strengthen collaborations across Award cohorts.

About the position

The Centre requires a full-time Program Officer to support a growing set of initiatives managed by the Award program team. This includes a multi-stage selection process and developing and implementing programming to foster continued connection and engagement with our laureates and working advance pluralism in different regions.

Main duties and responsibilities

Reporting to the Award Program Manager, the Program Officer will contribute to GCP’s operations in the following areas:

• Project management and implementation: implement projects and tasks related to Award program, including nominations, selection, and due diligence processes; coordinate documentation and provide support to Jury selection; develop and coordinate in-kind support and engagement plan with Award winners; oversee the work of relevant consultants and vendors support the development and contribute to the onward implementation of alumni engagement activities and initiatives; coordinate efforts to ensure ongoing communications with laureates across Award cohorts; employ effective systems and processes to ensure delivery of program activities and results on time

• Program strategy and vision: advance organizational strategies in day-to-day work; contribute to and help to shape Award program strategic goals; generate strategies and approaches for specific projects and tasks that further Award program goals,

• Program monitoring and reporting: Prepare, monitor and report on grant agreements with Award winners; meet all program-related reporting and accountability requirements of GCP and donors, including financial management, budgeting, progress reporting, and contribute to shared systems and tools to ensure best practices in project/program management.

• Public engagement and communications: Working closely with the Communications team, implement Award promotions and outreach for Canadian and global audiences; organize and coordinate public events in Canada and internationally, including the Award ceremony, alumni meetings and online events such as webinars.

• Proposal Development: Contribute to GCP’s efforts to grow programming in Canada and internationally, through contribution to concept notes, proposals, sponsorship outreach, and program progress reporting.

• Relationship Management: The PO will supervise consultants and vendors on behalf of the program and work closely with cross-program support staff to achieve program objectives; coordinate diverse stakeholders inputs for specific projects; manage correspondence with staff and external partners to facilitate program delivery; and develop and maintain working relationships with internal and external partners, especially members of the global network.

• Support on other related duties as defined by the Awards Program Manager.

Skills and Experience

The ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong track record of commitment to human rights, social justice and pluralism. They will be a dynamic, resourceful and results-driven individual who identifies opportunities for programmatic growth.

Specifically, this individual will possess:

• A post-secondary degree or combination of training and experience related to the position, including in social sciences, international development, public policy, migration studies, conflict studies or other relevant discipline;
• A minimum of 4 years of project coordination and management experience, including conceiving action plans and initiatives that support the larger program, with demonstrated initiative to manage projects for best results;
• Experience working in multicultural environments with different stakeholders in a variety of positions;
• Excellent problem-solving skills and initiative, with attention to detail and ability to multi-task;
• Exceptional written and verbal communications skills in English;
• Experience managing consultants and service providers;
• Interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to develop and maintain effective work relationships with colleagues;
• Ability to travel internationally.

Assets:

• Additional languages: French, Spanish, Arabic

Application process:

Applications may be submitted via email to careers@pluralism.ca with the subject line “Program Officer, Global Pluralism Award”. Each applicant should include a cover letter and a resume highlighting relevant experience. Candidates must be eligible to work in Canada and available to work out of the Centre’s headquarters in Ottawa.

In the spirit of equity and fairness to all applicants, it is our policy to refrain from pre-interview queries. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by email to arrange an interview.

Closing date for applications is November 20, 2025.

At the Global Centre for Pluralism, we aim to embody respect for diversity in who we are and everything we do. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply, because we believe this diversity makes the Centre and our work richer. We are an equal opportunity employer, and do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, indigeneity, religion, sex or gender identification or expression, age, disabilities, or citizenship. We also welcome applicants to self-identify in their cover letter, if they wish to do so.

The Centre is committed to the principles of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Should you require any accommodations at any point during the application and hiring process, please contact careers@pluralism.ca. Information related to accommodation will be treated as confidential.