Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Specialist
Location: Hybrid role in Odawa (colonially known as Ottawa)
Term: Full-Time, 1-Year Contract (with possibility of extension)
Salary: $60,000-75,000 annually
Benefits: OCTEVAW offers generous vacation, organization-wide closures (August and December), mental health days, flexible working hours, and professional development opportunities.
Employment Start Date: May/June 2026
Reports to: Executive Director
Application Deadline: May 1, 2026
About OCTEVAW
The Ottawa Coalition to End Violence Against Women (OCTEVAW) is dedicated to ending GBV through prevention, public education, policy advocacy, and systems change. Grounded in feminist, anti-oppressive, anti-racist, decolonial, 2SLGBTQQIA+ affirming, non-carceral, and pro-choice principles, our current strategic plan centers the needs of Indigenous, Black, and racialized survivors and communities.
Our work focuses on three key areas:
Prevention and Policy – We engage with individuals, organizations, and public institutions to share good practices in preventing GBV and support community-wide prevention efforts through feminist public policy.
Public Education and Movement Building – We challenge harmful norms and systems that perpetuate GBV and isolate survivors, while fostering collective awareness, action, and solidarity.
Amplifying Frontline Voices and Survivors – We amplify and provide resources to those working directly with survivors of violence, ensuring that their expertise informs public policy, strengthens community responses, and contributes to systems change.
Job summary
We are seeking a committed and collaborative individual, grounded in feminist and community-based approaches to lead and support the implementation and ongoing stewardship of a three-year GBV Action Plan. This plan was developed in partnership with community members, survivors, GBV leadership, and aligns with the City of Ottawa’s Community Safety and Well-Being Plan (CSWBP).
This role is a meaningful opportunity to work alongside community partners, frontline organizations, and systems to advance gender justice and strengthen responses to GBV across the city. The GBV Specialist will coordinate implementation, foster collaboration, and help ensure that the GBV Action Plan remains responsive to community needs and emerging priorities.
This role requires navigating complex, multi-stakeholder environments and supporting collective action across sectors.
At OCTEVAW, we center the experiences of those most impacted by GBV and systemic inequities, and are committed to responses rooted in lived and living experience, dignity, care, and collective transformation.
Key Responsibilities
Action Plan Implementation: Lead the implementation and stewardship of the 3-Year GBV Action Plan, including progress tracking, accountability, and adapting to emerging needs.
Advisory Group & Stakeholder Engagement: Chair the City of Ottawa’s Community Safety and Well-Being GBV Advisory Group (e.g., agenda-setting, membership, documentation), and build strong relationships with community organizations, City departments, funders, and partners.
Facilitation & Community Collaboration: Facilitate accessible, trauma- and violence-informed engagement spaces and co-develop community-driven tools, resources, and initiatives to enhance GBV responses across sectors.
Research, Strategy & Resource Mobilization: Monitor sector trends and gaps, contribute to strategic planning, identify funding opportunities, and support the development of grant proposals and partnerships to advance Action Plan priorities.
Policy & Advocacy: Translate community insights into policy recommendations and contribute to advocacy strategies, submissions, consultations, and campaigns to influence municipal, provincial, and federal systems.
Intersectional & Equity Practice: Embed anti-racist, decolonial, and feminist approaches across all aspects of work.
Ideal Candidate
We are looking for someone who brings:
Strong anti-racist, anti-colonial feminist praxis, with an intersectional and systems-focused approach to GBV prevention and response
5-7 years of relevant experience in GBV policy, advocacy, or community-based work, including collaborating with grassroots organizations, community groups, and public institutions
Demonstrated leadership in complex, multi-stakeholder environments, with the ability to navigate systems-level change and build meaningful partnerships
Strong research, writing, and policy development skills, including developing reports, policy submissions, strategic documents, and funding proposals
Experience with resource mobilization, including identifying funding opportunities and contributing to grant development and partnerships
Deep knowledge of GBV/VAW issues, particularly as they impact Black, racialized, Indigenous, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ communities across Odawa
Bilingualism (English and French) with strong written and verbal communication skills is a strong asset
Lived experience related to GBV and/or systemic inequities is an asset and will be valued.
How to Apply
Submit your resume and a cover letter or short video outlining your relevant experience and commitment to ending gender-based violence in Ottawa to:
📧 hr@octevaw-cocvff.ca
If you’re excited about this role but don’t meet every qualification, we still encourage you to apply.
Commitment to Feminist Practices of Decent Work
We are committed to building an inclusive and equitable organization that reflects the communities we serve. We strongly encourage applications from women, Two-Spirit, transgender, non-binary, and gender-diverse people, as well as Black, Indigenous, and racialized individuals, disabled people, and those from other equity-deserving communities.
Accommodations are available throughout the hiring process upon request.