The University of Winnipeg is committed to, and actively supports, equal opportunity, equity, social justice, mutual respect, diversity, and the dignity of all people. The University recognizes that every member of the University community has the right to participate, learn and work in an inclusive and respectful working and learning environment that promotes equal opportunities and is free from discrimination and harassment.
The Human Rights and Diversity Office is seeking a part-time (0.8 FTE, 28 hours per week) continuing Human Rights and Conflict Management Advisor to support the university’s compliance with its legal obligations to prevent and respond to harassment and discrimination. The successful candidate will be a mediator and conciliator who addresses the needs of the parties to a dispute and aims to achieve an acceptable outcome for each party, prioritizing informal resolution in accordance with the law and University policy. They will also advise the university community on legal and policy requirements and available processes and methods for conflict resolution.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Law degree / Master in Humanities or social sciences is an asset.
• Certification in Mediation, Counseling, Conflict Management or Social Work is an asset.
• Education or training in conflict resolution, harassment and/or discrimination investigations, human rights and/or workplace safety and health.
• A minimum of five years’ experience in the area(s) of conflict resolution, ideally related to human rights and/or diversity; preferably within a University or other post-secondary educational environment.
• Experience working with people in difficult emotional situations or affected by trauma.
• Demonstrated experience using a range of alternative dispute resolution methods, including mediation and restorative justice processes.
• Demonstrated experience in the field of human rights and harassment prevention and investigations (strongly desired not essential).
• Demonstrated experience in crisis intervention and referral (desired not essential).
• Demonstrated experience in adult learning and development (desired not essential).
• Preferably experience with complex, multi-stakeholder unionized environments.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation, including The Human Rights Code, The Workplace Safety and Health Act and Regulations (related to harassment), and The Accessibility for Manitobans Act.
• Proficiency in MS Office applications and conducting internet research.
• Strong organization and communication skills.
• Knowledge of University policies is an asset.
• Strong listening skills and ability to build trust with the parties and their representatives, as well as other UW staff/faculty and senior administration.

• Assists the Human Rights and Diversity Officer in developing training strategies to educate the university community on conflict resolution, EDI, anti-racism, the Respectful Working and Learning Environment Policy (RWLE), Accessibility Policies, and the Sexual Violence Prevention Policy.
• Develops training materials and promotes available conflict management tools and methods to help address conflicts at the department level.
• Identifies learning opportunities within university departments to ensure systematic responsiveness and leads training sessions.
• Researches and stays abreast of developments and best practices related to conflict resolution, and advises the University on those best practices. Maintains familiarity with human rights and related principles, including the RWLE.
• Assists and advises the university community to promote a favourable environment for working, learning, and advancement.
• Advises the community (students, staff, faculty, and administrators) about the complaint process in accordance with the University’s policies.
• Assesses, informally addresses complaints, and recommends appropriate resolutions, prioritizing informal resolutions and culturally appropriate options.
• Attempts informal resolution of disputes and alleged policy violations through interviewing and communicating with parties, mediating, and reconciling. Documents process and informal resolutions, and follows up to ensure compliance with informal resolutions and/or interim measures.
• Refers concerns to appropriate departments or external resources.
• Promotes a conflict management process that focuses on maintaining and reinstating relationships to sustain a respectful working and learning environment.
• Documents, maintains, and records all complaint processes including informal resolutions and produces reports.
• Works with the impacted department and makes sure that they understand and respond appropriately to complaints or concerns.
• In consultation with the Human Rights and Diversity Officer, conducts a primary assessment of submitted complaints and determines whether or not an investigation should be conducted in accordance with the University’s policies. Assists with drafting reasons and informing the parties in writing about the decision to refer (or not) the matter to investigation.
• Liaise with external institutions and investigators for external investigations.
• In consultation with the Human Rights and Diversity Officer, recommends amendments to policies and procedures.
• Conducts environmental/workplace assessments to ensure compliance with applicable law, in conjunction with the Human Rights and Diversity Officer.
• Other duties as assigned.