Human Rights Researcher Jobs in Ontario (NOW HIRING)

FULL-TIME JOB VACANCY
OPERATIONS AND FINANCE MANAGER
Operations Department
Toronto, Canada
Application Deadline: September 6th, 2026

The Financial Operations team of Human Rights Watch (HRW) is seeking applicants for the position of Operations & Finance Manager to ensure the smooth, efficient, and compliant running of HRW's Canada office. This is a broad, hands-on role with responsibility for the office's finance function, alongside HR administration, compliance, governance, and office operations, 

The successful candidate will be comfortable wearing multiple hats in a lean office environment, taking ownership of their work, working independently, and managing competing priorities with strong attention to detail upon stepping into this previously existing role.
This full-time position is based in Toronto, Canada and reports to the Senior Canada City Director, Development and Outreach Department, based in Toronto, with functional day to day supervision from the Associate Director of Financial Operations, based in London, United Kingdom. 
The successful candidate may have the option to work remotely but will be expected to work from the Toronto office at least 3-4 days a week.  We aim to be as flexible and supportive as possible in both the recruitment and onboarding of this position.

Responsibilities:

Finance

1. Act as the local Finance representative and assist with the implementation of Finance policies. Ensure compliance with CRA financial regulations.
2. Manage bank accounts and cash flows for Toronto;
3. Prepare, plan, and monitor the Toronto office budget;
4. Process and record financial transactions, including payroll, pensions, monthly bill payments, expense reimbursements, and disbursements;
5. Run internal and external financial reports and update reports, project schedules, and operating budgets;
6. Plan, prepare, and coordinate with relevant stakeholders the annual external audit process;
7. Work with financial service vendors, such as auditors, accountants, and governmental tax offices;
8. Prepare accounts analysis, soft closures, quarterly closes, and year-end closes;
9. Manage corporate tax duties, including federal and provincial reporting, tax payments, and refunds;
10. Regularly update fixed assets inventory;
11. In coordination with the Development Director and Finance Department, prepare inter-company contracts, transfers, payment schedules, and administrative documentation.
12. Process, track, and file inter-company and project payments; and
13. Produce project financial reports and funds analysis.

Legal/Governance

1. Liaise with General Counsel on issues in relation to the Canadian legal, charitable status, registrations, and related requirements;
2. Ensure compliance with local laws, and liaise with general counsel on issues related to corporate and governance laws, labor laws, charity, health and safety laws;
3. Plan, organize, and coordinate Board meetings, prepare and distribute all necessary documents, take minutes, and carry out other administrative duties related to Board coordination; and
4. Ensure all entity information is updated on HRW's entities database.

Human Resources

1. Act as the local HR representative and assist with the implementation of HR policies locally;
2. Respond to staff on general HR queries;
3. Maintain a good understanding and working knowledge of and compliance with local employment laws;
4. Keep up to date with local HR legislations and practices;
5. Assist with the recruitment, on-boarding, and departure of local staff, fellows, consultants, and interns;
6. Administer and process local employee payroll, pensions, health benefits, and insurance;
7. Assist with updating the local Employee handbook with changes in local laws;
8. Liaise with local government offices, insurance and pension providers, and other HR service providers;
9. Research and assist with immigration, visas, and relocation of employees; and
10. Maintain a unified filing system and attendance management database.

Facilities Administration

1. Maintain the smooth and effective functioning of the office;
2. Handle general office maintenance and facilities issues;
3. Liaise with the landlord on issues relating to the premises;
4. Engage suppliers and providers and negotiate commercial and services contracts in a cost-effective manner;
5. Oversee office moves, configuration, and space sourcing;
6. Answer general post, email, and telephone inquiries;
7. Coordinate office social events and related logistics;
8. Maintain office security and protocols and manage local office procedures; and
9. Ensure office safety standards are in compliance with local regulations.
10. Liaise with IT/helpdesk to troubleshoot computer issues and requirements;
11. Liaise with IT and internet provider to troubleshoot internet and connectivity problems;
12. Carry out other duties as necessary.

Qualifications:

We are eager to hear from all candidates who can perform the essential functions of this role even if they do not meet all our desired qualifications - particularly if they are from backgrounds underrepresented in the NGO sector.

Education: A bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification/training in finance, accounting, business administration, nonprofit management, human resources, or a related field is required. A professional designation in accounting or bookkeeping is highly desirable.

Experience:

• A minimum of five (5) years of operations, finance, or administrative experience, preferably in a global organization, is required.
• Experience with bookkeeping and day-to-day accounting processes is required.
• Experience with Canadian charity regulations and Canadian tax requirements is highly desirable.
• Experience in human resources and in the nonprofit sector is highly desirable.

Related Skills and Knowledge: 

1. Experience with accounting and expense management software, such as NetSuite and SAP Concur, is required.
2. Experience supporting charity Boards and working with external bodies, including auditors, tax authorities, and other official bodies, is highly desirable.
3. Experience supporting charities with CRA, requirements,
4. Relevant professional accounting qualifications are desirable.
5. Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, including advanced Excel skills for financial analysis and reporting is required.
6. Demonstrated ability to be a self-starter, proactive, and able to work independently with minimal supervision is required.
7. Strong project management skills, including the ability to develop and manage workplans, track and monitor tasks and deadlines, and effectively self-manage tasks and workflow are required.
8. Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to work accurately under pressure, pay close attention to detail and meet deadlines is required.
9. Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate effectively and present information accurately to a range of stakeholders including Canadian Board, and relay financial information in a clear and concise manner is required.

Ability to handle confidential information discreetly and maintain confidentiality at all times is required.

Other: Applicants for this position must possess valid work authorization for Canada. AI Screening tools will not be used in reviewing resumes or at any part of the hiring process.

Salary and Benefits: HRW seeks exceptional applications and offers competitive compensation and employer-paid benefits. The Salary Range for this position is CAD 100,000 - 120,000.

How to Apply: Please apply immediately or by September 6th, 2026 by visiting our online job portal at careers.hrw.org and attaching a cover letter and resume, preferably as PDF files. No calls or email inquiries, please. Only complete applications will be reviewed, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

If you are experiencing technical difficulties with your application submission, or if you require a disability-related accommodation, please email recruitment@hrw.org. Due to the large response, application submissions via email will not be accepted and inquiries regarding the status of applications will go unanswered.

Human Rights Watch is strong because it is diverse. We actively seek a diverse applicant pool and encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply. Human Rights Watch does not discriminate on the basis of disability, age, gender identity and expression, national origin, race and ethnicity, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, or criminal record. We welcome all kinds of diversity. Our employees include people who are parents and nonparents, the self-taught and university educated, and from a wide span of socio-economic backgrounds and perspectives on the world. Human Rights Watch is an equal opportunity employer.

Human Rights Watch is an international human rights monitoring and advocacy organization known for its in-depth investigations, its incisive and timely reporting, its innovative and high-profile advocacy campaigns, and its success in changing the human rights-related policies and practices of influential governments and international institutions.