Senior Program Officer, Student Refugee Program (SRP) - Ontario Region

POSITION TITLE: Senior Program Officer, Student Refugee Program (SRP) - Ontario Region

POSITION LOCATION: Canada Remote, based in GTA or Southern Ontario Region

REPORTS TO:  Manager, SRP Network 

CONTRACT TERM:  Indeterminate

SALARY LEVEL: PRO 2 $61,000 - $70,000

LANGUAGES REQUIRED: EN - FR asset

APPLICATION DEADLINE: February 16th, 2026

EXPECTED START DATE: March, 2026

BACKGROUND

WUSC is a Canadian global development organization working to catalyze positive education and economic outcomes for young people. We bring together and collaborate with a diverse network of partners (including students, volunteers, schools, governments, not-for-profits, and businesses) who share this mission. Together, we influence systems change, and foster inclusive, youth-centered solutions that enable young people to thrive and belong. We work with all young people, with a focus on women and displaced populations.  WUSC currently operates in 28 countries across Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as in Canada, with an annual budget of approximately CAD $65 million. Our global team includes over 100 staff in Canada and more than 250 staff internationally, implementing a diverse portfolio of development projects in collaboration with numerous multilateral and bilateral donors, and philanthropic foundations.

Amongst other global programs, WUSC manages the world’s-longest standing refugee education pathway, known as the Student Refugee Program. Over 45+ years, nearly 3000 students have been resettled to Canada to begin their studies. Each year, WUSC works with a network of 100+ sponsoring post-secondary institutions, and 1200+ volunteers to provide peer-to-peer support to arriving refugee students, fund the costs of sponsorship, and to advocate for institutional and policy changes that support refugee inclusion both on and off campus. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the supervision of the Manager, SRP Network, the Senior Program Officer will be responsible for coordinating and advancing the strengthening and growth of the Student Refugee Program for the Central & South-Western Ontario Region, including sponsorship development and monitoring, training and support.

Refugee Sponsorship and Compliance  

• Lead the implementation of the SRP engagement and growth strategy in the Region.
• Oversee the annual SRP sponsorship commitments process within the Ontario Region (incl. coordinating the cycle launch, managing the collection and review of all applications before submitting final recommendation for approval).
• Support sponsorship groups in the Central & South-Western Ontario Region to develop and finalize their settlement plans, assessing and reviewing them prior to proceeding with immigration. 
• Support the matching and admissions process of SRP students to sponsoring groups in the Central & South-Western Ontario Region.
• Liaise with sponsorship groups and SRP students in the Region to ensure quality sponsorship in compliance with Canada’s Immigration policies.

Technical assistance and support

• Support the design and development of SRP training, tools and resources.
• Provide tailored support, capacity building and training (in person, and online) to WUSC Local Committees, SRP students, and program Alumni in the region to strengthen their capacities, partnerships and diversify funding sources to ensure quality and increased sponsorships.
• Coordinate regional training, events and and other in-person networking opportunities for WUSC Local Committees, SRP students, and program Alumni in the region.
• Hold regular check-ins with WUSC Local Committees and SRP students in the region.

Stakeholder engagement 

• Maintain and strengthen partnerships with post-secondary institutions in the region 
• Identify conferences, networks and forums to deliver outreach presentations to reach new institutions.
• Support the development and rollout of an Alumni engagement strategy in the region.
• Represent the SRP, and participate in events held by WUSC’s Local Committee network in the region.  

Monitoring, Evaluation, Reflection and Learning (MERL) and Reporting

• Support Salesforce implementation for SRP modules to ensure they collect required content.
• Support the data collection and entry of data required by the SRP.
• Identify best practices across the program to document and share lessons learned;
• Prepare and contribute to reports as required. 
• Contribute to  the development of standard program policies, processes and procedures related to the SRP.

Education

• A degree or diploma in social sciences, global development, project management, or equivalent working experience;

Experience & Competencies

• A minimum of 5 years of  professional experience ( youth engagement, community mobilization, volunteer management)
• Experience working for a non-profit preferred 
• Experience as Local Committee member, and/or lived experience as a refugee is considered a strong asset
• Demonstrated commitment to the mission and values of WUSC
• Knowledge of: 
  • Refugee resettlement or settlement sector in Canada
  • Canadian immigration system and processes
  • Volunteer management and coordination
  • Project management
  • Youth engagement 
• Excellent capacity building skills, with demonstrated experience in effective training, coaching and facilitation
• Experience managing program database and large volumes of data that is used to inform program improvements

• Strong organizational and project management skills   
• Strong computer skills (e.g. Google Suite, Salesforce) essential
• Effective interpersonal and influencing skills, including the ability to build relationships, network, communicate effectively in a cross-cultural context are essential
• Strong personal initiative, resourcefulness and capacity to work individually and as a team
• Superior communication skills (oral and written), with a clear, concise, persuasive writing style
• Ability to motivate others
• Ability to multitask, adapt and problem solve
• Demonstrated diplomacy and patience
• Strong attention to detail
• Must be motivated, creative, hardworking, optimistic, and a team player
• Must be available for occasional weekend and evening work. Time in lieu will be provided
• Curious, enthusiastic and willing to innovate and adapt       

Languages

• Complete fluency in English is required. Knowledge of French is a strong asset.

Other 

• Ability and willingness to travel within Canada.
• Must have a valid drivers license or be working towards obtaining one.

WHY WORK WITH WUSC?

Join Us. Our work is important, cutting-edge, and rewarding. We encourage curiosity, innovation, and flexibility.

WUSC offers a dynamic international work environment with a diverse intercultural workforce. We offer employees exciting opportunities to apply their skills and gain experience all while making a difference in the lives of youth around the world. Employees at WUSC work hard to create lasting change in education, economic opportunities and empowerment.

Here’s some of what you can expect working with us in Canada:

• 35-hour workweek, ability to work flexible hours
• Remote-friendly workplace, with free access to our Ottawa office
• 4 weeks annual leave
• Paid sick days (10) and special leave days (5)
• Extensive health and dental coverage for you and your dependents, 100% covered by us
• Group RRSP contributions, from day 1
• 300$ reimbursement for home office equipment
• Parental leave top-up
• Being part of a friendly, caring and enthusiastic team!

APPLICATIONS

WUSC’s activities seek to balance inequities and create sustainable development around the globe; the work ethic of our staff, volunteers, representatives and partners shall correspond to the values and mission of the organization. WUSC promotes responsibility, respect, honesty, and professional excellence and we will not tolerate harassment, coercion, sexual exploitation or abuse of any form. Successful applicants will be required to undertake an enhanced criminal record check.

Persons with disabilities who need accommodation in the application process, or those needing job postings in an alternative format, may e-mail a request to [email protected].

WUSC is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome and encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and abilities. Accommodations are available upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. Candidates must be legally allowed to work in Canada. Please note that only the candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. 

We may utilize Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to facilitate the initial screening of applications based on criteria outlined in the job description. The ultimate decision to interview and hire is determined by our dedicated hiring team.