What it does: Amnesty International Canada investigates and advocates for a plethora of human rights issues.
Mission: Through the research they conduct, Amnesty International aims to prevent and end grave abuse of human rights while delivering justice to those who have been violated.
Size and Presence: Amnesty International Canada currently employs around 200 people in its Ottawa headquarters.
Best Known For: Amnesty International Canada is popular for its campaigns to end the use of the death penalty, torture, and extreme and inhumane treatment.
The good bits: At Amnesty International Canada, employees get to work on well-organized campaigns with great minds who want to make an impact in the world.
The not-so-good bits: Decision-making can be slow at Amnesty International Canada due to its structure.
Amnesty International was founded in London, in 1961 by British lawyer Peter Benenson. The organization's first Canadian section was established in 1972. It has since grown to become one of the country's most prominent human rights organizations.
Throughout its history, Amnesty International Canada has been active in a wide range of human rights issues, both in Canada and internationally. The organization has focused on issues such as the rights of Indigenous peoples, the rights of refugees and asylum seekers, and the rights of women and girls. Amnesty International Canada has become a voice for anyone whose freedom is threatened.
Amnesty International Canada has also been involved in high-profile human rights cases, such as the campaign to free Nelson Mandela, who was imprisoned in South Africa for 27 years before being released in 1990. It also has been involved in the campaign to free Raif Badawi, a Saudi Arabian blogger and activist who was sentenced to 10 years in prison and 1,000 lashes for "insulting Islam" through his website.
Amnesty International Canada is an independent section of Amnesty International. It is responsible for its fundraising and administration but works closely with the International Secretariat in London to coordinate research, campaigns and lobbying. Today, Amnesty International Canada has grown from release campaigns to fighting for human rights in its entirety.
As a frontier for human rights advocacy, Amnesty International Canada is focused on achieving its mission through research, advocacy, and campaigns.
People are the strength of Amnesty International Canada. Employees are passionate about human rights and committed to working collaboratively with colleagues and partners to make a positive impact.
The organization values diversity and inclusion and encourages employees to bring their unique perspectives and experiences to their work. Amnesty International places a strong emphasis on ethical conduct and integrity in all its operations. Respect is paramount in Amnesty International Canada as they breed an environment where everyone is valued, heard, and part of a big family.
The recruitment process at Amnesty International begins with applying through the organization's website. During the application, graduate and internship candidates must include a resume, cover letter, and any other relevant information or documents requested by the organization.
Successful graduate and internship candidates can then reserve interview slots via online scheduling.
Graduate and internship candidates participate in a phone or video interview to discuss their qualifications and experiences further. Microsoft Office Teams is usually the software of choice for virtual interviews.
For in-person interviews, a specific travel partner would guide graduate and internship candidates to get the most competitive travel fees and reimbursement.
After the interviews, Amnesty International Canada will review the candidate's qualifications, experience and performance in the interview process, and decide on whether to move forward with an offer.
If an offer is extended, the candidate will typically be required to complete background checks and other pre-employment verifications. Amnesty International Canada is an equal opportunity employer and supports work permits for suitable roles.
Employees at Amnesty International Canada typically start in entry-level or junior positions, such as research assistants or campaign coordinators. As they gain experience and demonstrate their abilities, they may have the opportunity to move into more senior positions, such as program coordinators or managers.
Career progression at Amnesty International Canada is not only based on the role and responsibilities, but also on the level of expertise, the impact of the work, and the leadership.
Promotions and career advancement opportunities may also depend on the availability of positions and the organization's current needs and priorities.
As a global organization, employees may have opportunities to work in different locations and roles within the organization as they progress in their careers.
Articling Students at Amnesty International earn CA $68,000 - CA $74,000 per year. Philanthropy Coordinators at Amnesty International are paid CA $62,000 to CA $67,000 per year.
Amnesty International Canada is heavily invested in ensuring a safe world. As such, they are involved in social contributions and advocacy work to achieve their mission. Amnesty International Canada educates the public and raises awareness about human rights issues through events, campaigns, and other outreach efforts. They support victims of human rights abuse and ensure that they get justice and reach a semblance of safety.
In 2018, Amnesty International Canada was criticized for handling a case of harassment and bullying within the organization without transparency and accountability. Amnesty International Canada was described as a company with rampant bullying, discrimination, and public humiliation. It has since made changes to its policies and procedures to address these issues and improve the workplace culture.