Program Advisor, Immigration & Refugee (12 months)

Company Bio Legal Aid Ontario employees are committed to making a difference in the lives of our clients. As an integral partner in the Justice system, working at Legal Aid Ontario is more than just a job. It's an opportunity to help people who need it the most; to ensure each client receives the access to justice afforded to them under the law. If you are looking for a new challenge in your already meaningful career with a team dedicated to justice, and innovation in a flexible and supportive work environment consider this opportunity below. Primary function This position will work closely with the I&R Department’s Director and Senior Advisor, who have the responsibility for supervision and support of the refugee rosters in order to ensure immigration and refugee clients have access to a high-quality, cost-efficient and effective roster of legal aid-funded private bar lawyers. The successful candidate should have significant knowledge of, and experience with, substantive and procedural immigration and refugee law and should be able to manage a high volume of work in a collaborative work environment. The successful candidate should have strong oral and written communication skills, be highly organized, responsive and proactive. They should have strong attention to detail, judgement, analytic and problem-solving skills; and be comfortable interacting with external stakeholders, including roster lawyers and clients. Home Position: Provincial Office, Toronto Reports to: Director, Immigration and Refugee Law Department Key accountabilities Roster Applications, Management and Complaints Review applications, reports and information shared with the I&R department on matters pertaining to roster decision-making, and provide advice and support to the Director and Senior Advisor with a focus on quality service expectations. Review complaints, and draft reports with recommendations for resolution Monitor I&R inbox, respond to communications, connect individuals to the appropriate department; Draft letters and emails for the Director and Senior Advisor; Stakeholder Events/Meetings/Conferences Organize continuing professional development events along with planning committee staff; Set up information sharing sessions with local agencies; Attend local events as required. Administrative Support Share in the administrative tasks of the I&R department, including the following: Respond to in-person, written and phone inquiries from lawyers, clients, internal LAO departments, and other external stakeholders; Schedule meetings, process monthly expenses, and support Director and Senior Advisor with other duties as assigned; Manage a high volume of work and compile information for statistical purposes, analysis and reporting; Other duties as required Required Skills & Experience Post-graduate education or equivalent combination of education and experience in a legal setting Significant knowledge of immigration and refugee laws, processes and procedures Knowledge of LAO priorities, policies and procedures; Well-developed written communication skills; Experience drafting letters, memoranda and reports; Relevant administrative skills; Ability to multitask and meet internal deadlines; Experience managing projects is an asset; Experience with data analysis and preparing statistical reports is an asset; French language skills are an asset; Intermediate to advanced skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Sharepoint, Outlook and MS Teams Intermediate to advanced knowledge of PeopleSoft, Legal Files and other programs used by LAO is an asset To apply submit a résumé and cover letter. In your cover letter explain why you are interested in the position, and highlight relevant experience, skills, and training that make you an ideal candidate. Only those candidates selected for an interview will be notified. This position is represented by OPSEU and the employee will be governed by the provisions of the collective agreement and union dues will be deducted bi-weekly from date of hire. First Preference will be given to current members of the OPSEU District Collective Agreement. Please note that all applicants are encouraged to provide a valid email address for communication purposes. Applicants may receive written correspondence regarding this job posting directly to the email address provided on their résumé or to the one used to set up their Candidate Profile if applying on Njoyn. As an applicant, it is your responsibility to ensure that you check your email regularly. First time applying to a position with LAO? You will need to create a profile AND then apply for the position. Already have an Njoyn account? Just sign in and select "my jobs" to apply. Once you have successfully applied you will receive a confirmation email. Trouble applying? For telephone support please call 1-877-427-7717 or email support:[email protected]. Equity Statement Building a diverse workforce that represents the communities we serve while promoting a safe culture and work environment that dismantles systemic barriers, welcomes fresh perspectives and embraces differences as a priority is a core value at LAO. LAO encourages applicants from equity-seeking groups, including but not limited to individuals who are First Nations, Inuit or Métis, Black and racialized, as well as persons with disabilities, women and members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community. We recognize the value of equity, diversity and inclusion and are committed to addressing systemic barriers, and prioritizing, attracting and retaining diverse staff. All interested and eligible people will be considered, with due consideration to all protected grounds under the Ontario Human Rights Code. Legal Aid Ontario values integrity, respect, responsiveness, excellence, independence, accountability, openness and consistency. Our recruitment process reflects our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. Accommodations are available throughout the recruitment process as well as during employment at LAO. Please direct any accommodation requests to our recruitment team.

Support the Director and Senior Advisor in managing refugee rosters to ensure high-quality legal aid services for clients. Responsibilities include reviewing roster applications, handling complaints, organizing professional development events, and providing administrative support.

Requires post-graduate education or equivalent legal experience with significant knowledge of immigration and refugee laws. Candidates must possess strong written communication skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office and legal software.

• Problem solvingPreferred
• OrganizationPreferred
• Data analysisPreferred
• Project managementPreferred

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Immigration Law
• Refugee Law
• Case Management
• Stakeholder Management
• Legal Drafting
• Data Analysis
• Project Management
• Microsoft Office Suite
• PeopleSoft
• Legal Files
• Administrative Support
• Communication Skills
• Problem Solving
• Organization
• French Language
• Reporting

• Legal
• Government & Public Sector
• Administrative
• Social Services
• Management & Leadership

Minimum education

Master’s degree

Minimum experience

5+ years

Apply by

Sep 24, 2026

Posting language

English

Working hours

40 hours per week

Seniority

Mid-Senior level