Advocacy and Communications Officer

Hong Kong Watch (HKW) is an international advocacy organisation standing with the people of Hong Kong and promoting human rights and democracy worldwide.

Job title: Advocacy and Communications Officer
Location: Ottawa, Canada
Hours: Part‑time, 3 days per week (24 hours), with flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends
Salary: CAD $3,120 per month
Reporting to: Senior Research and Policy Advisor (Policy Director once back from maternity leave)
Languages: English and Cantonese required
Contract: One-year fixed-term contract with the possibility to be extended

1. Role purpose

To serve as a visible face of HKW Canada and a trusted bridge between the Hong Kong diaspora community and Canadian policymakers, driving strategic engagement around migration justice, policy advocacy, and community voice. This is a remote role but the position holder must be based in Ottawa to attend meetings and events, with occasional travel to other regions of Canada as required. Applications from those who live outside Ottawa will not be processed. 

2. Key responsibilities

Relationship Building & Advocacy

  • Develop and maintain trusted relationships with Hong Kong community leaders and organisations across Canada.

  • Build active relationships with Members of Parliament, including Citizenship and Immigration (CIMM) and Foreign Affairs and International Development (FAAE) committees members.

  • Act as HKW Canada’s representative at parliamentary hearings, committee sessions, and policy briefings.

  • Plan and host events in Parliament or other forums that amplify the voice of Hong Kong Canadians.

  • Support HKW Patrons and senior figures in their engagement with policymakers.

Policy Monitoring & Engagement

  • Track and analyse government policies related to the Hong Kong Pathway.

  • Produce briefing notes, policy summaries, and advocacy updates for internal and external stakeholders.

  • Coordinate diplomacy and policy meetings with allies, NGOs, and think tanks.

Media & Communications

  • Represent HKW Canada in media interviews, op‑eds, and public statements.

  • Draft quotes and reactive statements for press and social media as required.

  • Work with HKW UK’s communications team to ensure alignment in messaging and strategy.

Internal Coordination & Reporting

  • Maintain and regularly update contact databases of diaspora and government allies.

  • Prepare reports on advocacy meetings, outcomes, and follow‑up actions.

  • Contribute to donor cultivation by supplying advocacy updates and success stories.

3. Person specification

Essential

  • Commitment to HKW’s mission and values.

  • Fluent in English and Cantonese (spoken and written).

  • Experience in policy, advocacy, or government engagement.

  • Ability to build and sustain relationships with community leaders and policymakers.

  • Confident public speaker with experience presenting to senior stakeholders.

  • Strong organisational skills, able to plan and deliver against set objectives.

  • Self‑starter, able to work independently and manage time effectively.

Desirable

  • Existing networks within the Hong Kong diaspora or Canadian parliamentary circles.

  • Experience in fundraising, donor relations, or NGO advocacy.

  • Experience of giving media interviews or writing op‑eds.

  • Understanding of migration and diaspora policy issues.

4. Key working relationships

  • HKW Senior Research and Policy Advisor 

  • HKW UK Senior Leadership (policy and communications alignment)

  • Diaspora leaders and grassroots organisations

  • Members of Parliament, parliamentary committees, and government officials

  • Partner NGOs, think tanks, and advocacy coalitions

  • HKW donors and supporters (via the communications team)

5. Values and culture

  • Uphold the mission of HKW to advocate for human rights, freedom, and democracy.

  • Act with integrity and cultural sensitivity when engaging with diaspora communities.

  • Collaborate openly with colleagues across HKW’s global network.

Frances Bell