Looking for Literacy Advisor

WHO WE ARE
The Centre for Canadian Language Benchmarks (CCLB)/Centre des niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (CNCLC) is an Ottawa-based, national, non-profit organization. Since 1998, CCLB has been the centre of expertise in support of the Canadian Language Benchmarks and Niveaux de compétence linguistiques canadiens, the national standards for describing, measuring, and recognizing the second- language proficiency of immigrants and prospective immigrants for living and working in Canada. For more information about CCLB/CNCLC, visit www.language.ca.

WHY CCLB/CNCLC?

  • Interesting projects
  • Canada-wide resources and connections
  • Contribute to the field of ESL/FSL
  • Supportive CCLB staff
  • Professional growth and networking
  • Credibility in the field
  • Flexibility
  • Well-paid

APPLICATION PROCESS
Interested individuals are asked to submit the following documents:

  • A resume and cover letter that clearly outlines previous experience aligned with the requirements for the role and establishes expertise required of a Literacy Advisor to a national language project.
  • Optional: Please provide a link (if available) or a digital sample of a comparable project that demonstrates your experience relevant to the Literacy Advisor role.

Please submit your application package including expectations for your hourly consultant pay rate to Carolina Verissimo, CVerissimo@language.ca.

Please ensure that the Subject Line reads: Literacy Advisor.

Open until filled.

We thank all applicants for their interest in this position; however, please note that we will contact only those selected for an interview.

ABOUT
Funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the Centre for Canadian Language Benchmarks is undertaking a three-year project to modernize its national frameworks: CLB: ESL for Adults, NCLC : Français langue seconde pour adultes, CLB: ESL for ALL, NCLC : FLS pour AMA and relevant supports, including the CLB Bootcamp and the Camp de formation aux NCLC.

The purpose of this call is to identify a qualified CLB literacy-focused advisor to support the modernization of the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB). This work will build on recommendations from national consultations conducted in 2025–2026 and will be guided by the CCLB Project Team.

CONSULTANT CONTRACT

100% Remote Work

TERM: August 17, 2026 to December 31, 2026 (with possibility of renewal)

ROLE

The CCLB is inviting Expressions of Interest from qualified individuals or organizations with expertise in CLB literacy and the CLB: ESL for ALL to contribute to the modernization of the CLB.

The Literacy Advisor will be responsible for reviewing consultation data collected to-date and supporting additional research through a variety of activities.

The Literacy Advisor will:

  • Review research, data, and methodology to-date related to the 2025-2026 national consultations;
  • Design a survey and key informant questions aligned with objectives of a literacy-focused consultation;
  • Collaborate with a professional research company to support data gathering and analysis;
  • Conduct key informant interviews and/or online focus groups depending on survey findings to further explore emerging themes as needed; and
  • Prepare a formal, structured report with actionable recommendations to support the literacy-focused modernization of the CLB.

REQUIREMENTS

  • Demonstrated advanced understanding of the CLB framework, the CLB: ESL for ALL Framework, level progression, and its application in adult language education, assessment, curriculum, or program delivery.
  • Experience as Literacy Instructor or Literacy Program Coordinator within a LINC, EAL and/or government-funded adult language training program.
  • Expertise in principles and practices of literacy instruction in adult ESL education.
  • Experience developing and analyzing surveys and conducting qualitative research (interviews and/or focus groups).
  • Familiarity with or openness to using select AI tools for workflow and design. Previous training in AI is an asset.
  • Excellent written communication and reporting skills.
  • While work for this position will be completed in English, English/French bilingualism is an asset.
  • Consultants are required to have a safe remote working environment and technology necessary for the project. This includes but is not limited to reliable, secure Wi-Fi, laptop, and software (Microsoft Office). The CCLB does not provide technology to consultants or contractors.

ESTIMATED TIME COMMITMENT

  • Part-time, casual contract. Approximately 80 hours between August through December 2026. Specific hours of work will vary depending on project needs.
  • Must have flexible availability between 9:00am and 5:00pm ET for collaborating with various CCLB internal and project teams, who may be located across Canada.