Afa Javadova, Ph.D.
Vaughan,ON
Summary
Results-driven Policy and Program Analyst with over 15 years of experience in the Canadian federal government and higher education sectors, specializing in immigration, settlement, labor market integration, and social policy. Expertise in advancing equity, inclusion, and anti-racism through the development of evidence-based policies and programs. Demonstrated proficiency in legislative interpretation, policy research, and providing strategic advisory support to senior leadership, alongside managing federal budgets exceeding $56 million. Committed to delivering impactful policy recommendations, enhancing accountability frameworks, and fostering continuous improvement within complex, multi-stakeholder environments.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Policy Advisor
Konan Law Immigration Firm
12.2024 - Current
- Led a legal services team of 10+ staff, delivering high-quality, client-centered services that consistently met or exceeded contractual obligations and performance targets, while ensuring alignment with evolving regulatory frameworks and policy mandates.
- Oversaw program operations and compliance, managing program budgets totaling $5M, optimizing resource allocation to enhance efficiency, and applying performance indicators and benchmarking tools to monitor outcomes against regulatory and contractual standards.
Strengthened community partnerships and stakeholder relationships, expanding access to legal services for over 3,000 clients annually, and collaborating with government agencies, international institutions, and regulatory bodies to advance governance and reform objectives. - Designed and delivered staff training and professional development initiatives to improve skills, knowledge, and overall team performance, with a focus on regulatory compliance, policy research methodologies, and adoption of international best practices.
Policy Analyst
Toronto Metropolitan University
11.2021 - Current
- Led interdisciplinary research partnerships under the Urban Sanctuary, Migrant Solidarity, and Hospitality project, securing external funding and producing policy reports on women, refugee, and migrant rights.
- Conducted qualitative and quantitative research on refugee resettlement, newcomer integration outcomes, and gender-specific barriers, generating evidence-based recommendations to inform policy and program development.
- Analyzed immigration and citizenship policies in Canada, the U.S., and New Zealand to identify systemic gaps affecting women and vulnerable populations; translated findings into policy briefs, stakeholder workshops, and community reports that strengthened equity-focused initiatives.
- Presented policy research and analysis at international conferences, shaping policy dialogue and advancing collaboration across academia, government, and grassroots organizations.
- Liaised with 30+ Toronto-based refugee-serving organizations and settlement agencies to co-develop practical policy tools and advocacy briefs, directly improving service delivery and advancing migrants’ rights.
Adjunct Professor
Yorkville University
01.2023 - Current
- Designed engaging curriculum frameworks for the Master’s and Project Management programs, with an emphasis on graduate-level topics in public administration, organizational leadership, and communication.
- Developed the graduate-level course Leading through Conflict and Change (MPPA6153), which received accreditation approval from the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education, Training, & Labour.
- Planned materials and lectures, and provided mentorship and career support to students, advising them on academic research and professional development.
- Created an interactive and inclusive learning environment by encouraging student participation and applying active learning strategies, which resulted in student pass rates exceeding 90%.
- Consistently received high evaluations and strong appreciation from students for teaching effectiveness, mentorship, and professional guidance.
Integration Program Officer | Acting Supervisor
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
06.2019 - 01.2024
- Oversaw a $56 million Grants and Contributions portfolio, ensuring effective delivery of settlement services—including language training, employment readiness, housing, and food security, to support newcomers, refugees, and women facing systemic barriers.
- Strengthened accountability by auditing funded organizations, enhancing transparency, and optimizing service delivery to vulnerable populations.
- Built collaborative partnerships with NGOs, municipalities, and community organizations, aligning federal funding with local settlement needs and advancing programs that support women, migrants, and marginalized communities.
- Provided policy and program advice to senior management, promoting equitable access to settlement services and improving outcomes for women and other vulnerable groups.
- Received an Employee Excellence Award in recognition of outstanding leadership, program management, and contributions to improving settlement services for newcomers, refugees, and women.
Policy Advisor | Political & Economic Affairs
U.S. Embassy to Azerbaijan/U.S. Consulate-General
05.2009 - 01.2017
- Conducted in-depth policy analysis and provided policy recommendations on social and economic development, human rights, and anti-trafficking initiatives, ensuring marginalized and vulnerable groups were represented in program and policy design.
- Collaborated with government agencies, grassroots organizations, and international NGOs to design and strengthen community protection mechanisms, victim assistance programs, and anti-trafficking measures.
- Developed reports, advocacy briefs, and official submissions on labour practices, migration, and human trafficking, directly contributing to U.S. Department of State human rights reports and informing policy decisions.
- Facilitated multi-stakeholder consultations and roundtables with NGOs, survivor networks, and local service providers to ensure evidence-based approaches reflected on-the-ground realities.
- Honored with the Franklin and Meritorious Honor awards for outstanding service and measurable community impact, recognizing leadership in advancing policy dialogue, building NGO-government partnerships, and supporting human rights defenders.
Education
PhD - Policy Studies, Public Administration, Immigration, Citizenship
Toronto Metropolitan University
Toronto, CanadaMaster of Arts - Global Citizenship, Identities & Human Rights
University of Nottingham
Nottingham, The United KingdomMaster's Degree - English & Communication
Azerbaijan University of Languages
Baku, AzerbaijanBachelor's Degree - English & Translation
Azerbaijan University of Languages
Baku, AzerbaijanSkills
- Policy Development & Analysis
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Strategic Partnerships
- Qualitative & Quantitative Research
- Budget & Grants Administration
- Data Analysis & Evaluation
- Communication
- Public Engagement
- Grant & Proposal Writing
- Team Leadership & Mentorship
Awards
IRCC Employee Award – Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (2022)
IRCC Certificate of Appreciation – Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (2021)
Graduate Student Scholarship – Government of Ontario (2017)
Franklin Award & Meritorious Service Awards – U.S. Department of State (2015)
Languages
Turkish
Native or Bilingual
Azerbaijani
Native or Bilingual
Russian
Full Professional
French
Elementary
Certification
- HarvardX: Exercising Leadership: Foundational Principles | Harvard University (2025)
- LERRN Fieldwork Training & Cross-Cultural Research | Carleton University (2024)
- Ethics in Social & Behavioral Research | CITI Program (2024)
- Financial Delegations for Grants & Contributions | IRCC Canada (2018)
- Access to Information and Protection of Privacy | Toronto Metropolitan University (2018)
- Program Management Certificate | U.S. Department of Defense (2015)
Technical Skills
Project Management | Grants & Contributions Management | SPSS | NVIVO | Tableau | Microsoft Office Suite | LMS | SharePoint | Adobe Acrobat | Zoom | Google Classroom
Timeline
Senior Policy Advisor
Konan Law Immigration Firm
12.2024 - Current
Adjunct Professor
Yorkville University
01.2023 - Current
Policy Analyst
Toronto Metropolitan University
11.2021 - Current
Integration Program Officer | Acting Supervisor
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
06.2019 - 01.2024
Policy Advisor | Political & Economic Affairs
U.S. Embassy to Azerbaijan/U.S. Consulate-General
05.2009 - 01.2017
PhD - Policy Studies, Public Administration, Immigration, Citizenship
Toronto Metropolitan University
Master of Arts - Global Citizenship, Identities & Human Rights
University of Nottingham
Master's Degree - English & Communication
Azerbaijan University of Languages
Bachelor's Degree - English & Translation
Azerbaijan University of Languages