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Policy Researcher

Job IDE9-8A-1E-6F-31-0F
CompanyThe Native Women's Association Of Canada
LocationGatineau
ProvinceQuebec
Date Posted2022-10-26
Posted Until2023-04-24
Job TypeFixed-term
Job CategoryMiscellaneous
Description
Reports to: Director, Policy & Programs
Term: Fixed-Term (October 2022 - March 31, 2023)
Closing Date: Open until filled

Your Impact
The Native Women's Association of Canada (NWAC) is a political advocacy organization representing the interests of First Nation, Metis, and Inuit women, girls, and gender diverse people, including those who are non-status. NWAC is an aggregate of Indigenous women's organizations from across Canada with representation in each province and territory, incorporated as a non-profit organization in 1974.

This exciting opportunity aims to make a difference in the lives of Indigenous women, girls and gender diverse people at both local and global levels through health research that is grounded in Indigenous and decolonizing methodologies and community-based research approaches.

General Duties
The NWAC Researcher will:
- Design, develop, and lead research projects on a series of priority areas impacting the health and wellbeing of Indigenous communities across Turtle Island;
- Conduct qualitative and quantitative research and analysis in various priority areas to support policy development within NWAC, other advocacy organizations, and government bodies to best advocate for Indigenous women;
- Apply a culturally relevant gender-based analysis to all research;
- Maintains and applies knowledge of research related policies and procedures (e.g. Integrity in Research policy, Tri-Council Policy for Research Involving the First Nations, Inuit and Metis Peoples of Canada, etc.) and develop new policies as required;
- Establish and execute effective networking strategies with various stakeholders such as academics, provincial and territorial associations, Indigenous women and gender-diverse community members and their families, Indigenous non-profit organizations, and private sector stakeholders;
- Provide thorough and concise briefings on research to the Director, Policy & Programs to help enhance uptake of research to guide NWAC's overall decision-making processes and policy directions;
- Plan and carryout community consultations, engagements, and information gathering sessions on a full range of policy areas;
- Develop culturally grounded and innovative knowledge translation products to ensure uptake of research;
- Participate in and represent NWAC at various research meetings with stakeholders to support research directions and report outcomes to the Supervisor.

What we Value
- We value diversity, sharing, adaptability and a willingness to learn;
- NWACs policy unit strives to be authentic, respectful, responsive, and anti-oppressive. We value decolonized and community-based approaches to policy that are informed by the lived experiences of Indigenous women, girls, and gender diverse people;
- We value inclusive, intersectional, and gender-based approaches to all our policy work.

How we Work
- Informed by our guiding principles, methodology, and ethics, we identify, research, and respond to different policy issues following our Policy Development Framework;
- We are prepared to research and advocate for short, medium, and long-term priorities as well as immediate and urgent needs as they emerge;
- To ensure we remain accountable, we continuously engage with our Board of Directors and communities, consistently apply our Guiding Principles, prioritize inter-departmental collaboration and knowledge translation, and conduct analysis and process evaluation.

Criteria
Education and Experience Requirements
- University degree in a relevant field (e.g. Indigenous Studies, Social Sciences, Health Sciences, Public Health etc.);
- Master's Degree is an asset;
- Significant and relevant experience in co-developing and implementing qualitative and quantitative research with Indigenous peoples, and presenting gathered information in various documents and reports;
- Experience working with senior officials and decision-makers, including Directors and above;
- At least 6 years of relevant work with NGOs, Indigenous organizations, interest groups, government agencies, or business/corporate entities in a policy function.

Knowledge
- Significant understanding of Indigenous knowledge systems and Indigenous research methodologies, implementation and program sciences, Indigenous evaluation and strengths-based approaches in research;
- Knowledge and understanding of historical and contemporary concerns and issues Indigenous women, girls, and gender diverse people face on Turtle Island;
- Knowledge and understanding of Indigenous Peoples in Canada and internationally, our diverse cultures, histories, and traditions;
- Knowledge of key issues impacting Indigenous women and girls in Canada and internationally.

Skills and Abilities
- Knowledge and experience operationalizing Indigenous principles of community engagement;
- Ability to respectfully conduct research and analysis with Indigenous peoples and present information in various reports;
- Ability to develop recommendations to support senior management with their decision-making processes with policy directions;
- Ability to develop and deliver presentations to various groups of rightsholders and stakeholders;
- Ability to work in a fast-pace environment with changing priorities and short deadlines.

Effective Skills
- Research
- Strong communication both written and verbal
- Interpersonal skills
- Analytical skills
- Conflict resolution and mentorship
- Collaboration with diverse partners
- Integrity and respect

Language
- Fluency in English is essential. Knowledge of Indigenous languages and/or French is a strong asset.
Salary$57,500-$65,000 per year
LanguagesEnglish
How To ApplyPreference will be given to individuals of Indigenous ancestry, please self-identify.

We thank all applicants for their interest in this opportunity. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Accommodations will be provided at all stages of the hiring process. We ask applicants to make their needs known in advance.

Please submit resume and covering letter to: apply@nwac.ca