Research Associate, Indigenous Research

Salary Range: $60,000–$80,000 commensurate with qualifications and experience

Location: Anywhere in Canada

Overview

As Canada’s leading, non-partisan climate policy research organization, the Canadian Climate Institute equips policymakers and policy influencers to advance the development and implementation of evidence-based climate solutions.

Through in-depth research and analysis, innovative communications, and robust engagement, we bring clarity to the most complex challenges of our time and drive real policy results.

If you join our team, you’ll be collaborating with some of the most dedicated and influential thinkers working on climate policy in Canada. Learn about our latest work at climateinstitute.ca

The Role

Reporting to the Director, Indigenous Research, the Research Associate will support the Director in conducting quantitative and qualitative research; contributing to project research methodologies – including those based on best practices in Indigenous research that are relevant and aligned to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis culture and traditions; and helping expand the Institute’s Indigenous networks, partnerships, and collaborations with Indigenous communities and organizations that will support Climate Institute’s research agenda.

Our Indigenous research stream aims to develop sound climate policy that is consistent with self-determination by centering Indigenous-led research. We pursue this work through partnerships with Indigenous-led organizations to amplify Indigenous expertise and knowledge.

We strive to amplify Indigenous voices, experience, and ideas so that our work meaningfully and inclusively embodies First Nations, Métis, and Inuit perspectives. We aim to strengthen the impact and effectiveness of climate policy through actions like Indigenous peer review, co-development of reports, and the commissioning and partnership of Indigenous-led research, communications, and engagement.

Required Qualifications and Skills

• Excellent organizational, planning, and time management skills with the ability to multitask, produce, and coordinate projects to tight deadlines in a remote workplace.
• Master’s degree in Indigenous studies, economics, climate research, political science, social science, environmental studies, or related field.
• Minimum of 2 years related experience.
• An equivalent combination of education and life experience may be considered.
• Preference will be given to qualified applicants of First Nations, Métis, or Inuit ancestry. Please consider self-identifying in your application.
• Experience with climate policy and Indigenous engagement and/or stakeholder relationships in a government, political, corporate, research or non-profit context.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including developing or editing reports, literature review, proposals, presentations, and correspondence.
• Proven experience and knowledge of one or more of the following: decolonization, two-eyed seeing, and/or Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit and a strong background applying Indigenous research methodologies and trauma-informed praxis in your work.
• Ability to collaborate and work on a team and autonomously as we are a virtual organization.
• Experience in researching Indigenous, energy, and climate policy issues, conducting policy analysis, and providing advice and recommendations on policy for diverse audiences is an asset.
• Familiarity with Truth & Reconciliation and UNDRIP is an asset.

If you possess approximately 80 percent of the essential experience/qualifications, we encourage you to apply.

What we Offer

• A full-time (40 hrs/wk) salaried position with occasional travel.
• The opportunity to do meaningful work with a dynamic, highly committed team located across the country.
• A flexible, virtual workplace with funds to cover home-office setup or coworking space.
• Four weeks’ paid vacation plus federal stat holidays and additional paid days off at year-end.
• Up to 5 days of unpaid leave per calendar year in order to participate in traditional Indigenous practices.
• The option to substitute statutory religious holidays for religious or cultural holidays you observe.
• Employer-paid health care benefits, Employee Assistance Program, half-day Fridays in the summer, paid sick days, and paid parental leave among other employee supports.
• An RRSP contribution plan available to staff after one year.
• Funding for professional development, skill training, and participation in conferences.

The Canadian Climate Institute is committed to advancing justice and equity in our organization, our work, and our hiring practices. We encourage applications from Indigenous peoples, visible minorities, women, LGBTQIA2S+, and persons with disabilities, and are working to create an inclusive culture that supports collective growth, learning/unlearning, and meaningful work. We value diverse perspectives and will consider relevant life experience alongside professional qualifications when reviewing applications.