Researcher

ONWA MANDATE

The Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) is a not for profit organization that empowers and supports Indigenous women and their families in the province of Ontario.

ONWA encourages the participation of Indigenous women in the development of Federal, Provincial, Municipal/Local government policies that impact their lives and ensure issues affecting Indigenous women and their families are heard at key government tables.

ONWA is committed to providing services that strengthen communities and guarantees the preservation of Indigenous culture, identity, art, language and heritage. Ending violence against Indigenous women and their families and ensuring equal access to justice, education, health, environmental stewardship and economic development, sits at the cornerstone of the organization. ONWA insists on social and cultural well – being for all Indigenous women and their families, so that all women, regardless of tribal heritage may live their best lives.

SCOPE:

The Researcher will be responsible for conducting culturally grounded, trauma-informed, and gender-based research within ONWA’s She Is Wise Research Framework. The Researcher will demonstrate competence in Indigenous research methodologies and gender-based analysis in order to conduct community-based research and make recommendations on current issues facing Indigenous women and their families. They will conduct research and report/proposal writing pertaining to a variety of issues facing Indigenous women and their families, with particular focus on ending violence against Indigenous women. The Researcher will work collaboratively with Policy Analysts and Research Assistants to prepare research papers, policy recommendations and project reports. The Researcher will develop short and long term research work plans that are directly connected to the ONWA strategic plan. The Researcher will need to analyze current data and identify to the ONWA potential funding opportunities on the horizon. The Researcher will represent ONWA at regional and/or provincial government committees and tables. They will bring to the attention of the ONWA, current developments in research that affect Indigenous women and their families.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A post-secondary degree in the areas of Social Science (s), Political Science, Indigenous / Women’s Studies and a minimum of 3-5 years work experience in Indigenous research and Gender-Based Analysis, or an equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Knowledge of the corporate nature, government systems and administration and the ability to interact with government departments, Indigenous organizations and communities.
• Knowledge and working of Not-For-Profit Organizations.
• Knowledge and understanding of issues impacting Indigenous women and their families, including gender-based violence, sexual violence and Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG)
• Demonstrated familiarity with gender-based analysis
• Demonstrated organizational and time management skills, self-confident presentation, and ability to follow through on assigned duties independently within strict deadlines.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with emphasis on keen listening and ability to effectively interpret verbal communications and needs of prospective Community Members.
• A thorough understanding of community-driven research, Indigenous research methodologies, and a range of analytical techniques.
• Skilled in the conduct of in-depth interviews, including with those who have experienced violence and/or trauma.
• Excellent working knowledge of MS Office Software, Excel, Word, Power Point.
• Experience working with Indigenous Peoples, knowledge of Indigenous cultures and traditions.
• Ability to travel.
• Must be dependable, able to follow instructions, respond to management direction and be able to improve performance through management feedback
• Current, valid vulnerable sector criminal records check. Valid 1st Aid/CPR.
• Ability to speak and Indigenous Language is considered an asset.
• A cellular phone and internet access is required within this position.
• Valid G Class Driver’s License, clean drivers abstract and access to a reliable vehicle with appropriate insurance.
• Must be willing and able to work a flexible working from home arrangement if required. This may include a combination of virtual remote work in your home and in office arrangements. This will be based on operational needs and will be determined by ONWA.

KEY CORE COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:

• Inter-cultural Competency Informed – Understands to incorporate a personal responsibility to increase sensitivity, awareness and implementation of ONWA’s cultural teachings and organizational practices in both professional conduct and work related deliverables.

• Indigenous Gender-Based Analysis Informed – Understands to incorporate an intersectional approach to gender, race and discrimination and subsequent intergenerational impacts affecting Indigenous women and their families.

• Trauma-Based Practice Informed – Understands to incorporate a trauma-informed approach to recognize and respond to all forms of trauma and the necessity of supporting Indigenous women in a culture of tradition and safety in her healing journey.

• She is Wise Leadership Informed – Understands to incorporate the Four Agreements within daily responsibilities and combined with ONWA’s cultural teachings contribute to the empowerment and leadership of Indigenous women within their communities.

RESPONSIBILITIES-SPECIFIC:

1. Lead in the execution of ONWA’s She is Wise Sexual Violence Research Project, under the supervision of the Manager of Policy, Research and Evaluation
2. Develop and implement a work plan that is in line with the strategic direction of the ONWA and grounded in culture.
3. Monitor factors (including political, social, economic and culture) influencing Indigenous women and their families including issues of violence against women
4. Conduct research, community engagements, interviews, focus groups, and compile statistical information, in accordance with Indigenous methodologies and as required.
5. Conduct culturally-grounded, trauma-informed, and gender-based research within ONWA’s She Is Wise Research Framework
6. Prepare research papers, recommendations, briefing notes, position papers, project proposals and reports.
7. Review and write critical summaries of research literature, data, and/or public policies
8. Analyze current and future research data in an effort to identify trends to secure future funding on issues facing Indigenous Women and their families.
9. Develop innovative and culturally appropriate models.
10. Responsible for the monthly, quarterly and yearly reporting requirements of ONWA research projects.
11. Make recommendations to the Manager on emerging issues.
12. Work as part of a team both within the organization and with external funders and partners.
13. Attend meetings as required; represent ONWA at relevant committees and tables.
14. Undertake as requested, administrative and clerical tasks associated with the Department of Policy, Research and Evaluation.
15. Prepare articles for publishing in ONWA newsletter or other related sources.
16. All other duties as required.

RESPONSIBILITIES – ADMINISTRATIVE:

1. Complete monthly reports and submit to Manager and/or Director when required
2. Complete quarterly reports on or before the requested due date
3. Complete reports to funders as required
4. Complete and attend supervisions with Manager and/or Director on a regular basis
5. Other reports or admin as assigned.

RESPONSIBILITIES – PUBLIC RELATIONS:

1. Promote the program within the community
2. To adhere to professionalism in representing the organization at all times and maintain good communications.

EXPECTED STANDARDS OF PERFORMANCE:

1. Adhere to the Policies and Procedures as set by the ONWA
2. Representation on committees as required for the enhancement and benefits of ONWA’s programs.
3. To network and promote ONWA and all ONWA related programs. Maintain good communication.
4. Maintain professionalism at all times.
5. The completion of functions outlined in the description and the achievement of goals set to a high level.
6. Attendance and conduct at work according to the requirements of the Association’s Personnel Policy.
7. Adherence to the Code of Ethics, and positive relationship building.

AUTHORITY:

To execute the functions outlined in this job description.

ACCOUNTABILITY:

The Researcher will be directly accountable to the Manager of Policy, Research and Evaluation for the proper completion of the functions outlined in the job description.

Indigenous Women are particularly encouraged to apply.

We welcome applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

As Indigenous leaders, ONWA is continuing full operations including hiring, while working from home, as supporting our community members is a priority. ONWA is scheduling all interviews, providing all training, onboarding and orientation for new employees, through the use of virtual tools. We will continue to accommodate remote and home based work arrangements in an effort to keep our ONWA employees healthy and safe