Researcher

Researcher

The OFIFC is an award winning leader in culture-based management providing innovative research, policy, training and community development to 29 Friendship Centres and other urban Indigenous service providers across Ontario.  Located in downtown Toronto, the OFIFC engages all levels of government and mainstream agencies.

OFIFC is a purpose-driven organisation which offers unique and challenging work.  A rewarding and enriching career awaits if you are skilled at building relationships, take personal accountability for getting things done and enjoy working as part of a team to collaboratively solve problems.

Responsibilities:

Working as part of a team in a fast paced environment where the main responsibilities include planning for, designing and conducting OFIFC’s research projects in accordance with the USAI (Utility, Self-Voicing, Access, Inter-relationality) Research Framework.

Qualifications:

• Awareness of Indigenous culture;
• Completion of post-secondary education and/or industry courses relevant to social research; social sciences graduate preferred;
• Minimum 5 years’ experience working with Indigenous populations and/or agencies in a research capacity;
• Minimum 2 years’ experience undertaking research projects;
• Proficiency in NVivo, STATA, SPSS and other research-related software and analytical programs;
• Proficiency in data recording programs, software and devices;
• Ability to extract, collect, analyse and interpret both qualitative and quantitative data, including statistical analysis;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Access, etc.);
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; and
• Criminal Reference Clearance (CPIC) and Vulnerable Sector Clearance are requirements of the employment offer.

Job Description

Supervision: Employed by the OFIFC, responsible to the policies and directions as determined by the Board of Directors and under the direct supervision of the Executive Director, or designate.  Daily supervision is designated to the Research Director.

VISION

Primary Objective:

To plan for, design and conduct OFIFC’s research projects in accordance with the USAI (Utility, Self-Voicing, Access, Inter-relationality) Research Framework.

KNOWLEDGE

Core Competencies:

• Culture - Takes personal responsibility to increase sensitivity, awareness and implementation of OFIFC’s Neha (bundle) including foundational teachings and organisational practices in both professional conduct and work-related deliverables.
• Accountability - Takes personal ownership and responsibility for the quality and timeliness of work commitments.
• Critical Thinking - Applies systematic, logical reasoning when addressing problems or situations in order to arrive at an appropriate solution or outcome.
• Building Relationships and Strategic Partnerships - Builds, develops and sustains business relationships / strategic partnerships that are mutually beneficial, reciprocal and grounded in trust and respect.  It is recognising we are all interdependent and working towards the common good of the organisation.
• Results Orientation - Accomplishes established goals, delivers the outcomes required and achieves the results.  It includes the efficient and effective use of all resources (time, financial, people and technology).
• Teamwork and Collaboration - Works collaboratively with others and addresses conflict in a win-win productive manner.  This includes a mindset of sharing with others whether it is knowledge, recognition, information and skills.  Working towards a common purpose for the good of OFIFC and the communities of people it serves.
• Communication - Effectively delivers information in a transparent, honest and clear manner.  It includes actively listening, comprehending and responding appropriately when interacting with people.  It is about being respectful when expressing opinions and points of view. 

Technical Competencies:

• Proficiency in NVivo, STATA, SPSS and other research-related software and analytic programs
• Proficiency in data recording programs, software and devices
• Ability to extract, collect, analyse and interpret both qualitative and quantitative data, including statistical analysis
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Access, etc.)
• Excellent oral and written communication skills

Behavioural Competencies:                              

• Analytical Thinking
• Problem Solving
• Time Management
• Planning and Organising
• Team Player

Education/Work Experience:

• Completion of post-secondary education and/or industry courses relevant to social research; social sciences graduate preferred

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience working with Indigenous populations and/or agencies in a research capacity

• Minimum of 2 years’ experience undertaking research projects

REASON

Work Environment:

Works in a safe and suitable office environment performing multiple tasks with simultaneous deadlines.  Works within a team setting.

Working Hours:

Works a regular 40 hour work week.  Travels within Canada, mainly Ontario 5 – 10 times per year.

ACTION

Scope:

To plan, design and conduct research that is aligned with OFIFC’s long-range strategic plan, ensuring adherence to USAI principles and meeting the needs of Friendship Centre communities.

Key Contacts/Relationships:

Internal

Communicates and collaborates with staff in a research capacity.  Works closely with the Research Director and Research workgroup.

External

Acts as liaison with collaborators and consultants to ensure deliverables are on track and fall within the scope of research projects.  Communicates with Friendship Centres, local communities and researchers. Communicates with academic institutions to ensure the adherence to USAI principles, research procedures and the ethics review process.

Key Responsibilities:

Research Planning, Conduct and Analysis (70%):

• Gathers, classifies and assesses studies, reports and recommendations that are consistent with OFIFC priorities;

• Ensures all research projects are grounded in the USAI Research Framework and pass the OFIFC’s ethics review;

• Develops and uses culturally-grounded research tools;

• Designs and uses USAI-appropriate methods to plan for, organise and conduct research projects;

• Collects, extracts, organises, codes and analyses data;

• Reports on research findings;

Field Support (15%):

• Provides research support to Friendship Centres, local communities and researchers;

• Collects and analyses information on Friendship Centres’ research needs and priorities;

• Maintains correspondence and communication related to research;

Research Records Management (10%):

• Develops, maintains, and protects a comprehensive and accurate database of both paper and electronic records, meeting the objectives of the OFIFC research vision and according to the OFIFC’s Research Procedures;

Other (5%):

• Keeps abreast of useful information, resources, tools, academic and technological development in related fields to ensure research capacity is up-to-date;

• Maintains and upgrades professional skills;

• Promotes a healthy, safe work environment; and

• Performs other duties, related to the position, as assigned by the Executive Director or designate.