Position Title: Research Officer, ENGAGE
Department: Coady Institute
Position Type: Full-time, 2 year term
Classification: MPE Band D
Salary Range: $54,782-66,950
Posting Date: August 9, 2024
Closing Date: August 26, 2024
Position Description
The Research Officer will support Coady's growing global and national project partnerships in knowledge creation and dissemination. The Research Officer will report to the Project Manager of the ENGAGE Women's Empowerment and Active Citizenship project, a $10 million, multi-year (2019-2026) initiative co-funded by the Coady Institute and Global Affairs Canada that works with five partner agencies to support the development of women leaders promoting gender equitable change in their communities through the application of an asset-based, citizen led approach. The Research Officer will support partners and Coady program staff in applying innovative participatory approaches to stakeholder and community engagement, community-led research, and leadership for systems change.
The Officer will work collaboratively with other members of the Coady team, the Engage team, partners, and stakeholders to build the capacity of our network, partners, and communities by developing and implementing evidence-informed tools, resources, and learning opportunities. This will include direct engagement (for example, in research design, workshop design and facilitation, supporting virtual convenings, data collection and analysis, and report writing), coordination of research projects and learning innovations, and support in an advisory capacity. The Research Officer will also support education programs and other project partnerships as needed, looking for research synergies between them. The Officer will remain current on emergent theories, approaches, and methodologies to support this work.
Experience with knowledge mobilization and translation, participatory research approaches and tools, and gender-based analysis are assets. This position requires frequent engagement and problem solving with local partners; gathering information from diverse sources; drafting and reviewing a variety of outputs including research reports and tools; and maintaining project record keeping within existing systems and programs. Advanced computer skills sufficient to operate online systems and complex software and analyze excel data is required. Graphic design experience is highly desired.
Key Responsibilities
- Evaluate and apply innovative approaches to stakeholder and community engagement, community-led research, and leadership for systems change and remain current about emergent theories, approaches, and methodologies. Synthesize, and make accessible, research findings and other evidence that may support the expected deliverables of Coady projects.
- Support the project manager(s) and program teaching staff research lead in building the capacity of ENGAGE partners and other stakeholders as well as other projects as required through the design and implementation of engagement, research innovation and impact activities.
- Coordinate and support the design, development and implementation of the ENGAGE project's action research and learning innovations.
- Work closely with the ENGAGE project and research staff to support research processes in Canada and internationally.
- Plan, design, and host collaborative learning spaces as needed to support knowledge generation and dissemination. Conduct environmental scans and background literature reviews as needed. Prepare and disseminate reports that articulate the experiences of partners related to thematic work.
- Work alongside colleagues and partners to support various knowledge mobilization and knowledge translation activities, as related to the Coady project's scopes of work and strategic priorities. This may include designing, writing, and disseminating academic papers, emergent best practices summaries, toolkits, resources, infographics, workshop/conference presentations, quarterly activity reports, funding proposals, and other knowledge products.
- Represent Coady at events or external meetings, when requested.
- Actively participate in staff meetings and provide input towards developing other organizational activities, practices and policies as required.
- Other tasks as appropriate and to be determined based on the person's interests and the organization's needs.
Qualifications
- Master's degree in a related social sciences discipline such as international development, political science, adult education, etc.
- Master's degree in a related social sciences discipline such as international development, political science, adult education, etc.
- Minimum of 3 years' related experience in research coordination, community-engaged research, workshop design, etc.
- Strong organizational skills with attention to fine details and multiple tasks.
- Excellent collaboration, communication, interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with a geographically and culturally diverse team.
- Advanced skills in all MS Office components (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) are essential.
- This position may require a flexible work week during peak periods.
- Bilingualism, experience working in developing regions/the Global South, and familiarity with research software (Atlas.ti, NViVo, QDA) will be considered assets
To apply for this opportunity, click the "Apply Now" button and upload your cover letter, resume and references.
StFX is located in Mi'kma'ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi'kmaq People.
Our institution is committed to upholding the values of equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including Indigenous persons (especially Mi'kmaq), racialized persons (especially African Nova Scotians), persons with disabilities, those who identify as women and/or 2SLGBTQIA and any others who would contribute to the diversity of our community. Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, applications from Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.
We are also committed to the elimination of barriers to participation for persons with disabilities. Should you require an accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact People and Culture at hr@stfx.ca or 902-867-5038.
About The Coady Institute
Located on the campus of St. Francis Xavier University in Mi'kma'ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi'kmaw people, the Coady Institute is a global leader in citizen-led, community-driven, asset-based approaches to change. In collaboration with partners and change agents in Canada and worldwide, the Institute works to strengthen local economies, build resilient communities, and promote accountable governance. The successful candidate will join a dynamic group of individuals working towards a "full and abundant life, for all." Together, we strive to build safe, welcoming, and inclusive spaces and commit to the principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice, at our workplace and in community.
Coady Institute's courses are tailored to community leaders and practitioners and offered on campus, online, and in communities both in Canada and around the world. The Institute's research and documentation agenda works with partners to apply a participatory, non-extractive and non-exploitative approach to the analysis and documentation of community change processes.
Established in 1853, St. Francis Xavier University (StFX) is consistently recognized as one of the best universities in Canada. StFX exceeds the needs of today's undergraduates through providing the very best academic experience -- outstanding teaching, exceptional hands-on research opportunities, and global exchanges -- all within Canada's most vibrant and inspiring residential campus. Here, the focus is on the academic and the personal development of every student, making community and social engagement a large part of the learning experience. Our students are academically strong and highly engaged in every aspect of life, determined to make a positive impact on the world
About St. Francis Xavier University
Established in 1853, St. Francis Xavier University (StFX) is consistently recognized as one of the best universities in Canada. StFX exceeds the needs of today's undergraduates by providing the very best academic experience -- outstanding teaching, exceptional hands-on research opportunities, and global exchanges -- all within Canada's most vibrant and inspiring residential campus. Here, the focus is on the academic and personal development of every student, making community and social engagement a large part of the learning experience. Our students are academically strong and highly engaged in every aspect of life, determined to make a positive impact on the world.
In 2022, Maclean's annual university rankings put StFX #1 in student satisfaction and #2 in reputation across Canada in the primarily undergraduate category. For more, visit www.stfx.ca .
About Antigonish, Nova Scotia
The beautiful and historic town of Antigonish is located within the northeastern corner of Nova Scotia. Only a 15-minute drive from the ocean and a two-hour drive to major urban centres, Antigonish is a family-friendly community with a diverse and growing population and provides access to excellent education at all levels. The town is surrounded by rolling countryside and beautiful beaches and is a hotspot for outdoor recreation, sports and other active lifestyle activities. Antigonish supports a vibrant culture in the arts with music, performing arts, visual arts and crafts, and fabulous festivals happening throughout the year. For more information visit www.townofantigonish.ca or www.visitantigonish.ca .