Research Support Officer (Summer Term Position) Job Posting- April 2021

Job Title:                               Research Support Officer (Summer Term Position)

Supervised by:                      Policy Advocacy Advisor

Mentored by:                         Executive Director

Organization:                        Yukon Aboriginal Women’s Council (YAWC)

Location:                               Whitehorse, Yukon 

Term (anticipated):                May 2021 to October 2021 (max. 23-week term)

Pay:                                       $20 per hour 

 

The Organization

The Yukon Aboriginal Women’s Council (YAWC) is a non-profit society located in Whitehorse, Yukon, that supports leadership and advancement for and by Indigenous women, girls and gender diverse people in the Yukon Territory and northern British Columbia. Rooted in First Nation cultures and traditions, YAWC has advocated for the rights of Indigenous women in the Yukon and northern BC for more than 50 years.

Mission

“Working towards a resilient and robust community by empowering Indigenous women, gender diverse people, and their families through culturally inclusive advocacy, healing, learning, and sharing while celebrating success.”

Vision

“To advocate on behalf of Indigenous women, girls, and gender diverse people in the Yukon and northern BC to enhance, promote, and foster their social, economic, cultural, and political well-being. We aim to empower and celebrate Indigenous women, embrace their roles in communities, territories, and lands and to provide support and resources to promote and foster leadership roles, support and enforce their inherent, civil and human rights, and recognize and preserve their cultures and values.”

Mandate

“To build strong relationships among Indigenous women, gender diverse people, organizations, and partners across our service area with a collaborative approach. Providing responsive, effective, and empowering research, advocacy, outreach, access to healing and wellness resources, and personal and professional development at the territorial, national, and international levels.”

The Opportunity

YAWC’s Research Support Officer will contribute to YAWC’s governing, research, communications, and program events and activities. The successful candidate will engage in all areas of YAWC’s operations and work directly with the dedicated and knowledgeable YAWC staff on projects and topics supporting YAWC’s mission. This position provides an opportunity to use your skills to support programming and advocacy efforts impacting the lives of Indigenous women, girls, and gender diverse people in Yukon and northern BC.

YAWC wants to ensure that you will have a quality work experience. Weekly supervision and mentorship sessions will be part of this position. Areas of growth will be identified by the candidate at the beginning of the term and a training and development plan will be developed with the supervisor and the mentor. 

The successful candidate will have opportunities to build and improve their team work, communication, digital, leadership, and research skills by conducting the following tasks:

  • Reviewing and digitizing historic records of the organization
  • Researching policies and guidelines of charities to learn about NGO governance
  • Drafting governance documents in consultation with YAWC team
  • Preparing scan of YAWC’s service area to determine potential partners for projects
  • Presenting research findings on issues to the YAWC team
  • Gathering stories of former programs and advocacy and preparation of web content

Key Qualifications

To be considered, candidates must:

  • have an interest in social justice and empowerment of Indigenous women and
  • support Indigenous self-determination.

To succeed in the role of Research Support Officer, the candidate must:

  • have research, organizational, and writing skills (including vetting of sources, providing citations, summarizing complex issues and prioritizing tasks) and
  • have a growth mindset (willingness to learn and share their knowledge).

YAWC will value lived experience as Indigenous woman or gender diverse person relevant to YAWC’s mandate alongside formal qualifications and previous work experience.

Knowledge, Skills, Language and Abilities

  • Computer office software
  • Friendly and committed to building strong and collaborative relationships
  • Uphold integrity, confidentiality, and respect
  • Work within established organizational practices, protocols and policies
  • Knowledge around research ethics such as OCAP would be considered an asset
  • Experience working with an Indigenous organization would be considered an asset
  • Must be able to communicate effectively in English (verbally, written and comprehension)
  • Indigenous language skills would be considered asset

Who can apply?  

To be eligible, you must meet the following criteria:

  • be between 18 and 30 years of age at the start of the employment;
  • be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident with a valid Social Insurance Number

We strongly encourage Indigenous women and LGBTQIA2S+ youth to apply for this position!

 How to apply?

Please submit your application package via email to director@yawc.ca (subject line: Application Research Support Officer) by 11:59pm Friday April 30, 2021.

The application package should include:

  • Updated cover letter outlining why you are interested in YAWC and this position
  • Updated resume noting your education, work and volunteer experience
  • One reference letter from a current or former teacher or professor
  • Your latest unofficial or official transcript (from a education institution)

YAWC will consider applications from youth that have not had any work experience yet.

YAWC will value lived experience as Indigenous woman or gender diverse person relevant to YAWC’s mandate alongside formal qualifications and previous work experiences.

If you cannot provide one the above noted elements of the application package, please connect with us for alternatives to be considered in this competition.

Working Environment

This position works in a fast-paced office environment which include:

  • Regular critical deadlines, constant interruptions, shifting priorities
  • Working irregular hours to facilitate or attend meetings in Whitehorse and communities
  • Being adaptable, flexible, and maintaining strict confidentiality of information
  • Dealing with sensitive and confidential information
  • Inclusive and safe workplace with diverse socio-economic demographics
  • Substance-free, healthy and safe workplace
  • Professional and compassionate staff

Questions

Please direct questions via email to policy@yawc.ca (subject line: Application Research Support Officer)