Research Coordinator

The Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre Society (VAFCS) is a non-profit charitable organization serving the Urban Aboriginal community with a mandate to provide programs and services that will contribute to the cultural, educational, social, economic, and recreational development of Urban Aboriginal people. The Society manages twenty-three programs and services through three locations in Vancouver. The Friendship Centre at 1607 East Hastings is a community-led organization creating meaningful change for the Urban Aboriginal Population that we serve. VAFCS is currently seeking an individual connected with the Indigenous community, highly organized, and self-motivated to work with us!

The ideal candidate has Aboriginal life experience or has worked in the Metro Vancouver Aboriginal community with firsthand knowledge of the common life experience of Aboriginal Peoples. Qualified Aboriginal candidates are preferred in accordance with Section 41 of the BC Humans Rights Code.

Program Summary

VAFCS WAGE Capacity Building project is a proactive approach to addressing gender-based violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people. This will be achieved by improving the overall capacity of the organization, particularly the management team through training initiatives and other activities.

This project will also involve an equity audit carried out through a GBA+ lens focusing on discovering possible barriers to services and areas of improvement within the organization. It will include an internal and external survey and a review of the hiring processes.

The Capacity Building project will also involve a research project primarily focused on understanding the immediate needs and barriers of 2SLGBTQQIA+ community members when accessing services. The findings will lead conversations with other partnering organizations and will inform future programs. As part of collaborative efforts, a community advisory board will be formed to strengthen partnerships and implement decisions made regarding Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+.

Project and Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the project team to align research priorities.
• Conduct project research, including but not limited to literature review; surveys; in-person and virtual interviews; and focus groups.
• Summarize and present research findings to stakeholders.
• Drafting monthly and quarterly reports throughout the project.
• Develop training modules on Gender-Based-Violence (GBV) and Inclusion in the Indigenous community.
• Build and maintain relationships with relevant stakeholders.
• Supervise data collection and oversee data management.
• Collaborate with VAVPP for the development of DEI strategy and subsequent implementation-related initiatives.
• Partners with the HR team to design, develop and integrate DEI solutions into the recruitment processes.
• Providing administrative support to the VAVPP team.
• Attend symposiums and conferences to keep up with research initiatives and projects.

Experience, Training, and Competencies

• 2 years’ experience with community-based research.
• Broad and extensive knowledge of administrative functions including Microsoft Office.
• Experience with data analysis tools is an asset.
• Understanding of Feminist research methods.
• Understanding issues and concepts around decolonization, anti-oppression, etc.
• Demonstrated goal setting, critical thinking, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Understanding of social, economic, and political issues affecting Aboriginal communities.
• Ability to comply with policies and procedures regarding confidentiality, record-keeping, and reporting.
• Firsthand Knowledge of the lived, shared Aboriginal experience and how culture influences the development of individuals and communities.
• Demonstrate understanding of GBV, GBA+ Analysis, and DEI practices.

Qualifications

• University degree from a recognized post-secondary institution in a related field (political science, international studies, gender studies, etc.) or related experience.
• Familiarity with community research-based principles.
• Excellent facilitation skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong awareness of intersectionality, anti-oppression, and de-colonial issues.
• Familiarity with data storage and analysis systems is an asset.
• Excellent report-writing skills.

Other Requirements

• Criminal Records Check with Vulnerable Sector Check

Job Description

Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract