Title: OAC Research Assistant
Start Date: August 31st, 2026 (or earlier)
Full-time Position Location: Ottawa
Closing Date: August 3rd, 2026
Preference would be given to First Nations, Inuit or Métis candidates (please self-identify to receive preference).
Job Summary:
The Ottawa Aboriginal Coalition is hiring a Research Assistant to be part of a four person Research team. As a research assistant you will support the OAC in doing community-based urban Indigenous research projects. Therole involves working with fellow research team members, the OAC staff team and partners, following Indigenous community-based research methodologies. A relevant post-secondary degree, Indigenous experience, strongcommunication and teamwork skills and flexibility in scheduling work hours are required. The current OAC Research workplan includes a number of projects: Collectively Caring for Indigenous Children and Youth, Urban Indigenous Palliative Care, Indigenous Housing and Homelessness Strategy and the Indigenous Well Being Strategy.
The Ottawa Aboriginal Coalition
The Ottawa Aboriginal Coalition (OAC) is made up of Executive Directors from eight Indigenous service organizations in Ottawa. The Coalition meets at least 9 times throughout the year to identify emerging issues and jointpriorities based on their work in the community and provincial and national issues impacting urban Indigenous people. The Coalition works within a Relationship Framework that identifies the key relationships that are built and maintained to ensure that the needs of Indigenous people are addressed in Ottawa. The Coalition is engaged with the broader Ottawa Indigenous community and non-Indigenous partners including hosting a community gathering and Elders’ lunches each year.
Accountabilities:
1. Adhere to established Indigenous research methodologies while gathering, compiling, and organizing research data and materials.
2. Support research projects as required.
3. Carry out intermediate-level statistical analyses using SPSS or equivalent software within collaborative working groups.
4. Conduct literature reviews and synthesize findings for reports, presentations, community materials, and, at time, journal articles.
5. Contribute to the preparation and organization of reports, papers, presentations, and other knowledge-sharing materials.
6. Respond to enquiries relating to research projects as required.
7. Ensure relevant research documents and materials are uploaded and maintained on internal platforms.
8. As part of the team plan and support research-related workshops, community events,presentations, and engagement activities.
9. Attend weekly OAC research staff meetings, OAC staff meetings, and other scheduled meetings asrequired.
10. Track and submit hours and required administrative documentation on a bi-weekly basis.
11. Respond to emails as research assistant and maintain ongoing communication with OAC staff, partners, and community members.
12. Perform other related duties as outlined by the OAC Facilitator.
13. Knowledge and/or experience of Indigenous data sovereignty is an asset.
Qualifications:
Education: Completed a relevant post-secondary degree (ie Indigenous Studies, etc.) and/or related experience
Experience: Minimum of 6 months of related experience working in Canada with an Indigenous community- preferable in an urban Indigenous community , especially in doing culturally safe research projects.
Competencies:
- Excellent verbal and written communication.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust and rapport with Indigenous communitymembers and partners.
- Interest and experience in Indigenous community-based research for Indigenous community by Indigenous community.
- Experience with Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
- Ability to work well under limited supervision.
- Experience with design software (Adobe Suite, Canva) is an asset.
- Experience with Geospacial and Mapping software is an asset.
- Fluency in English. An asset to speak an Indigenous language
Additional Information:
- Flexibility of working hours at times.
- Hybrid work environment (in-person and zoom as needed).
To apply:
Please submit your resume and cover letter to: [email protected].
Thank you for considering this opportunity.
Pay: $35.00-$40.00 per hour
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Ottawa, ON
