Housing & Homelessness Researcher National Indigenous Women’s Housing Network & Keepers of the Circle

Summary of Position

National Indigenous Women’s Housing Network (NIWHN) in partnership with Keepers of the Circle (KOTC) is seeking a Research and Grant Writing Lead. Work in this position will include working with a team to conduct community-based research, policy analysis, grant writing and project management related to housing and homelessness. The goal of this work is to contribute to improved housing conditions and self-determination for Indigenous women, girls, Two-Spirit people, and their families. This work will have a specific focus on ending homelessness and housing needs amongst Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit persons across Canada.

About the Organizations:

The National Indigenous Women’s Housing Network (NIWHN) is a movement of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples who are dedicated to improving the living situations of Indigenous women and girls, Two-Spirit, and gender-diverse persons across Turtle Island and ending incidents of becoming unsheltered. All members have the lived experience of needing adequate shelter and a place to call home.

Keepers of the Circle (KOTC) is a non-profit, Indigenous women’s, urban-based organization located within the District of Temiskaming in Northeastern Ontario, Canada. It was incorporated in 1997, tasked with the mandate to support the social, cultural, and economic equity of Indigenous women and the wellbeing of our families and communities. The Keepers of the Circle Indigenous hubs house early learning and childcare services; life skills and family support services; health education and chronic illness prevention programs; women’s leadership programs; and pre-employment training programs focused on Indigenous women and youth.

Duties and Responsibilities

Co-create and implement ongoing strategic development plans to support organizational growth

● Lead the development and submission of grant applications

● Supporting project management and necessary reporting for funders

● Supporting the development of research agenda and research activities

Conducting policy analysis

Qualifications and Skills
*Note: If you do not have some of these qualifications, please do not be discouraged from applying. Mentorship and support can be provided for candidates with strong interest.
Diversity & Inclusion
This position is limited to Indigenous women and gender-diverse people of Indigenous ancestry, please self-identify (Section 18 of the Human Rights Code of Ontario).

● Engaging in various research activities, including literature reviews; study development and design; study coordination and project management; facilitation, data collection and analysis; and report writing and article preparation

● Collaboration with department staff and students/interns who participate in research activities undertaken

● Creation of written materials, including reports, briefs, articles, and other written products

Networking, collaboration and coordination with partners and other departments at Keepers of the Circle seeking to amplify and maximize efforts across the organizations

● Development and maintenance of community partnerships, including activities such as: outreach to build partnerships and promote current work by NIWHN and KOTC, collaboration with community partners on projects and activities, and the development and facilitation of community consultations.

● Promote awareness and in some cases, the work may involve media engagement, engagement in public speaking activities, participate in social media efforts, and otherwise seek to publicly promote and advance the work of the NIWHN and KOTC in housing and homelessness.

● Passion for ending homelessness and housing needs amongst Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people, and a commitment to working collaboratively to get there.

● Undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in a related field, with a Masters or PhD degree being an asset. Strong preference for candidates whose education or program was Indigenous-focused.

● Experience, or interest in learning, community-based research, with preference for experience in project leadership.

● Experience in, or interest in learning, Indigenous research methodologies and ethics.

● Highly organized and ability to work independently in a virtual office setting and self-manage to oversee progress on multiple projects simultaneously.

● Ability to juggle competing priorities and meet deadlines.

● Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with experience producing numerous written products (e.g., reports, articles, blogs, presentations)

● Strong interpersonal skills and commitment to building and maintaining partnerships.

● Demonstrates sound judgement including the ability to identify, analyze, and solve problems independently.

● Budget development and management is an asset.

Diversity & Inclusion

This position is limited to Indigenous women and gender-diverse people of Indigenous ancestry, please self-identify (Section 18 of the Human Rights Code of Ontario).

Keepers of the Circle and the National Indigenous Women’s Housing Network strives for inclusion and diversity by attracting extraordinary people from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences. Candidates with lived experience of homelessness and/or who self-identify as being from a marginalized community, including persons with disabilities and 2SLGBTQQIA persons, are encouraged to apply and will be prioritized. We ask that these candidates indicate their relevant identities in their cover letters and proof of lineage or connection to their community with references.

We thank all applicants for their interest in this opportunity. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Accommodations will be provided at all stages of the hiring process.

Work Environment, Salary, and Hours

● The Housing & Homelessness Researcher will work full-time at 40 hrs/week in this year-long contract, with the opportunity for extension (funding-permitting)

● The hourly rate range for this position is $40 - $50/hr, dependent on experience

● This position can be located anywhere in Canada and is remote, but we particularly encourage candidates located in Northern Ontario to apply.

● This position requires the ability to work flexible hours from a virtual/home office location without the standard support available at a business office.

Expected start date is as soon as possible but start date can be negotiated.

Applications will be accepted until 12:00 EST on November 15, 2024. Please submit a cover letter and resume/CV to hr@keepersofthecircle.com with the Subject Title “Housing & Homelessness - YOUR NAME”.