Summer Consultation Research Assistant

**Summer Consultation Research Assistant**

**Location: 11738 Kingsway Avenue Edmonton, AB**

**Position Status**: Two (2) Full Time (40 hrs per week), Summer Students (April-August)

**Community Research and Engagement**:

- Assist with various research projects, such as historical Métis occupation and rights, contemporary practices, Indigenous consultation and harvesting policy, and other Crown consultation related projects.
- Research topics and prepare recommendations for action and approval by management.
- Assist with digitizing existing data and inputting industry notifications and project details to Asana project management software.
- Prepare, review, and edit internal and external correspondence including, but not limited to, letters, reports and documents.
- Assemble resources and collect, consolidate, and format data from various sources to prepare draft reports and documents for review by management.
- Assist with the development GIS datasets and mapping resources using visual Geodata and QGIS and GIS software.
- Present a positive and professional image of the organization when interacting with employees, citizens, visitors, and other external stakeholders.
- Assist with administration of Otipemisiwak Métis Government Provincial events & programs.
- Collaborate with departments and stakeholders to facilitate research and programs related to the Métis community within Alberta.
- Other duties as required or assigned.

**Qualifications**:

- Post-secondary education in Political Sciences, Native Studies, Social Science, or related field is required. Other relevant training and experience will be considered.
- 1-2 years of experience in a research role is an asset. School or volunteer experience is valid experience.
- Experience with GIS software, database management, and Indigenous research are assets. We are willing to provide training in these areas if the necessary core values, skills, and commitment are shown.

**Economic Reconciliation**:

- Conduct gap analyses and undertake research on barriers affecting the Métis community and present insights to management to support strategic planning and decision-making.
- Use research and data to assist in the pursuit of industry leadership while preserving Métis values, cultures, traditions, and perspectives.
- Support the development and expansion of virtual businesses, including the promotion of businesses on social media platforms.
- Contribute to the development of programs that prioritize equitable access to opportunities for the Métis community.
- Assist with maintaining and updating online business directories and databases.
- Conduct research on economic development, the ability to make long-term revenue, and economic viability for the Métis community.
- Use research to assist in the development of strategic plans to advance the Métis communities’ business development, ability to produce revenue and govern its usage, and economic viability.
- Collaborate with departments and stakeholders to support the economic goals of the Métis within Alberta.
- Other duties as required or assigned.

**Qualifications**:

- Post-secondary education in Economic Development, Political Sciences, Native Studies or a related field is required. Other relevant training and experience will be considered.
- 1-2 years of experience in a research role is an asset. School or volunteer experience is valid experience.
- Experience in economic development, social economics, and public policy are assets.

**Skills & Competencies**

We are looking for motivated, confident individuals who are passionate about research and Indigenous issues and have excellent analytical and writing skills, as well as cultural sensitivity. Commitment to teamwork and collaboration with colleagues is required. Other skills/competencies include:

- Strong research, analysis, and critical thinking skills.
- Ability to produce professional reports, documents, and presentations.
- Familiarity with Microsoft Office programs (including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
- Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong relationships.
- Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
- Willingness to learn and develop new skills.
- Flexible and adaptable, with an ability to switch between multiple priorities.
- Ability to work with and convey messages to different audiences.
- Political and cultural sensitivity.
- Knowledge of Métis history, culture, and issues affecting Métis people.
- An in-depth understanding of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government and Métis culture/rights is an asset.

**Other Requirements**
- Availability to work Monday to Friday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm.
- Ability to work evenings and weekends, with notice.
- Ability to travel throughout Alberta is a requirement.
- Reliable transportation is required.

**What We Offer**
- An opportunity to work for Otipemisiwak Métis Government under its newly ratified Constitution and be an instrumental part of the largest Indigenous G