Social Science Consultant

**Ottawa, Toronto, London, Thunder Bay
**The Opportunity**:
Our team is growing, and we're seeking a Senior Social Science Consultant to join our Social Science and Engagement team in Ontario

The team is part of our broader Environmental Planning and Permitting group and works alongside a diverse group of environmental planners, social researchers and engagement specialists from across the province. Together in an interdisciplinary environment, we study the interactions between human populations and the natural and physical environments in project-specific contexts. This includes a wide range of industrial, government and Indigenous partners and involves a variety of project types and sectors, ranging from municipal infrastructure to large natural resource developments.

Our services include communication and engagement with public stakeholders, government agencies and Indigenous nations and peoples, social and economic baseline research, socio-economic impact assessments (including GBA+ analysis, land and resource use, visual aesthetics and impacts on Indigenous Rights), socio-economic effects monitoring and management as well as Indigenous Knowledge studies. Working across geographies and disciplines, our team leads the advancement of social inclusion internally and with our clients to strengthen the social aspect of ESG throughout our projects.

**What you can expect to do here**:

- Conduct and oversee comprehensive literature reviews for socio-economic baseline, qualitative data analysis and interpretation, and reporting as a component of environmental impact assessments for multi-disciplinary projects.
- Lead primary research by conducting key informant interviews with knowledge holders within Indigenous communities as well as regulators and other stakeholders.
- Manage and guide junior and intermediate staff in secondary research and primary qualitative and quantitative data collection.
- Provide technical expertise and advice in relation to requirements for assessments under the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act, federal Impact Assessment Act, or related legislation.
- Lead the development of socio-economic mitigation and management plans to meet regulatory and corporate requirements and best practice.
- Contribute to and senior review the preparation of social-economic and related technical reports.
- Direct planning and implementation of Indigenous and public communication and engagement programs (in-person and virtual), leading stakeholder engagement events when appropriate.
- Facilitate the incorporation of Indigenous Knowledge into impact assessments, following best practices such as OCAP® principals, the preferences and cultural protocols identified by Indigenous groups, and applicable regulatory requirements.
- Prepare and review stakeholder communication materials, such as notices, display boards and factsheets, as well as digital materials, such as website / social media content and surveys.
- Direct management of engagement records and reporting.
- Develop positive relation ships and liaise with clients, government agencies, Indigenous communities, project stakeholders, and other WSP technical specialists.
- Engage with clients, regulatory agencies, stakeholders and Indigenous groups, maintaining and developing positive relationships.
- Manage and direct social science and engagement projects, maintaining control of scope, schedule, costs and quality of services.
- Contribute to business development, including proposals and marketing of socio-economic and engagement services.
- Supervise and mentor junior and intermediate staff with respect to their technical professional development and career growth.

**What you’ll bring to WSP**:

- Graduate degree in the social sciences or an interdisciplinary field (e.g., Indigenous studies, anthropology, sociology, archaeology, environmental sciences, community studies or urban planning). Applicants with undergraduate degrees will be considered with appropriate commensurate experience.
- At least 12 years of relevant experience, with 5 -7 conducting and providing guidance on social and/or economic research and analysis and in environmental assessments.
- Knowledge of Indigenous cultural, historical, and political context in Canada, and the requirements of the impact assessment process related to Indigenous interests, treaties and rights, UNDRIP and Truth and Reconciliation, at provincial, territorial and federal levels.
- Familiarity with current and innovative consultation and/or community engagement tracking software.
- Strong regulatory and environmental assessment experience relating to traditional land use, analytical skills and a solid understanding of environmental assessment methodology.
- Demonstrated experience working with Indigenous groups in Canada (preferably in northern and southern Ontario), preparing Indigenous Knowledge and land use studies to meet regulatory requirements and on community-based monitoring.
- Excellent writte