Social Research Associate

Location

Toronto

Employment Category

Regular Full-Time

Department

Regulatory Approvals

Job Reference

10423

Founded in 2002, the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) is a not-for-profit organization tasked with the safe, long-term management of Canada's intermediate- and high-level radioactive waste, in a manner that protects people and the environment for generations to come.

The NWMO has been guided for more than 20 years by a dedicated team of world-class scientists, engineers and Indigenous Knowledge Holders who are developing innovative and collaborative solutions for nuclear waste management. In 2024, the NWMO selected Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation and the Township of Ignace as the hosts for the site for a deep geological repository for used nuclear fuel.

This decision means our office and staff will, in the future, be relocating to Ignace, Ont., and the deep geological repository will be situated in the area of Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation and the Township of Ignace. Infrastructure planning and development are underway to support this transition and ensure that both the community and our employees are well served and supported, now and in the future.

Social Research Associate

Fulltime – One (1) Position Available

Position Location: Toronto Head Office – 22 St. Clair Avenue East

or Ignace, Ontario – 304 Main Street

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Manager, Social Economic Programs, Regulatory Approvals, the successful candidate will provide social research technical expertise and experience in designing and conducting socio-cultural and health technical studies and programs. They will have a demonstrated track record in the design and delivery of municipal and Indigenous community participatory engagement. The incumbent will initiate, design and deliver social, cultural and health assessment and program initiatives. They will build and maintain relationships and support community capacity building and community studies. They will prepare documentation based on the results of dialogue and engagement activities, and a review of social research. The incumbent will provide advice on opportunities to increase positive business impacts and to identify mitigation measures to contribute to overall social performance. They will prepare writing materials and presentations for a variety of audiences including internal stakeholders, communities, government authorities, regulatory bodies and others on behalf of the NWMO.

Responsibilities

• Plan and manage the implementation of technical studies, surveys and other social research initiatives specific to Indigenous and non-Indigenous community and regional community social, cultural, economic and health topics in-order-to advance approvals for the deep geological repository (DGR) Project, and NWMO's commitment to foster community well-being and sustainability, as well as to support other strategic NWMO business programs.
• Undertake technical analysis, review and reporting specific to socio-economic effects assessment affecting Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. This includes primary and secondary research, data interpretation and analysis, applying expertise in modelling and the testing of hypotheses, and developing recommendations influencing business and other activities as these relate to the impact on community well-being throughout all stages of the DGR Project (design, construction, mining, and operations).
• Working in collaboration with the Supervisor and other internal stakeholders, design, implement, and document engagement and other activities undertaken with the Public, and Indigenous communities in communities and or the field Work to ensure engagement addresses the company's business needs and requirements.
• Undertake day-to-day management of an internal community feedback loop specific to the regulatory approvals process and the Project.
• Coordinate the work of contractors retained to implement established scopes of work within the accepted budget and schedule on a project basis with regular feedback on budget and work performance progress and risks to the Supervisor.
• Working with the Supervisor, carry-out internal communications and collaboration in relation to all and or any aspect of the work program as assigned. Work closely with the regulatory and other teams to plan and align work activities with broader regulatory decision-making and other business activities.
• Conduct research and analysis and provide advice on business and community-based solutions, strategies, potential partnerships and programs designed to optimize potential socio-economic benefits and mitigate potential negative impacts. Be knowledgeable of the capabilities of external agencies and individuals in supporting work programs. When necessary, develop requirements and conduct administration for appropriate contracts with such agencies and ensure any work meets the technical requirements of contracts (e.g. terms of deliverables, quality, timing and cost).
• Develop and make presentations to a wide variety of external stakeholders - including Indigenous and non-Indigenous community representatives and leaders, members of the public and academics working in the field, government authorities, and legislative hearings in order to inform them of NWMO's mandate, engage them in discussion of the company's activities and provide support to efforts to promote dialogue and engage citizens in relevant topics and discussions- all to secure, protect or advance the interests of the NWMO in designated areas.
• Keep abreast of the latest development in social cultural health community impacts and solutions through on-line and other research and bring forward findings that are relevant to the work and business improvement. Undertake related coordination, and implementation of activities stemming from this research.
• As part of the team, lead or contribute to internal management systems such as budget tracking, team master schedule updates, updates to the risk registrar and other activities as assigned. Support the Supervisor to provide input to budget submissions, financial evaluations, and purchase justifications, as required. Contribute to the development of departmental and/or organizational safety programs.
• Perform other duties as required.

Qualifications and Experience

• Completion of a Master's degree in social sciences such as political science, sociology, geography or environmental studies, or by having the equivalent level of education.
• Over 8 years of experience and strong skills in design and conducting socio-cultural technical research and analysis in the context of either or both the regulatory process for a similar project or community development in remote and rural areas.
• An in-depth, knowledge of social research, and development to provide technical advice, and conduct research, analysis and interpretation of results.
• Requires excellent dialogue skills and design capabilities to support efforts to build and maintain Indigenous and non-Indigenous community and other's confidence in the project, as well as an ability to listen to people's concerns and to respond with authority on a wide range of safety, social cultural health, and other community well-being issues consistent with organization messages and material.
• Demonstrated preparation of accurate and complete evidence based social research reports.
• Demonstrated success in managing consultant work
• Excellent writing and listening skills to communicate effectively with a wide range of individuals including the public.
• Project management skills to manage several concurrent projects and skills to work independently on multi-disciplinary teams.
• Experience in conducting and assessing social impact assessments and managing the related processes.
• Requires knowledge of standards, guidelines, and legislation relevant to Indigenous people and public impact assessment.
• Public speaking experience to make effective presentations to diverse audiences.
• Must be willing to travel in Ontario throughout the year.

Other Information

Must be eligible to work in Canada and must be able to meet security clearance requirements.

We offer a competitive base salary, health care benefits and a defined benefit pension plan.

Candidates residing in the Greater Toronto Area: Office Location – 22 St. Clair Avenue East until their role is required to relocate. Preference will be given to applicants who reside in Northwestern Ontario or are willing to relocate.

NWMO currently operates in a hybrid work model of 3 days in the office (Tuesdays being universal) and 2 days working from home.

The NWMO is committed to contributing to Reconciliation in all its work by co-creating a shared future built on rights, equity and well-being. As an employment equity employer, NWMO actively seeks Indigenous Peoples, members of visible minorities, women, people with disabilities, and additional diverse identities for our workforce. The NWMO will provide accommodation to applicants with disabilities.

We review applications on a rolling basis and encourage interested candidates to apply at their earliest convenience to ensure full consideration.

The NWMO is committed to a fair, transparent, and efficient recruitment process. While we sincerely appreciate every expression of interest, only those candidates selected to continue in the recruitment process will be contacted directly.