Researcher, EDID

Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences

We have an opening for a short-term Independent Contractor position for a Researcher, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Decolonization (EDID) to support our team at the Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences (Ottawa, ON). This position reports to the Manager, Programs and Policy, and will be working on compiling best practices for integrating equity, diversity, inclusion and decolonization (EDID) into conferences and events.

The Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences promotes research and teaching for the advancement of an inclusive, democratic and prosperous society. With a membership now comprising over 160 universities, colleges and scholarly associations, the Federation represents a diverse community of 91,000 researchers and graduate students across Canada. The Federation organizes Canada’s largest academic gathering, the Congress of the Humanities and Social Sciences, bringing together more than 8,000 participants each year. For more information about the Federation, visit www.ideas-idees.ca.

Summary

The Researcher, EDID will work closely with the Manager, Programs and Policy to research, identify and assess EDID best practices for conferences and events. The final deliverables will include a report of the findings, including the list of sources used.

The ideal candidate is a demonstrated competent researcher who is familiar with the academic milieu within which the Federation operates, has an understanding of how conferences and events are organized, and has experience working on EDID initiatives.

This contract will be for approximately 140 hours, and is anticipated to run from December 2020 to January 2021.

Remote work

The work is to be conducted remotely. The Researcher, EDID is expected to use his/her own computer, internet connection and telephone during the contract. The Federation will provide any additional software that may be required, such as Zoom or other online collaboration tools. Please note that the Federation office is only open on a limited basis due to COVID-19.
About the project

The Federation has recommitted to EDID, and to the necessary leadership and collaborative work to advancing EDID within our scholarly communities, and the work that remains to effect systemic change.

As a step towards addressing these concerns, the Congress Advisory Committee on EDID was established by the Federation’s Board of Directors, to advise the Federation on how to embed EDID in Congress and other Federation events.

The Committee’s mandate is to advise the Federation on (1) strategies to support EDID in Congress and other Federation events, and (2) specific actions the Federation and its members can take, in the short, medium, or longer term. The priorities of the Committee are to:

•     Support equitable and inclusive access and participation for all of its members to Federation activities;
•     Support reconciliation with Indigenous communities, and collaborate to increase opportunities for Indigenous students, scholars, and communities;
•     Support critical anti-colonialism and decolonization practices; and
•     Support critical conversations and practices to combat anti-Black racism, including through an intersectional lens that makes visible the simultaneous impact of multiple forms of systemic discrimination.

As part of its report to the Federation, the Committee would like to offer a set of recommendations to the Federation, including best practices for integrating equity, diversity, inclusion, and decolonization into conference development and delivery.

What you will do

•     Conduct a review of current best practices with regard to developing and delivering conferences and events that are grounded in EDID best practices, including existing and emerging practices for both in-person and virtual events.
•     Assisting the Manager, Programs and Policy in seeking the input of the Congress Advisory Committee on EDID regarding the research plan as it is developed and implemented
•     Include all aspects of EDID in the research, while including particular emphasis on the following perspectives: Decolonization, Anti-Black Racism, First Nations, Inuit, and Metis, Women, Visible/racialized minorities, Persons with disabilities, Sexual orientation, and Gender identity and gender expression
•     Identify best practices for the above, and rate according to: expected impact, level of effort, and resources required.

What you need

•     Undergraduate degree from a recognized university is preferred. Some progress towards a graduate degree is an asset.
•     Experience conducting internet research is required.
•     Experience working within EDID initiatives is an asset.
•     Experience working within a university is an asset.
•     Experience working with conferences and events is an asset.
•     Good written and oral communication skills in English are required. Ability to communicate in French and/or a Canadian Indigenous language is an asset.

What you bring

•     An understanding of the issues surrounding equity, diversity, inclusion, and decolonization in Canadian academia.
•     Entrepreneurship, initiative, creativity and a proactive attitude.
•     High ethical standards and a desire to work with like-minded high-achievers.
•     Clarity of expression — both in writing and orally.
•     A sense of ownership of tasks and the motivation to follow through to achieve personal and team goals.
•     Commitment to Federation values, vision and direction

To Apply

If this opportunity intrigues you and relates to your experience, then we want to hear from you!

The Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free recruitment process and work environment. We are an equal opportunity employer, and we are seeking applications from employment equity groups including but not limited to: persons with disabilities, and Black, Indigenous and/or persons of colour.

This is an immediate contract to be filled, and applications will be assessed as received. Please email your résumé and cover letter indicating how your experience and skill set will contribute to this project, and including expected remuneration, by December 4, 2020 to hr@ideas-idees.ca.

Please note that all applications will be acknowledged but only those selected for further consideration will be contacted. You must be legally allowed to work in Canada in order to be eligible for this contract.

The Federation is committed to accessibility. Accommodations are available upon request for applicants taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

For any questions or to request accessibility accommodations, please email us at hr@ideas-idees.ca.