British Columbia Network for Indigenous Health Research
Position: Indigenous Health Research Facilitator (IHRF)
Project: British Columbia Network Environment for Indigenous Health Research
Location: Various regions in BC (i.e., Northern, Interior, Coastal Vancouver, Fraser Valley and Vancouver Island). Until public health measures around social distancing are lifted, facilitators will work from their homes; afterward, they will be hosted by Indigenous, academic or Health Authority locations.
Contract: Full-time position (35 hours/week), from August 1, 2021 to August 1, 2025. Paid three-day training in July 2021.
Yearly Salary: $50,000.00
Application Deadline: Applications will be reviewed until positions are filled.
Program Background
Funded by the Canadian Institutes for Health Research (CIHR), the BC NEIHR is an Indigenous-led network that heightens the engagement of Indigenous (First Nations, Métis and Inuit) communities, collectives and organizations (ICCOs), Indigenous and non-Indigenous researchers, and interdisciplinary, multi-sectoral groups and organizations in BC. Through our extensive network of experienced and dedicated members and partners, the BC NEIHR supports a provincial and national Indigenous health research agenda. Ultimately, the BC NEIHR will contribute to the improved health, wellbeing and strength of Indigenous peoples by supporting transformative research.
Our collective goal is to increase and enhance Indigenous-led health research in BC and Canada through the following objectives: 1) develop research infrastructure; 2) facilitate and support Indigenous peoples in leading health research and knowledge sharing; 3) provide research-related funding; 4) develop and support research capacity; 5) enhance awareness and relevance of Indigenous health research; 6) facilitate and support ethical and culturally safe research partnerships; and 7) engage in provincial, national and international partnerships.
Position Summary
Under the supervision of the Principal Applicant, Dr. Charlotte Loppie (UVic), and Network Coordinator, Tara Erb (UVic), as well as working with the BC NEIHR key partners (First Nations Health Authority, Métis Nation BC, and BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres), and the BC SUPPORT Unit, the IHRFs will undertake the following activities:
Support Indigenous Communities, Collectives and Organizations (ICCOs)
- Engage in relationship building and develop positive research partnerships with ICCOs and others in their region;
- Provide hands-on assistance to ICCOs that wish to prepare for and/or undertake Indigenous-led health research;
- Help to identify and address regional community research priorities;
- Provide capacity bridging support to ICCOs in their respective region;
- Help to support the development of community-based research ethics review processes;
- Work closely with ICCOs to: 1) identify relevant funding opportunities, 2) support and develop BC NEIHR and other grant applications, 3) develop research budgets, 4) connect ICCOs with appropriate academic and other research partners, and 5) communicate research ideas in grant applications.
Knowledge Sharing and Mobilization (KSM), Event Coordination, Special Projects and Travel
- Play a key role in working with the BC NEIHR Team, Network Coordinator, the BC SUPPORT Unit and other partners to design, create, coordinate and evaluate local/regional capacity bridging events and activities, including on-site workshops, webinars, learning and sharing circles and plain language workbooks and templates;
- Attend major health-related gatherings in their regions (budget permitting) to engage with ICCOs, display and distribute promotional materials and recruit people to join the Network;
- Travel to meet with ICCOs in their respective region (travel budget permitting);
- Help ICCOs to create and develop innovative and integrative KSM strategies.
Communications and Training
- Attend a training workshop and receive ongoing instruction from Elders/Knowledge Holders, Investigators and Knowledge Users from the BC NEIHR Team;
- Frequent communication with Network Coordinator via email, Zoom and telephone;
- Participate in monthly teleconference calls with Network Coordinator and Principal Investigator to report on activities and network as a group;
- Provide biannual written reports to the Network Coordinator that detail all activities and an evaluation of such activities;
- Organize and lead video-and-teleconferencing with ICCOs;
- Other duties as required.
Qualifications
Education:
Completed undergraduate degree or equivalent experience.
*Graduate students in BC are encouraged to apply, however, please note this is a full-time position. Current graduate students who are interested in applying should include in their cover letter their time management plans.
Skills and Abilities:
- Knowledge of Indigenous worldviews and experience working with Indigenous peoples;
- Minimum of two years of related educational and/or professional experience (e.g., research, grant preparation, writing support, and coordination);
- Knowledgeable and experience in Indigenous research and knowledge sharing and mobilization in ICCO settings;
- Excellent project organization, event planning, and implementation skills;
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with ability to write for diverse audiences;
- Experience with communication systems, including email, listservs, website maintenance;
- Skilled in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); Adobe Suite (Acrobat, Photoshop); and content management systems (e.g. WordPress or Online Academic Community);
- Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively with a diverse team;
- Strong organizational skills with ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects; and
- Ability to meet deadlines.
***In accordance with the UVic equity plan and pursuant to Section 42 of the BC Human Rights code, preferential hiring is given to Indigenous peoples. Candidates from this group should self-identify.
Please send an electronic application package including a cover letter that addresses the job description and requirements along with a current CV or resume to: Network Coordinator
[email protected]
Note: All applicants will be thanked for their interest but only candidates that are selected for an interview will be contacted.