Research Assistant

Qualified individuals are invited to apply for the bilingual position of Research Assistant to work from the Human Rights Branch of the National Services Department at the National Office of the Canadian Union of Public Employees located in Ottawa, Ontario.

Under the direction of the Director of Human Rights, the Research Assistant provides research support, including research and analysis to support departmental needs as follows:

• Develop and maintain databases on equity and human rights for the Branch, including demographic information, bargaining language, research articles, CUPE historical archival content on equity/human rights, etc.
• Develop and maintain project management systems for the Branch for tracking and coordinating ongoing CUPE policy and initiatives on equity and human rights.
• Coordinate large projects led by the Branch, including interdepartmental projects such as the Anti-Racism Strategy and CUPE Equality Timeline.
• Research, analyze and prepare documentation and specific collective agreement comparisons including local bylaw language and reaching out to other unions in Canada and internationally.
• Collect data from various sources and distribute as required: demographic statistics, arbitration and conciliation board briefs; collect data from reports, publications, collective agreements, and other source material; select appropriate information as required and assemble in appropriate written or tabular form; collect information from labour organizations, governments, and departments; and provide information to labour and other organizations on request.
• Practice inclusive research and ensure equity and representation throughout the work.
• Assist in the preparation and drafting of government submissions, publications, briefing notes, presentations, conferences and workshops for various projects.
• Assist with conference preparation and planning: coordinate speakers, prepare biographies and introductions; arrange conference calls, meetings, and workshops, as required.
• Assist active committees to ensure they are ready for upcoming events and complete and distribute relevant research.
• Assist in developing questionnaires and analyzing results for various workplaces.
• Compile material, draft letters, and documents in reply to correspondence, and format reports and presentations.
• Conduct research on CUPE equity bargaining language (using MRM-CA and coordinating with Research) to support demand for Human Rights Branch advice on bargaining language and Branch publications and workshops on diverse equity and human rights issues.
• Maintain records and files on collective bargaining and other matters; amend and revise records and files as necessary; be aware of contents of various publications related to assignments.
• Work with staff and members to develop opportunities to use reports in speeches for lobbying/campaign purposes.
• Assist in the logistics related to campaigns.
• Provide support to all sectors or occupational groups as required.
• Perform other related duties, as assigned.

• Five years related work experience, ideally in a union environment.
• University degree or equivalent in a relevant field, particularly in statistics, economics, sociology and/or industrial relations, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Knowledge and understanding of equity issues, human rights, and the intersectional challenges impacting equity deserving groups.
• Demonstrated ability in research skills, including the ability to develop information data banks.
• Project management experience including project coordination, the development and maintenance of databases and project management systems.

General knowledge of:

• administrative policies and procedures;
• CUPE’s Human Rights Branch structure and work;
• CUPE’s Anti-Racism Strategy;
• CUPE political and organization structure;
• Internet research techniques;
• databases and data management;
• specific subject-matter requirements such as: qualitative and quantitative data analysis;
• research sources and methodologies.

Ability to:

• speak and write at an above average level in English and French;
• communicate effectively in a respectful and cooperative manner with…