AFNIGC Job Posting - Community Research Associate, I-HeLTI

AFNIGC Job Posting - Community Research Associate,

I-HeLTI

Are you called to support community-led research grounded in OCAP® and wahkohtowin?

Community Research Associate – Indigenous Healthy Life Trajectories Initiative

(I-HeLTI)

Looking for meaningful work that strengthens healthy pregnancies, children, and families in Maskwacîs?

Alberta First Nations Information Governance Centre (Alberta FNIGC) is a not-for-profit, First Nations-owned organisation. We promote, protect, and advance First Nations’ Ownership, Control, Access, and Possession (OCAP®) principles, the inherent right to self-determination, and jurisdiction in research and information management. Through our research partnerships, we walk alongside Nations to ensure community priorities, cultural protocols, and lived realities guide every stage of the research process.
Based in Maskwacîs, the successful candidate will support the Indigenous Healthy Life Trajectories Initiative (I-HeLTI): Hishuk-ish tsawalk — “everything is one, everything is connected.” Under the guidance of the Principal Investigator and Supervisor, Lea Bill, this role coordinates and delivers community-based participatory research activities in partnership with the I-HeLTI Community Advisory Committee, Elders, Maskwacîs Health Services, and academic collaborators.
The Community Research Associate ensures that research is community-led, culturally safe, strengths-based, and aligned with OCAP® principles and Cree worldviews.

What you might do in a day…

·     Coordinate community-based participatory research activities within Maskwacîs; ·     Prepare and draft research ethics applications in collaboration with the research team; ·     Recruit and engage families participating in the I-HeLTI cohort study; ·     Design culturally relevant surveys and data collection tools in partnership with the Principal Investigator; ·     Conduct interviews, sharing circles, surveys, and other research activities grounded in respectful protocol; ·     Code qualitative data and participate in collaborative analysis and interpretation; ·     Ensure secure storage and confidentiality of research materials consistent with OCAP® principles; ·     Invite and coordinate Elders to provide ceremony and cultural guidance; ·     Co-chair research gatherings, engagement sessions, and community sharing events; ·     Maintain organised research files, spreadsheets, and documentation systems; ·     Support preparation of reports, manuscripts, and community-friendly knowledge translation materials; ·     Plan and coordinate venues, materials, radio outreach, and logistics for community engagement sessions; ·     Maintain accurate records of participation and project expenditures within approved guidelines; ·     Support supervision and mentorship of community research assistants or facilitators as required; and ·     Build and sustain respectful relationships with families, service providers, leadership, and academic partners.

If you are…

·     Respectful, culturally grounded, and committed to ethical First Nations research; ·     Comfortable facilitating conversations that may involve sensitive family, pregnancy, or health experiences; ·     Knowledgeable about Cree cultural protocols and relational accountability; ·     Skilled at building trust with families, Elders, and community partners; ·     Self-motivated and able to work independently while staying connected to team priorities; ·     Organised and attentive to detail in managing data, documentation, and timelines; ·     Adaptable and resilient when research plans shift in response to community needs; and ·     Committed to reconciliation, strengths-based practice, and lifelong learning.

And you have. . .

·     A Bachelor's degree (Master’s preferred) related to social sciences, project management or research; ·     A High School Diploma (required); ·     A university degree, Health Care Experience or equivalent lived and professional experience (required); ·     Demonstrated experience in Indigenous community-based research (required); ·     Experience working with Elders and community leadership (required); ·     Experience implementing research within Maskwacîs Nations (strongly preferred); ·     Knowledge of OCAP® principles and Indigenous data governance; ·     Experience with qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis; ·     Proficiency in Microsoft Office, spreadsheets, databases, and social media platforms; ·     Strong written and oral communication skills; ·     Some knowledge of spoken Cree (considered an asset); and ·     A valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle, with willingness to travel locally.
Lived experience, community leadership, and strong cultural grounding may be considered in lieu of formal education where appropriate.

This may be your dream job!

This may be your opportunity to walk alongside families, support community-led research, and help shape knowledge that strengthens future generations in Maskwacîs.
Alberta FNIGC is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds. Preference will be given to qualified candidates who self-identify as Indigenous in accordance with the Canadian Human Rights Commission Aboriginal Employment Preference Policy.
This position is on-site at 14 Ermineskin Ave, Maskwacis, AB T9A 1X1