Research and Communications Assistant

 

 

NetPositive is based in Toronto and works on projects and issues focused in Canada and abroad. The issues that the student will be engaging on and learning about cut across disciplines: from policy, to Indigenous culture, to history, to law, to business, to the intersection between humans and their environment.

Students may be pursuing degrees in Indigenous Studies, Business and Sustainability, Communications, Development Studies, Law, Political Science, Human Geography, Public Policy, Canadian Studies.

 

Tasks and Responsibilities

 

The major objectives of this position are to support NetPositive as we work with communities in Canada that are affected by natural resource projects, including Indigenous communities, and companies that impact communities in Canada. The major tasks and responsibilities are:

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• Actively reach out to community groups and organizations to explore partnership opportunities, specifically Indigenous governments, and civil society organizations involved in the natural resource development field. 

• Conduct research on public and private sector initiatives and performance related to natural resource development and local communities in Canada, including but not limited to: company performance, government policy and regulation, community policies and expectations, community rights, financing requirements, civic society trends and concerns (e.g. FPIC, Revenue Transparency)

• Conduct research on policy issues in Canada regarding community development (e.g. economic, social, etc.) and natural resource development,

• Conduct research on applicable grants and program funding, and support the development of proposals related to improving social outcomes for communities that are impacted by natural resource development.

• Develop reports to meet external and internal requirements.

• Support the implementation of NetPositive’s engagement and communications strategy by developing communications tools and resources (particularly for affected communities); coordinating online outreach activities, including social media and website updates; and responding to inquiries from stakeholders regarding NetPositive’s activities.

• Provide logistical support for outreach and community engagement sessions and events, such as researching and identifying appropriate meeting spaces, determining number of participants, special needs, audio visual needs, etc. and booking required venues, support personnel and equipment, and ordering catering, etc. All engagement sessions and events must be accessible and culturally appropriate for project-affected community members, particularly Indigenous communities, to attend and participate in.

• Attend engagement meetings, take notes, and communicate findings.

• Develop and maintain contact lists and information/community engagement session participant lists in the organization’s project management software.

 

Qualifications

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• Research experience, including online and in person research

• Excellent oral and written communication skills with strong plain language writing, editing/ proofreading abilities

• Strong administrative and organizational skills with the ability to multitask and prioritize and be flexible in handling ever changing demands

• Introductory knowledge of the social impacts of the natural resource industry, specifically mining and oil & gas (preferred but not necessary)

• Experience working directly with and supporting Indigenous communities preferred

• Ability to work with a variety of stakeholders such as volunteers, local politicians, small business owners, and community groups with a commitment to good customer service

• Ability to work well independently and as part of a team

• Excellent interpersonal skills 

• Proficiency in languages other than English an asset

 

This is a Canada Summer Jobs-funded position. Students must be between 15 and 30 years of age (inclusive) at the start of employment; have been registered as a full-time student during the preceding academic year; intend to return to school on a full-time basis during the next academic year; be a student in a secondary, post-secondary, CEGEP (Quebec only), vocational or technical program; and be a Canadian Citizen, permanent resident, or person on whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and; be legally entitled to work according to the relevant provincial / territorial legislation and regulations.

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How to Apply

 

To apply please submit the following to info@netpositivenr.org before May 11, 2018.

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1. a one-page cover letter or 2-minute (max) video/audio post that explains how you meet the qualifications for this position and your interest in the position; and

2. your resume, including the educational program you are enrolled in for Fall 2018.

 

NetPositive is committed to providing accommodations for people with disabilities and will work with applicants to meet their needs.

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