Position Title: Research Analyst

Team: Indigenous Knowledge Research (IKR)

Reports to: Research Manager

Job Location: Vancouver or Home-based remote working

Travel: Approximately 4 days/month (1 work week), on average (25%)
Start Date: May 5, 2025

ORGANIZATIONAL STATUS

One of the largest Indigenous-owned research firms and values-based organizations, the Firelight Group has provided socially responsible, community-driven research services across Canada since 2010. Indigenous clients have trusted Firelight to provide high-quality research and technical services that decolonize research practices and centre on Indigenous Knowledge and values to protect rights and advance self-determination. Firelight has an expanding, diverse team of over 100 talented professionals working on multi-disciplinary projects in nine business units: Indigenous Knowledge Research, Socio-Economic Research, Environmental Assessment, Indigenous Negotiations, Mapping & GIS, Planning & Implementation, Ecology, and Indigenous Health.

Firelight has offices in Xwmlchtstn, xmkym Territory, Lkwungen, Tkarn:to, and (Amiskwacwskahikan). Firelight acknowledges that most of our work is with clients on territories where we are invited guests, and we are deeply grateful for this trust. We bring respect, humility, and a willingness to learn while recognizing that our work supports realizing our clients needs and objectives. Firelight proudly provides client-identified services that amplify and strengthen community voice and participation.

JOB OVERVIEW

Reporting to the Program Manager and supervised by Research Managers, the Research Analyst supports Technical Leads and Research Managers and leads smaller client projects and engagements. With growing expertise in research, project management and engagement, the Research Analyst supports consulting files, informing the design, strategy and execution of projects and manages a small number of projects, with supervision. The Research Analyst contributes to strong, accountable client relationships.

COMPETENCY

Research Analysts will have a focus on Indigenous knowledge, use and occupancy studies, understanding cumulative impacts to culture and rights, and methods and approaches for community-based research. A qualified Research Analyst is expected to understand and ensure Indigenous sovereignty, jurisdiction and ways of knowing and being are centered in project tasks and can proactively identify opportunities to meaningfully incorporate these in projects. Research Analysts will be expected to possess a good understanding of the key technical concepts, frameworks and approaches related to qualitative or quantitative research methods and the ability to apply them with supervision. Research Analysts are also expected to support communities in regulatory and legal processes, as needed, and must be confident and competent in these settings.
RESPONSIBILITIES + DUTIES
Technical Advising

• Lead or support the design, strategy, and execution of small-sized consulting projects focused within the business area under the supervision of a Technical Lead or Research Manager
• Work with Technical Leads and Research Managers to provide strong technical skills in research and engagement
• Support discussions with clients to define client requirements and priorities on moderately complex financial and/or organizational issues
• Support the application of best practices in Indigenous research methods, engagement, and implementation, staying current in new and emerging trends in the field
• Lead or support the development of deliverables for clients and external stakeholders
  

Project Management

• Support and guide client engagements, effectively onboarding new clients, communicating the project plan, and identifying when there is a change in purpose, scope, or timeline
• Oversee the development and execution of smaller, multi-methods projects aligned to client expectations with mentoring and oversight from Research Managers, Program Manager and Research Director
• Work with Research Director and Research Managers to develop and monitor project scope, plans, budgets, and schedules to ensure successful project delivery
• Ensure timely execution of current, planned, and/or adjusted tasks in alignment with the project scope and schedule
• Manage information, data, and documents following established procedures
• Mentor and support Junior staff within project work
  

Client Engagement

• Represent Firelight to clients, communities and in some technical meetings, with supervision from the Research Director, Program Manager and Business Lead
• Work with and coordinate the activities of community partners and others, including Firelight team members and external consultants, to develop, design, and implement projects
• Nurture and cultivate partner and client relationships through service excellence, knowledge transfer, and skills development
• Research Analysts will be required to travel regularly, up to 4 trips per quarter, in remote communities
  

QUALIFICATIONS + EXPERIENCE

• Bachelors degree or equivalent in experience
• 4-7 years of experience working with and for Indigenous nations and communities
• 4-7 years of experience in applied social science, research, or a related field with developing area(s) of expertise in Indigenous Knowledge
• Fluency in spoken and written English
  

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Experience and knowledge of Indigenous communities. Candidates who can prove significant community experience will be preferred
• Experience synthesizing and analyzing data using social science methods, including qualitative analysis, particularly for traditional knowledge studies
• Experience conducting qualitative and community-based research, including semi-structured and/or structured interview processes is an asset
• Ability to work within a fast-paced environment that includes diverse interests, including First Nations and their membership
• Strong attention to detail and highly proficient with information management systems and protocols
• Firm grasp of ethnographic literature and practice
• Proven ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences such as existing and potential clients, funders, directors, associates, and internal staff
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Drivers license required

WHY JOIN US?

Firelight offers compensation that is commensurate with skills and experiences. We provide a progressive and flexible work environment, along with the following benefits:

• Four-day work week (32 hours/week) with options for remote or hybrid work - Offices located in Vancouver, Victoria, Toronto and Edmonton.
• Comprehensive Health, Dental and Vision Benefits
• Long Term Disability (LTD) andAccidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D)
• Health Spending Account (HSA) and Wellness Spending Account (WSA)
• Parental Leave Top-up payments
• Child & Elder Care Benefit
• Paid time off and holidays
• Indigenous Cultural Leave - Time off for cultural practices
• Anniversary vacation and Winter Break

Please respond to our online ad with the following: (1) resume, (2) cover letter, and (3) writing sample. Please upload the (2) cover letter, and (3) writing sample as ONE document. All files should be in PDF format named using your last name as the file name.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals will a full package (resume and cover letter) and who meet the requirements of the role will be considered.

At Firelight, we are committed to developing a diverse and inclusive team and we welcome all cultures, ages, genders, sexual orientations, and abilities. We recognize and celebrate the diversity of all peoples and actively promote development of inter-cultural competence within our team.

As an Indigenous-owned organization, we are particularly committed to supporting the employment of Indigenous individuals because we recognize the unique challenges and barriers faced by Indigenous people and because we feel it is necessary to reflect Indigenous perspectives and values in the work that we do. We encourage all Indigenous applicants to self-identify in their cover letter so that we consider their application accordingly, as Firelight may give preference to these applicants.

If any candidate requires accommodation or support to participate in the application process, please contact our HR Department via email [email protected].

Working at the Firelight Group means being passionate about what we do. Be part of our amazing team, with a very exciting future.