Research Administrator

Objective:

To advance the OFIFC’s research initiatives aimed at building Friendship Centres’ self- sufficiency and self-determination in research, through administering and monitoring contract funding and grant awards, managing administrative aspects of various research projects and initiatives, and coordinating implementation of research administration policies and procedures in accordance with the Utility, Self-Voicing, Access, Inter-relationality (USAI) Research Framework.

Key Deliverables:

• To conduct administrative research activities and coordinate various research projects and initiatives with the highest levels of integrity and in compliance with all policies, regulations, and procedures governing research contracts and grants, ensuring adherence to USAI principles, and meeting the needs of Friendship Centre communities and that are aligned with OFIFC’s long-range strategic plan.

Key Responsibilities:

Research Administration and Coordination (65%):

• Coordinates and manages research grants and agreements through their entire lifecycle and monitors all research contracts for compliance and reporting purposes;
• Develops, maintains, and monitors all research budgets, working closely with research sites and internal Finance workgroup;
• Monitors and coordinates all expenditures as reasonable, eligible, and allocable to the project activities, consistent with the terms and conditions of the award and ensures they are incurred during the approved project period, interacting with the OFIFC’s Integrated Database;
• Determines available or required resources to conduct the projects, such as space, equipment, software, and research tools;
• Collaborates to develop research workplans, activities and methods, and monitors the milestones;
• Leads the development of grant submissions, meeting all funders’ requirements;
• Prepares and participates in the delivery of research-related training and workshops for both internal and external audiences;
• Participates on committees, networks, tables and working groups with academic institutions, governments, collaborators and funders

Community Support (25%):

• Provides full and comprehensive research administration support, including training as   needed, to Friendship Centres, local communities, local youth, and researchers, collaborating with them on the ground;
• Assists Friendship Centres with their local research-related budgets and grant submission;
• Provides grant submission support to all other workgroups;
• Maintains correspondence and communication related to research administration and coordination;

Other (10%):

• Develops, maintains, and protects a comprehensive and accurate database of both paper and electronic records, meeting the objectives of the OFIFC research vision;
• Keeps abreast of current information, resources, tools, academic and technological development in related fields to ensure research administration and coordination capacity is up to date;
• Maintains and upgrades professional skills;
• Promotes a healthy, safe work environment; and
• Performs other duties, related to the position, as assigned by the Executive Director or designate.

Behavioural Competencies:

• Analytical Thinking
• Problem Solving & Decision Making
• Planning & Organizing
• Time Management

Technical Competencies:

• Demonstrated experience in research administration and coordination, including Indigenous and community-driven approaches, with strong skills to create research plans and coordinate multiple projects;
• Knowledge of issues related to Indigenous peoples of Turtle Island in the context of Indigenous and mainstream research;
• Ability to formulate research coordination strategies and administer research policies, processes, and resources;
• Strong ability to create, review and monitor complex budgets;
• Superior attention to detail when drafting and reviewing grant and contract documents;

Education/Work Experience:

• A relevant diploma in finance and/or social research
• Over 1, up to and including 3 years’ experience working with Indigenous communities and/or agencies in a research administration/coordination capacity
• Negotiation experience and familiarity with research funders’ requirements, including Tri-Council
• Additional qualifications in financial management an asset

What we offer:

• Culture-based organization
• Pay Range: $70,000 – $82,000
• Comprehensive Health benefits after the probationary period including Health Care Spending Account & Lifestyle Spending Account
• Hybrid working model (2 days in office)

The OFIFC is committed to building a skilled and diverse workforce; we promote employment equity and encourage applicants to indicate if you belong to one of the four designated employment equity groups Women, Indigenous peoples, Persons with disabilities, or Members of visible minorities when you apply.  Preference will be given to qualified Turtle Island Indigenous people or members of First Nations, Inuit and Métis including treaty, status or registered Indigenous people, as well as those non-status and non-registered who self-declare as such.

Accommodation:

The OFIFC is committed to providing barrier-free and accessible employment practices in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Should you require Code-protected accommodation through any stage of the recruitment process, please make them known when contacted and we will work with you to meet your needs.