Job Title: Social Policy Researcher                   

Employment Type: Full Time
Duration: 8 week contract
Rate of Pay:$18
Start Date: TBD

About Us:

Maama Watali is an Ottawa-based nonprofit Black Women’s organization with a global reach. Since 2012, we have been dedicated to designing, producing, and delivering impactful educational programs while providing individual and group support for Black women and their families. Our mission focuses on rebuilding lives in the aftermath of gender-based violence through equitable, trauma-informed approaches. 

Central to our work is Maama Watali House, a 14-unit affordable housing project that will provide survivors and their families with a safe and supportive space to rebuild their lives. Through this and other projects, we aim to foster resilience, create opportunities for healing and sustainable growth.

The Role:

We are seeking a Policy and Research Assistant to assist with research into policy and advocacy work related to the overall vision and mission of our organization.

Working closely with the Senior Project Coordinator, the role will focus on systemic advocacy by researching legislation, policies, and initiatives related to gender-based violence, gender equity and transitional housing. For example, the assistant will monitor and analyze legislation such as Bill 173, explore policy gaps in transitional and affordable housing, and identify barriers impacting GBV survivors.

The role will support Maama Watali’s advocacy strategy by developing research-based content, including policy briefs, reports, blogs, and speeches, to raise awareness and influence change.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct in-depth research on policy issues related to supportive housing, shelters, and respite services, focusing on BIPOC Communities, gender equity and the needs of survivors of gender-based violence.

• Support the development of targeted policy briefs, position papers, and reports on housing and shelter initiatives that address GBV-specific challenges.

• Monitor legislative changes, government policies, and sector trends impacting transitional housing and shelters at federal, provincial and municipal levels of government.

• Support the alignment of organizational policies and program directives with legislative changes, government policies, and sector trends.

• Keep the internal staff team informed of relevant legislative changes, sector trends, and advocacy opportunities specific to gender-based violence, gender equity, and supportive transitional houses.

• Support the alignment of organizational policies and program directives with legislative changes and sector trends that promote gender-based violence prevention and response initiatives.

Who You Are:

• Education/Training: Diploma or degree in Public Policy, Sociology, Social Work, Gender Studies, or a related field.

• Strong research and analytical skills, with experience in advocacy work considered an asset.

• Mature approach to work with the ability to work independently and as part of a team to meet deadlines.

• Strong knowledge and understanding of intersectional feminist frameworks, affordable housing solutions, and GBA Plus (Gender-Based Analysis Plus) and utilizing an equity lens to address systemic barriers faced by marginalized groups, particularly women affected by gender-based violence.

• Proficiency in MS Office 365 Suite and Google Suite.

• Strong attention to detail and the ability to analyze complex information into clear, actionable insights.

• Demonstrated ability to adapt to changing priorities and simultaneously work on multiple projects.

• Strong writing and presentation skills, with the ability to tailor content for diverse audiences.

Passionate about our mission but not sure you meet every requirement? Apply anyway — you could be the perfect addition to our team.