Indigenous Data Sovereignty Specialist, IRST, Research Services

Description

Research Services in the Office of VP Research invites applications for a Indigenous Data Sovereignty Specialist. This Full-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 12 months (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.

Reporting to the Manager of the Indigenous Research Support Team (IRST) in Research Services, the Indigenous Data Sovereignty Specialist (IDSS) brings expertise in the unique issues raised by the collection and management of Indigenous research data to support the implementation of ii' taa'poh'to'p, the University of Calgary's Indigenous Strategy, and the University's Research Data Management Strategy.

Situated in the Indigenous Research Support Team, the Indigenous Data Sovereignty Specialist (IDSS) is a key figure in supporting Indigenous research at the University of Calgary as well as with the implementation of ii' taa'poh'to'p and the UCalgary Research Data Management (RDM) Strategy. The IDSS will be instrumental in developing and delivering a comprehensive suite of Indigenous research support services, in coordination with institutional committees, colleagues in the Research Services, the Office of Institutional Analysis, senior leadership in the Office of the Vice-President (Research), Office of Indigenous Engagement, Libraries and Cultural Resources (LCR), and Information Technologies (IT). These services will be centered on Indigenous data sovereignty principles and will include the creation of resources, reference documents, workshops, and other forms of training. The IDSS will also provide one-on-one consultations with UCalgary researchers (faculty, postdoctoral scholars, students, and non-academic staff) and their Indigenous community partners on wise practices to manage research data in accordance with Indigenous data sovereignty principles and the rights and interests of Indigenous peoples.

This role supports the continued indigenization of the University of Calgary. Click here to see more job opportunities with an Indigenous scope. 

Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):

• Develop resources and facilitate workshops on Indigenous research and Indigenous data sovereignty.
• Identify additional resources, processes and infrastructure needed to support Indigenous data sovereignty at the University of Calgary.
• Provide direct consultations on the development of Indigenous research data management plans that embody the principles of Indigenous data sovereignty.
• Answer questions from researchers on research data management and community engagement.
• Maintain a strong understanding of the literature and Indigenous Research strategic directions, frameworks and requirements set by the Tri-Agencies and other granting bodies e.g., Indigenous Data Sovereignty principles, Tri-Council Policy Statement: Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans (TCPS 2).
• Under the direction of the IRST Manager, contribute to the overall goals of the Indigenous Research Support Team, such as by facilitating ceremonies, providing training to RSO staff members, and participating in work which supports ii' taa'poh'to'p.
• Support the development and implementation of an institutional Indigenous Data Sovereignty Framework with input from a cross-campus working group, including drafting objectives, milestones, and performance indicators for the implementation of the Framework.
• Work with Indigenous communities, Indigenous Scholars and Indigenous Data Sovereignty focused organizations to ensure UCalgary alignment with community-led Indigenous Data Sovereignty practices and guidelines such as the FNIGC Principles of OCAP© and the Global Indigenous Data Alliance CARE Principles.

Qualifications / Requirements:

• Experience defining and measuring large-scale projects and initiatives.
• A masters degree and five years of related experience in Indigenous research, community-based research, research data management, or research administration is required.
• A combination of experience, training, and education will be considered.
• Highly developed organizational, analytical, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills and the capacity to work as a team member are critical.
• Demonstrated capacity to traverse research projects and quantitative and qualitative methodologies from and across a wide variety of disciplines.
• A strong understanding of the Canadian research landscape is required, including a strong awareness of Canada's three federal research-funding agencies, CIHR, NSERC, and SSHRC and their affiliated policies and regulations, specifically the TCPS2 Chapter 9: Research Involving the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples of Canada.
• Expert knowledge of local and national, and international guidelines, recommendations, and legislation relating to Indigenous research as well as RDM more broadly.
• Experience supporting researchers or project leaders in an academic, industrial, or community setting.
• Expertise in university-based research collaborations with Indigenous communities and leadership is essential.
• The incumbent will have a comprehensive understanding and experience in navigating complex and competing priorities within Indigenous contexts.
• Demonstrated cultural competencies that affirm Indigenous ways of knowing and doing, and incumbent is recognized by Indigenous communities as a trusted and respectful colleague.
• Knowledge of Western ethical issues related to the collection, use, storage, and sharing of research data, is an asset.
• The candidate must have the ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with the internal and external community.
• Proactive with the ability to act decisively and to exercise a high degree of initiative in a hybrid environment.
• Ability to assess, plan, coordinate, and work under the direction of shared leadership as required.
• Must demonstrate professionalism, discretion, courtesy, and respect in all interactions.
• Comfortable working with technology and internet-based applications and portals.
• Excellent working knowledge of the Microsoft Office Suite, particularly MS Word, MS Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint, is required.
• Understanding of historical and current challenges related to colonialism.
• Demonstrated familiarity with Indigenous communities, history, and culture.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the Treaty 7 territory and/or an established working relationship with Treaty 7 communities are considered an asset.
• Demonstrated ability to build positive relationships with Indigenous Peoples and alongside Indigenous communities including Elders and Traditional Knowledge Keepers.
• Demonstrated understanding of the cultural knowledge and communication skills required to connect with Indigenous students, schools and communities.

Application Deadline:  December 9, 2024

We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.

This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Specialist/Advisor Job Family, Phase 3.

For a listing of all management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our Management and Staff Careers website. 

About the University of Calgary

UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.

The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.

As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion ([email protected]) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources ([email protected]).

Do you have most but not all the qualifications? Research show that women, racialized and visible minorities, and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At UCalgary we are committed to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible employment practices and workplaces and encourage you to apply if you believe you are right for this role. 

We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.