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Form of work
SalaryContract end date: September 7, 2026
Hybrid position
MNO’s culture is at our core
The MNO workplace culture is full of potential ready to be unlocked. As our Self-Governance agreement materializes, we are building a workplace culture of action, responsibility, and most importantly a desire to serve the Métis community. When defining what MNO culture is, it’s difficult, because of our diverse leadership styles, and the different programs and services offered. What that really means is there is a place for almost everyone under the MNO employer umbrella. We recognize people are different, and that is our source of strength. We bring opinions together, welcome healthy conflict, and look to always find answers, not problems.
Click here to learn about the Métis Nation of Ontario, and help you decide if we are the right fit for you
What We Can Offer You
- 4% Vacation pay
- Pension plan
- Annual paid two-week holiday closure in December
- 16 paid public and employer holidays
- 15 paid health & wellness days
- Challenging, multi-disciplinary work environment that fosters Learning and professional development
- Substantial educational incentive to promote personal and professional growth
- An opportunity to make a direct or indirect impact on the lives of the Métis Peoples across the Province
- Other perks
- Employee Assistance Plan
- Telemedicine plan
- Goodlife corporate membership discount
- Bell Mobility's exclusive partner program
- Staple's corporate discount
- Dell member purchase program
- Mark's corporate discount
The Research Specialist in the Métis Quality Improvement Project (QIP) will specifically lead critical research initiatives to develop culturally relevant quality indicators for Métis Early Learning and Childcare (ELCC). The required work includes, but is not limited to: conducting literature reviews, surveying, semi-structured interviews and sharing circles employing Métis-specific methodologies to engage with the Métis community for valuable insights. The research and analysis will be used to inform a culturally appropriate scale that accurately measures and guides the improvement of Ontario ELCC programs for Métis children. The Research Specialist will also be responsible for pilot testing and refining this scale with the team, ensuring its effectiveness and relevance. Additionally, they will oversee the dissemination of the finalized scale, provide implementation support to ELCC providers, and compile a comprehensive final report with recommendations for the continuous improvement of Métis ELCC programs. The role requires a thorough understanding of Métis cultural values and traditions, as well as the recent transformations in Canada-Wide ELCC, particularly regarding the Canada-Métis Nation ELCC Accord and the Indigenous ELCC Framework.
What you will be doing
- Designing and conducting research that adheres to MNO's values and Métis-specific methods.
- Developing a comprehensive research plan incorporating qualitative and quantitative approaches.
- Creating a culturally specific ELCC Quality Improvement Scale, incorporating feedback from community consultations and expert panels.
- Leading pilot tests, refining the scale, and ensuring its effectiveness for Métis ELCC programs.
- Collaborating closely with Métis communities, governing bodies, and stakeholders to align the project with MNO's mandate and Métis needs.
- Overseeing the dissemination of the Métis Quality Improvement Scale and related resources, and contributing to vocational training program development.
- Producing a final report with detailed guidelines, standards, and recommendations for enhancing Métis ELCC, including aspects of vocational qualifications and accreditation.
- And other reasonable duties as may be assigned.
- Strong desire to act in the service of the Métis citizens, to advance and uphold rights and culture.
- High degree of proficiency in both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies with experience in managing and analyzing large datasets and developing and validating assessment tools or scales.
- Strong familiarity with the OCAP principles (Ownership, Control, Access, and Possession) and adherence to the Tri-Council Policy Statement: Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans (TCPS 2: CORE), ensuring respectful and culturally sensitive research practices.
- Demonstrated expertise in ELCC, with a focus on Métis-specific education and care practices, including curriculum development and pedagogical approaches.
- Superior skills in experimental design, data analysis, interpretation, and strong statistical analysis capabilities with the ability to critically evaluate academic literature.
- Advanced communication skills, both written and verbal, for producing research manuscripts, white papers, and progress reports, and effectively communicating research findings to diverse audiences.
- Demonstrated ability to set long-term strategic missions for research projects, establish priorities, and set achievable goals.
- Demonstrated ability to set a long-term strategic mission for research projects, establish priorities, and set achievable goals.
- Strong project coordination skills, including the design and implementation of project work plans.
- Ability to manage competing demands and assess changing priorities.
- Strong technical writing ability and experience in briefings, proposal writing, annual reports, and research publications.
- Demonstrated ability to assess situations, problem-solve independently, and work with minimal supervision.
- Familiarity with educational stakeholders and the capacity to navigate established systems and hierarchies within the ELCC sector.
- Demonstrated experience in the Early Learning & Child Care field, with specific experience in conducting research and implementing ELCC programs.
- Evidence of previously published research work in the field of ELCC or related disciplines, demonstrating expertise in academic writing and research dissemination.
- Demonstrated involvement in policy development or program evaluation, particularly in areas relevant to ELCC, Indigenous education, or community development.
- Experience in handling large datasets, performing complex data analysis and interpreting results within the context of ELCC or social sciences.
- Master's or PhD in Early Childhood Education, Public Health, Social Sciences, Policy Studies, Indigenous Studies, or related fields with a focus on research methodologies.
- Practical experience with Early Childhood Education, enhancing the application of advanced academic knowledge in real-world ELCC settings, particularly within Métis and broader Indigenous contexts.
- Familiarity with Métis-specific and broader Indigenous policy, challenges, and programs in the ELCC sector, and experience in policy and program development and evaluation.
- Experience in developing and implementing professional development programs for ELCC workers, with a focus on building cultural competency and responsiveness.
- Demonstrated ability to engage with Métis communities and stakeholders for collaborative project development, ensuring community needs and aspirations are central to research and program design.
- 2 years in a comparable role closely aligned with the responsibilities of this position, such as ELCC program development, community-based research, or policy analysis.
- Involvement in designing and delivering professional development programs, especially those focused on enhancing cultural competency and responsiveness in ELCC settings.
- Demonstrable experience in effectively engaging with communities, particularly Métis or other Indigenous groups, in collaborative project development and consultation processes.
- Demonstrated ability to quickly adapt and expand knowledge in a dynamic environment, especially within the domains of ELCC, Indigenous education, and research methodologies.
- Experience dealing with confidential information
- Proficiency in French and/or Michif
- Proficiency in research software and statistical analysis tools relevant to the role.
- Demonstrated ability to manage project budgets and project deliverables using project management software or other processes
- Completion of the Tri-Council Policy on Ethical Research and OCAP principles certification
- Current CPR/First Aid certification or ability to obtain
- Completion and maintenance of Vulnerable Sector Verification
- Completion of required Education & Training branch Child Protection Policies
- A reliable vehicle (or ability to rent), driver’s licence, $1,000,000 liability insurance, and a clean driving record
- Flexibility to work extended hours as necessary
- Ability to occasionally travel within Ontario for limited periods of time
The Métis Nation of Ontario commits to providing accommodation as required by the Ontario Human Rights Act, unless to do so would cause undue hardship. Accommodations will be provided in accordance with the principles of dignity, individualization, and inclusion. The Métis Nation of Ontario will work cooperatively and in the spirit of respect with all partners in the accommodation process. These accommodations will extend to all aspects of the employment relationship including recruitment and selection.
Please email human resources if you require an accommodation during the hiring process.
Special Services Organization
The Métis Nation of Ontario is a special services organization. All applicants are encouraged to apply. Preference may be given to qualified applicants who meet the requirements for MNO Citizenship as per the MNO Bylaws and who are in good standing.
Please note, all employees, regardless of role or location, are required to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19, unless the employee has a valid medical exemption. This condition of employment is effective for all employees, full or part-time, permanent or contract, whether working remotely or not, as of November 1, 2021.
