Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Decolonization in Research Officer

Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Decolonization in Research Officer
Reference: 26902
Location: UWO Main Campus
Faculty/Unit: VP Research – Western Research
Department: Research Development & Services
Employee Group: PMA – Professional and Managerial Association
Appointment Type/ Status: Continuing, Regular Full-Time
Classification & Regular Hours
Hours per Week: 35
Salary Grade: 15
About Western
With an international reputation for success, Western ranks as one of Canada’s top research-intensive
universities. Our research excellence expands knowledge and drives discovery with real-world
application. Western also provides an exceptional employment experience, offering competitive
salaries, a wide range of employment opportunities and one of Canada’s most beautiful campuses.
About Us
Western ranks as one of Canada’s top research-intensive universities. With contributions that range
from fundamental research to applied discovery, its researchers advance knowledge and provide
tangible benefits for the economic, social, health and cultural development of citizens in London, in
Canada, and around the world. Western Research provides strategic and comprehensive support to
foster a culture of research excellence that enhances Western University’s profile on the global stage.
Responsibilities
The Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Decolonization in Research Officer (EDI-D Research Officer) will
support the implementation of EDI-D and anti-racism praxis across all internal and/or external research
funding processes at Western. The role will identify internal and external funding opportunities related
to EDI-D and anti-racism research, and will assist directly with partnership building, opportunity
dissemination, proposal development, and providing education to embed meaningful EDI-D and antiracism promising practices. The role will ensure that proposals conform to Western’s and the funding
agencies’ EDI-D and anti-racism policies, action plans, procedures and criteria. The EDI-D Research
Officer will liaise with and coordinate activities among Western’s researchers, relevant Departments, its
local affiliates, and other national and international peer institutions, with the goal of facilitating the
success of research proposals. The role will deliver diplomatic and professional client-oriented services
for proposals, which are typically related to major national and international research grant programs
and strategic grant programs from the three major granting agencies.
Qualifications
Education:

• 4-year Undergraduate Degree in a relevant area of study (e.g. diversity and equity, human rights,
  accessibility etc.)
• Relevant courses related to EDI-D
  Preferred:
• Lived experience and/or deep understanding of cultural competency and history of research for
  diverse groups (e.g. Indigenous, Black, racialized person, person with a disability and/or as a member of
  the LGBTQ2S+ community)
• Master of Professional Education (MPEd) in Equity, Diversity and Social Justice or Masters with a
  significant EDI-D component is preferred
• Thesis based area of study preferred
• OCAP (Ownership, Control, Access, and Possession) Certification and/or cultural competency and
  safety training
• EDI-D related training
  Experience:
• 5 years’ experience working on EDI-D initiatives within a research-intensive, and/or post-secondary
  environment
• 1 year experience weaving EDI-D praxis into grant proposals and/or supporting EDI-D related items as
  part of large-scale funding applications with multiple stakeholders, funding sources, partners and/or
  outcomes
• Proven experience writing successful proposals and working with major government research
  programs is preferred
• Experience working with equity-deserving groups would be an asset
  Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
• Demonstrated passion, commitment and knowledge of EDI-D
• In-depth knowledge of best practices for reviewing and writing EDI-D action plans as part of grant
  proposals, and of Canadian peer-review granting systems, processes and procedures related to EDI-D
• In-depth understanding of complex issues related to EDI-D and anti-racism as they relate to the
  researcher, faculty and student experience and research impact
• Demonstrated understanding of systemic issues and of the legal and legislative frameworks related to
  EDI-D (e.g. Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the Ontario Human Rights Code and the
  Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA))
• Ability to assess situations using sound judgement and to navigate sensitive and sometimes difficult
  conversations that can be emotionally charged
• Exceptional and persuasive communication skills and critical thinking skills to translate information
  into easily understood terms, summarize information, and provide a rationale for action
• An innovative and strategic thinker with a broad vision for the role of diversity in achieving research
  excellence
• Demonstrated ability to understand and enable diverse viewpoints and approaches to achieve
  complex goals
• Proven ability to work well with diverse groups at all levels within the institution and external parties,
  exercising appropriate judgment in decision making
• Ability to work independently, handle details with a high degree of accuracy and to organize and
  prioritize a high volume of work to meet deadlines
• Ability to conduct difficult conversations with diplomacy and tact while advancing research from an
  EDI-D and anti-racism lens
• Ability to work in a manner that models best practices in confidentiality, sensitivity and relationship
  building standards and treat sensitive information with discretion
• A desire to grow and advance skills, which is demonstrated by attending conferences, workshops and
  other professional developmental opportunities to enhance performance
• Demonstrated ability to develop and deliver educational sessions & resources to diverse stakeholders
  to increase their awareness of, and advance, EDI-D and anti-racism promising practices
• Advanced computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to research new avenues of funding from federal granting agencies, industry and other
  funding sources
• Strong editing and proofreading abilities with attention to detail with emphasis on requirements for
  proposal development, reports and presentations
  Western Values Diversity
  The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Western is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression.
  
• Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If
  you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact Human Resources at
  hrhelp@uwo.ca or phone 519-661-2194.
  Please Note:
  Effective September 7, 2021, all employees and visitors to campus are required to comply with
  Western’s COVID-19 Vaccination Policy.
  We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.