Advocacy & Policy Research Assistants

Reports to: VP Education       

Rate: B3    

Hours: 8-10 hours per week

The Advocacy & Policy Research Assistant is responsible for assisting in the development of policy and research relating to advocacy work in the MSU including planning and analyzing primary and secondary research. The Advocacy & Policy Research Assistant is also responsible for leading the MSU policy development process by providing support to policy authors. The research may be used to develop written lobbying documents, including government submissions and other external publications. 

Extended: This posting will close on Monday June 1 at 11:59pm (EDT). 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 

• Excellent writing skills, including proofreading and editing 

• Capacity for research, consultation, and analysis of data 

• Working knowledge of Statistical or Data Analysis Software (SPSS, R, Excel) and the ability to present statistical data in a user friendly format 

• Knowledge of students’ academic and non-academic concerns 

• Knowledge of the University, OUSA, and other groups working toward improving the quality of student life 

• Interpersonal skills required in order to set up focus groups and forums as required, and provide support to policy authors 

Effort & Responsibility 

• Ability to work independently 

• Ability to carry out research projects from start to finish 

• Working within deadlines on a regular basis 

Working Conditions  

• Hours of work are variable 

• Time demands may exceed stated hours of work 

• Access to shared work space in the MSU Committee Room 

Training and Experience 

• Previous research experience is an asset 

• Understanding of the MSU policy process is an asset 

Equipment 

• Use of a personal computer is preferred 

• Access to a shared office computer 

• Other business machines as required 

For a full list of duties and responsibilities, please download the full job description.