Senior Researcher
Errol Black Chair in Labour Issues 

About

The Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, Manitoba office (CCPA MB) is an independent, charitable, non-partisan research institute concerned with issues of social, economic and environmental justice.

Purpose and scope 

The Errol Black Chair (EBC) in Labour Issues is a high-profile policy analyst position, with an emphasis on labour issues, public policy and political economy at the CCPA MB. 

The Errol Black Chair in Labour Issues is responsible for developing and undertaking major labour research projects related to CCPA MB’s goals of economic, social and environmental justice. This position is focused on Manitoba and references the national context where appropriate. 

The position undertakes research and writing, policy analysis, and research coordination. The position requires a strong background in both economic and social policy, and in the political economy of MB, Canada and internationally. The position represents the organization as a media spokesperson for a variety of economic policy issues, and also represents CCPA MB through contact with senior personnel in the labour, NGO and public sectors. 

The EBC is a full time employee of the Manitoba office and reports directly to the Manitoba director. Once COVID restrictions ease up, the EBC will work out of CCPA MB’s office in Winnipeg. 

Roles and Responsibilities

Research: 

• The EBC will initiate and conduct research on issues of importance to the labour movement and workers in general, and on other issues of public policy, including (but not limited to) privatization, tax policy, globalization, austerity, recessions, living wage and minimum wage, provincial and municipal budgets, regional economic development, crown corporations and P3s.  The EBC will take a holistic approach to these issues, understanding and articulating how they are connected in today’s complex world, and will develop and present policy alternatives that meet the needs of all Manitobans.   
• The EBC will initiate, coordinate and conduct research and write on a wide range of policy briefs, research papers, op eds and blog posts.  
• The EBC will work with the CCPA Manitoba director to monitor and respond in a timely way to emerging provincial legislation, fiscal policies and issues.

Media and Public Relations: 

• The EBC is a spokesperson for CCPA MB, providing information and comment to the media on a variety of areas of provincial and municipal jurisdiction including labour, migrant workers, the green economy and government budgets.

Strategic leadership and management

• The EBC participates in shaping CCPA MB’s strategic, planning and priorities and implementation plans.
• The EBC reports directly to the CCPA MB Director, participates in the EBC Committee, and provides updates to the CCPA Board.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

The skills, expertise and experience required to perform this job successfully include:

1. Knowledge: Graduate-level researcher and thinker

• Graduate degree in economics preferred, with an emphasis on labour, gender in the workplace, precarious work and growing income inequality. A graduate degree in another relevant discipline will be considered.
• Understanding of quantitative methods and basic statistical analysis.
• Experience working in a policy and/or research environment.
• Ability to design, propose, conduct and communicate in-depth research projects.
• Sophisticated understanding and analysis of progressive political economy theory, policy and labour issues.
• Comprehensive understanding of a broad range of public policy areas, including government budgets and the role of the public sector and institutions.
• A broad understanding of politics, the public and non-profit sector, and knowledge of many of the organizations and leaders in these areas, is an asset.
• Experience researching/working with MB and Canadian labour policy issues.

2.  Communication Skills

• Ability to communicate complex material in accessible forms to a variety of audiences (trade union leaders and members, academic/professional, community partners, general public, funders and supporters).
• Strong academic writing skills (ability to write rigorous research reports and policy briefs).
• Popular/accessible writing skills.
• Ability to articulate CCPA ideas and research findings with clarity and nuance through written material, presentations and media interviews.
• Confident public speaker, able and willing to act as a spokesperson for the organization in a variety of settings.
• Experience giving media interviews. 
• Ability to articulate and, where necessary, defend  positions on issues after thorough and rigorous analysis.

3.  Personal Competencies

• Strong personal commitment to social, economic and environmental justice.
• Ability and willingness to develop positive working relationships, and skills in conflict resolution. 
• Able to work effectively as part of a dynamic team as well as independently and receive constructive feedback.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to act on opportunities that present themselves and function well under pressure.
• Ability to demonstrate insight when looking at problems and policy issues.
• Diligent and detail-oriented in research while keeping the big picture in mind.
• Quick learner, committed to self-development.
• Willing to take risks and develop/try out new approaches, competencies, skills.
• Judgment, ethics and tact as required to guard CCPA-MB’s credibility, integrity and reputation.

4.  Administrative and Management Skills

• Excellent ability to supervise financial records and budgets.
• Excellent ability to supervise student research assistants and work with administrative staff.
• Excellent ability to report on the work of the office to the EBC Committee and MB Board.
• Strong capacity for problem-solving and decision-making. 

5. Computer Skills

• Highly competent with MS Office, G suite, presentation software and navigating statistical data. 
• Flexible, self-starter, able to learn new software/tools for use in research or data visualization.

Salary and benefits: This position is part of the current collective agreement between CCPA and UNIFOR 567 and the wage scale for the CCPA Manitoba. The salary range is $70,000 – 80,500 annually. CCPA offers a strong benefits program, which includes extended health including dental, prescription and pension.  All conditions of employment are outlined within the collective agreement. This is a full time position located in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Please send a resume/CV, cover letter and short writing sample to ccpamb@policyalternatives.ca with “Senior Researcher” in the subject heading.

Applications due by Monday December 13th, 2021 at 4 pm.

CCPA seeks to achieve employment equity. If you identify as First Nations, Métis, Indigenous, racialized, and/ or a person with a disability, you are encouraged to indicate this in your cover letter.

Thank you to all who apply, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. A detailed job description will be provided to successful applicants at the interview stage.