Lead Research Advisor - Conseiller principal en recherche

Location : Ottawa (in-person/hybrid) with consideration for remote

About the Office of the Commissioner of Indigenous Languages (OCIL)

The Office of the Commissioner of Indigenous Languages is dedicated to promoting and championing Indigenous languages by supporting the efforts of Indigenous Peoples across Canada to reclaim, revitalize, maintain, and strengthen their languages.

Our national team is passionate about our work, and the difference we make with the research, resources and innovation we develop collaboratively with partners and share with Indigenous communities. We have policies in place to ensure a welcoming, safe and respectful workplace, as well as rigorous standards for transparency and accountability.

Our Vision: All Indigenous languages in Canada are safe, vibrant, and thriving.

Our Guiding Principles

There is an urgent need for concerted efforts and investments toward the revitalization of Indigenous languages to arrest and reverse the erosion that has already occurred. Research shows that no Indigenous language in Canada is safe and that all are in varying stages of endangerment.

Indigenous languages are fundamental to the identities, cultures, spirituality, relationships to the land, worldviews, and self-determination of Indigenous peoples.

Indigenous languages have and continue to contribute to the strength of Canada as a whole, including biodiversity and the richness of linguistic and cultural heritage. The Commission is committed to protecting the vitality of all Indigenous languages, including sign languages and sleeping languages.

We welcome interest by qualified candidates as we expand our national team to launch new, exciting projects and to meet growing organizational needs.

About the Role

Reporting to the Manager of the Knowledge Hub, the Lead Research Advisor provides strategic research leadership for the Indigenous Languages Knowledge Hub and supports OCIL's mandate to advance Indigenous language preservation, revitalization, reclamation, and promotion across Canada. The position leads complex research initiatives, develops research frameworks and methodologies, coordinates partnerships, and ensures excellence in support of organizational priorities and legislative obligations.

The Lead Research Advisor works closely with Indigenous communities, governments, academics, language experts, and partners to generate evidence, identify emerging trends, and produce high-quality research that informs policy, programs, and Indigenous language revitalization efforts..

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Research Leadership

Lead the design and implementation of national research projects and initiatives.

Develop research frameworks, methodologies, standards, and work plans.

Provide strategic advice on Indigenous language research trends, priorities, and opportunities.

Identify research gaps and emerging issues affecting Indigenous languages and language revitalization.

Contribute to the development of annual and multi-year research agendas.

Works effectively across teams and contributes to Knowledge Hub and organizational priorities.

Research Project Management

Lead and oversee multiple research projects from planning through completion.

Coordinate internal and external researchers, consultants, contractors, and partners.

Monitor project timelines, budgets, deliverables, and performance measures.

Ensure projects align with OCIL priorities, strategic plans, and Indigenous community needs.

Support the development of project charters and partnership agreements.

Indigenous Language Research and Analysis

Conduct and oversee qualitative, quantitative, and Indigenous methodologies.

Synthesize evidence from multiple sources into actionable findings.

Analyze trends related to language vitality, demographics, language documentation, mapping, and emerging technologies.

Support research related to Indigenous Languages Act reporting requirements.

Develop reports, briefing materials, position papers, and recommendations.

Indigenous Data Sovereignty and Governance

Promote and apply principles of Indigenous data sovereignty, ownership, access, control, and stewardship.

Ensure ethical, culturally appropriate, and community-centered research practices.

Advise on research governance frameworks and protocols.

Support the respectful collection, management, sharing, and use of Indigenous language data.

Partnerships and Engagement

Build and maintain relationships with Indigenous governments, organizations, communities, academic institutions, and research networks.

Facilitate collaborative research initiatives and partnerships.

Support engagement activities, advisory committees, and knowledge-sharing forums.

Represent OCIL at meetings, conferences, and working groups.

Knowledge Mobilization

Translate research findings into accessible products for diverse audiences.

Support the development of reports, fact sheets, toolkits, dashboards, and knowledge resources.

Contribute to public awareness and knowledge-sharing initiatives.

Provide strategic advice to support evidence-informed decision-making throughout the organization.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

Master's degree in Indigenous Studies, Social Sciences, Public Policy, Linguistics Education, Research Methodology, or a related field.

Significant involvement (3 - 5+ years) of progressively responsible experience conducting and leading research initiatives.

Experience working alongside Indigenous communities, organizations, governments, or language revitalization initiatives.

Experience managing complex projects involving multiple stakeholders and partners.

Experience developing research methodologies and leading evidence-based analysis.

Knowledge and Expertise

Strong understanding of Indigenous language revitalization, documentation, reclamation, or language policy, including the Indigenous Languages Act and the TRC Calls to Action.

Experience with geographic information systems (GIS), digital knowledge repositories, archival research, or emerging technologies.

Knowledge of Indigenous data sovereignty frameworks and ethical research standards.

Skills and Competencies

Knowledge of Indigenous research methodologies and ethical research practices.

Advanced qualitative and quantitative research and analytical skills.

Excellent strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.

Strong project management and organizational skills.

Excellent written communication, report writing, and presentation skills.

Ability to build collaborative relationships across diverse stakeholder groups.

Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Strong facilitation, consultation, and engagement skills.

High degree of cultural competency, humility, and respect when working with Indigenous Peoples and communities.

Assets

Doctoral degree in a related discipline is an asset.

Proficiency in an Indigenous language and bilingualism (English/French).

What We Offer

The Commission offers a competitive benefits package, including medical and dental benefits and a pension plan. The Commission offers a wonderful, supportive work environment, with opportunities for career development, mentorship, and professional development.

The Commission recognizes that our success requires us to have a workforce that reflects the community we serve, and diversity in its widest context, one where all people, regardless of difference, are valued and respected.

Preference will be given to Indigenous applicants in accordance with section 16(1) of the Canadian Human Rights Act . Candidates are encouraged to self-identify in their cover letter.

À propos du Bureau du Commissaire aux langues autochtones (OCIL)

Le Bureau du Commissaire aux langues autochtones s'engage à promouvoir et défendre les langues autochtones en soutenant les efforts des peuples autochtones