Policy Researcher

Description

Want to join a dynamic organization focused on improving employment and employability outcomes for Québec’s English-speaking community? If you have strong research and writing skills, apply today and help the Provincial Employment Roundtable (PERT) build a robust policy agenda.

PERT is a nonprofit organization that seeks to address the employability issues faced by English-speaking Quebecers. Since our founding in 2020, we have developed a research and engagement agenda in collaboration with stakeholders across Québec who are working to improve the labour market outcomes of English speakers. 

We value creativity, innovation, diversity, and inclusion. We welcome applications from BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Colour), women, persons with disabilities, Two-Spirit and queer people, trans people, and other candidates who experience marginalization to apply and self-identify. 

Position Summary

Reporting to the Policy Research Manager, the Policy Researcher (1-year contract, full-time) supports the development of PERT’s policy knowledge through applied research, employer engagement, and qualitative analysis. The successful candidate will help expand the organization’s research capacity and strengthen its expertise on employment policy, economic development, second-language training, and regional disparities across a range of policy issues.

A key focus of the role will be engaging directly with employers and employer networks to understand workforce needs, challenges, and perspectives. The Policy Researcher will organize and conduct interviews and focus groups with employers and other stakeholders, analyze qualitative findings, and translate research into actionable insights and policy recommendations.

This is a hybrid position, which will require working in person at PERT’s Montreal office, as well as the possibility of working from home. The hybrid schedule will be determined based on the employer and employee’s needs.

Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain relationships with employers, employer networks, and other relevant stakeholders to support PERT’s research and policy work.
• Plan, coordinate, and conduct qualitative research activities, including interviews and focus groups with employers, stakeholders and research participants.
• Analyze and synthesize qualitative research findings to identify key themes, trends, challenges, and opportunities, and develop actionable insights and recommendations.
• Conduct policy research and analysis and contribute to the development of reports, policy proposals, briefs, discussion papers, and other knowledge products.
• Conduct literature reviews and environmental scans on social and policy aspects of employment and economic development.

Requirements 

Our ideal candidate has the following skills and experience:

• Proven experience in conducting research or developing policy in the social sciences, including skills in analysis, writing, copy-editing, and reference management.
• Experience engaging with employers, businesses, or employer networks; knowledge of relevant employer networks, associations, or industry organizations is considered an asset.
• Demonstrated experience conducting interviews and/or focus groups, including developing research questions or interview guides, recruiting participants, facilitating discussions, and analyzing findings.
• Strong ability to analyze and synthesize qualitative data, identify themes and patterns, and translate findings into actionable insights and recommendations.
• Familiarity with a range of data collection methods, including interviews, focus groups, polls, and surveys, and the ability to apply these methods effectively to research and evaluation activities.
• Highly self-driven, capable of working independently, and able to identify and prioritize projects across multiple files while meeting tight deadlines. 
• Strong bilingual (English and French) verbal and written communication skills.
• Rigorous, collaborative and well-organized in conducting their work.  

We Offer  

• An inspiring mission working with an energetic and collaborative team
• Flexible work arrangements 
• A full-time office space located near downtown Montreal 

Job Specifications

• Full-time contract position
• 1-year contract, with potential of renewal 
• Salary: $55,000 - $75,000, commensurate with experience and skills 
• Paid sick days
• Paid vacation
• Health and dental benefits
• Hybrid

Position Start Date 

As soon as possible 

Application Process & Deadline

Please submit a CV, cover letter and 2 past writing samples. Note that applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. If you need any accommodations for any part of the application process, please contact sarahi@pertquebec.ca.