Position: Research Assistant
Hours: 230 hours over a 5-month period
Contract type: Independent Contract
Start date: September 2025
Location: Canada – Remote
Applications open: August 13 2025
Closing date: The deadline for applications to be submitted is August 27,
11:59 PM EST
Compensation: $40/hr. for 225 hours between September – March 2026.
Application method: Resume, answers to questions and written sample. See
instructions below.
All candidates must be legally eligible to work in Canada.
About Fora
Since 2009, Fora: Network for Change (Fora) has been building a global network of young feminist changemakers. Through our governance programming, leadership development, social impact initiatives, and feminist research, we make bold, strategic investments in young women and gender-marginalized youth navigating gender-based barriers. We equip them with the training, community, and experiences they need to lead, thrive, and create lasting change across Canada and globally.
Learn more at https://www.foranetwork.org.
For this opportunity, Fora is seeking and Independent Contractor. The Contractor is not an employee of Fora: Network for Change for any purpose whatsoever and will be and remain an independently contracted external hire.
Fora is committed to equitable representation and access. Candidates from Black, Indigenous, racialized, 2SLGBTQIA+, newcomer, refugee, and other underserved communities are encouraged to self-identify in your application. To learn more about Fora’s continued learning and commitment to equity, please see our 2024 Annual Report
Position Summary
Our upcoming research project will capture and analyze the unique economic circumstance of young women and gender-marginalized youth experiencing underemployment in Canada. It aims to identify indicators of locked economic potential and provide systems-level pathways towards economic prosperity and security.
By collating and conducting research on young women and gender-marginalized youth’s underemployment, this important research will identify how Canada’s existing skills development infrastructure and employment system can be redesigned with the economic prosperity and security of young women and gender marginalized youth in mind.
We are seeking a highly skilled social science researcher with interest and experience in progressive and feminist economics. Reporting to the Advocacy Manager, the Research Assistant will support the execution of secondary and primary qualitative research alongside the production of a comprehensive report.
Key responsibilities of the Research Assistant will include:
Data Collection and Research Coordination (50%):
- Conducting secondary research to support the development of strategic learning and research questions.
- Supporting outreach to potential informants and coordinating informant onboarding and offboarding.
- Supporting the development and execution of 60–90-minute interviews and focus groups.
- Conducting primary qualitative research through 1:1 consultations with gender- marginalized youth, upholding ethical research standards and completing all relevant documentation.
Data Analysis and Narration (15%):
- Supporting the coding and analysis of primary data.
- Literature reviews and desk research to contextualize primary data.
Report Writing (35%):
- Writing and submitting the report’s first draft in line with the agreed upon deadline.
- Providing briefing notes and related materials to support the evaluation and mobilization of the report.
- Assisting in the editing and review of the draft for publication in early 2025.
Education & Certifications
- Post Secondary degree in Social Science, Statistics or Economics is an asset.
Knowledge & Experience:
- Understanding of and passion for feminist and progressive economics.
- Strong familiarity with intersectional feminist analysis and research principles, including familiarity with GBA+.
- Familiarity with Canada’s skills development infrastructure.
- Strong written, analytical, and systems thinking skills are required.
- Sensitivity working with women and nonbinary youth (ages 18-29) from a diversity of communities.
- 2+ years’ qualitative research experience:
- Experience conducting informant interviews, literature reviews and desk research is required.
- Experience conducting primary research through surveys and focus groups is an asset.
- Experience in data analysis and coding is an asset.
- Proven experience in coordinating projects and or research logistics.
- Proven experience in writing research articles, academic papers, policy briefs, and or related materials is an asset.
- Proven experience in policy influencing or systemic advocacy is an asset.
- Ability to work independently and stay self-motivated.
Core Competencies:
- Commitment to feminist values and understanding of how intersectionality contributes to different lived experiences of various stakeholders.
- Ability to think critically, creatively and strategically.
- High collaborative skills with experience working remotely.
- Strong commitment to qualitative research ethics and accuracy.
Application:
Please upload your application (resume, answers to questions and a writing sample) here:
https://airtable.com/appYkmrbSeu9s8gop/pagcB2hdgsAwCGFTL/form
The deadline for applications to be submitted is August 27 at 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time.
If you have any inquiries that are not covered in this job description, please email tehreem@foranetwork.org.
For applicants with disabilities, we provide accommodations throughout the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process. If selected to participate in the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process, please inform Fora of the nature of any accommodation(s) that you may require in respect of any materials or processes used to ensure your equal participation. All personal information is collected under the authority of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
