CUPE is welcoming applications for a temporary position of Senior Research Officer (Pensions) to work from the Research Branch of the National Services Department at National Office of the Canadian Union of Public Employees located in Ottawa, Ontario. This assignment will begin immediately and is expected to continue until October 17, 2025.

GENERAL FUNCTION

The Senior Research Officer (Pensions) will be responsible for providing a broad range of technical support and assistance in the development of, bargaining for, and the administration of pension plans, trust agreements and pension fund requirements and in promoting the goals of CUPE respecting the fundamental rights of CUPE members to join pension plans. Furthermore, a strong commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is essential, ensuring that research and policy recommendations reflect equitable access and outcomes for diverse populations.

SUMMARY OF DUTIES

  • Provide technical assistance and support by researching, analyzing, interpreting, and drafting policy and other documents respecting the development and administration of multi-employer and single employer pension plans.Monitor pension-related trends and emerging issues, including evolving jurisprudence, analyze and interpret relevant legislation, identify, evaluate, and propose recommendations to address policy irregularities or concerns affecting member pension plans, as well as incorporating a DEI lens to ensure equitable and inclusive policy development.
  • Provide technical assistance and support to locals and National Representatives to achieve collective bargaining goals, and in the arbitration of pension related grievances.
  • Prepare policy statements, articles, and speeches for CUPE elected leaders, staff and CUPE publications.
  • Prepare and present briefs to boards of arbitration, conciliation boards, and other boards of inquiry, government committees, and commissions.
  • Assist in the training of staff and members in all facets of the development and administration of pension plans and pension funds.
  • Act as a Trustee on Jointly Trusteed Plans.
  • Perform other related duties, as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Community college or university graduate in a related field of study or equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience.
  • Thorough working knowledge and understanding of the bargaining and administration of pension plans and pension funds, including investments, pension benefit standards, indexing, use of surplus and benefit issues.
  • Ability to interpret and synthesize complex policy and legislative information with an equity-focused perspective.
  • In-depth working knowledge and understanding of the Income Tax Act, as well as the federal and provincial pension legislation and regulations.
  • Working knowledge and understanding of the roles, policies, and procedures of federal and provincial pension plan regulators.
  • Working knowledge, understanding, and ability to analyze financial statements, actuarial, and solvency valuations.
  • A thorough understanding of the various challenges equity-deserving and precarious workers face in obtaining good pension plans.
  • Extensive experience including diverse populations into previous or current work.
  • Working knowledge and understanding of public pension systems, including Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security, and Guaranteed Income Supplement, and how the public pension system is integrated with private pension plans.
  • Demonstrated ability in research skills.
  • Strong analytical skills and the ability to analyze and communicate complex issues.
  • Thorough knowledge of the collective bargaining process.
  • Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively and effectively with diverse CUPE staff, members, pension and other committees, and assisting in the coordination of conferences, educational, and public campaigns.
  • Effective written and oral communication skills and ability to write clear, orderly, well documented reports, briefs, correspondence, etc.
  • Ability to function effectively in both official languages would be an asset.
  • Free to travel and work weekends and holidays as required.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT as set out in the collective agreement between CUPE and  
the Canadian Staff Union National Office Component. 

WEEKLY SALARY:              $2,635.33

Persons interested should submit a cover letter and resumé to the Human Resources Department at hr@cupe.ca with reference to Posting CSU-2503C.

CUPE is committed to fostering a representative workplace and a culture grounded in respect, diversity and inclusiveness at all levels of our organization to ensure that our workforce reflects the diverse CUPE membership and the diverse communities in which we live and serve. CUPE encourages applications from qualified members of equity-deserving groups, including women, Black and racialized people, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQI+ people. We will provide reasonable accommodations for candidates on any protected human rights grounds at any stage of the selection or recruitment process. Please inform us if you require accommodations by contacting us at hr@cupe.ca. (All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply. However, CUPE members and existing CUPE staff will be given priority.)