Qualified individuals are invited to apply for the position of Research Assistant 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.
SUMMARY OF DUTIES
Under the direction of the Director or Senior Research Officer, the Research Assistant provides research support, including research and analysis to support departmental needs as follows:
- Analyze and prepare documentation and specific collective agreement comparisons.
- Collect data from various sources and distribute as required: collect arbitration and conciliation board briefs; collect data from reports, publications, collective agreements, and other source material; select appropriate information as required and assemble in appropriate written or tabular form; collect information from labour organizations, government, and departments; and provide information to labour and other organizations on request.
- Practice inclusive research and ensure equity and representation throughout the work.
- Assist in the preparation and facilitation of presentations and workshops for various projects.
- Assist with conference preparation and planning: coordinate speakers, prepare biographies and introductions; arrange conference calls, meetings, and workshops, as required.
- Assist active committees to ensure they are ready for upcoming events and complete and distribute relevant research.
- Assist in developing questionnaires and analyzing results for various workplaces.
- Compile material, draft letters, and documents in reply to correspondence, and format reports and presentations.
- Maintain records and files on collective bargaining and other matters; amend and revise records and files as necessary; be aware of contents of various publications related to assignments.
- Work with staff and members to develop opportunities to use reports in speeches for lobbying/campaign purposes.
- Assist in the logistics related to campaigns.
- Provide support to all sectors or occupational groups as required.
- Perform other related duties, as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Five years related work experience, ideally in a union environment.
- University degree or equivalent in a relevant field, particularly in statistics, economics, sociology and/or industrial relations, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Knowledge and understanding of equity issues, human rights and the intersectional challenges impacting equity deserving groups.
- Demonstrated ability in research skills, including the ability to develop information data banks
- General knowledge of:
- administrative policies and procedures.
- CUPE political and organization structure.
- Internet research techniques.
- databases and data management.
- specific subject matter requirements such as: qualitative and quantitative data analysis.
- research sources and methodologies.
- Ability to:
- speak and write at an above average level in English
- communicate effectively in a respectful and cooperative manner with the public, all staff, members, contractors, etc.
- work collaboratively with diverse teams.
- perform basic mathematical functions.
- work with minimal supervision.
- maintain confidentiality.
- meet deadlines and/or establish priorities while working in a high pressure work setting.
- work with a high degree of accuracy.
- exemplify good organizational skills.
- solve problems, identify and correct discrepancies, and follow guidelines, where applicable.
- use advanced MS Office Suite and, where required, statistical and database applications, and the ability to learn new software.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT as set out in the collective agreement between CUPE and COPE Local 491.
Weekly Salary Range: $1,681.88 to $1,706.67
Persons interested should submit a cover letter and résumé to hr@cupe.ca no later than November 24, 2025. Please mention posting #COPE-2420 in the subject line of your email.
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).