JOB POSTING
Legal and Policy Researcher (Full-time Temporary)
Closing Date – August 5, 2014
The Women’s Legal Education and Action Fund (LEAF) is a national non-profit organization and federally registered charity. LEAF works to advance the equality of women and girls in Canada through litigation, law reform and public legal education. For more information about LEAF visit our website https://www.leaf.ca.
LEAF is hiring a legal and policy researcher to lead a project examining the intersection of equality rights and religious rights. The position is a full-time temporary contract for up to 37.5 hours per week, subject to funding. The researcher will work under the direction of the Legal Director. We anticipate the term of the position to start in September 2014 and end by January 2015. The researcher may work remotely but must be available to travel to attend in person meetings as required.
The successful candidate will be expected to develop expertise in the areas of women’s equality and freedom of religion and draft a report that will be used by practitioners, researchers, activists, lawyers and/or equality seeking organizations more broadly.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop a detailed work plan with timetables to conduct research and engage in community outreach in the areas of women’s equality and freedom of religion.
- Conduct a literature review and identify leading scholars in the field.
- Provide support to the LEAF subcommittee tasked with developing a feminist theoretical framework regarding these areas of law.
- Engage in consultation by organizing a national in-person workshop/symposium, including an evaluation.
- Write a report compiling the findings from the symposium and providing an analytical reference resource for the years to come.
Required Qualifications:
The Legal and Policy Researcher will have:
- An LLB/JD and a graduate degree in a field directly related to the research topics or significant research and policy analysis experience and a publication record which demonstrates a similar level of knowledge and expertise;
- A sound knowledge of the feminist movement and faith-based communities in Canada;
- A demonstrated understanding of intersecting issues of gender equality and religious freedom;
- Exposure to and interest in Canadian constitutional and equality law;
- An interest in feminist theory particularly as it relates to equality or Constitutional issues;
- Related legal and policy research skills and experience as a researcher in a feminist, anti-racist, human rights, equality and/or a social policy organization;
- Excellent writing and communication skills including an ability to communicate analysis and issues clearly in written form to a range of audiences, including legal, academic and faith communities;
- An ability to work independently;
- An ability to research and produce clear written work on complex issues to meet deadlines, and to work cooperatively with colleagues;
- An ability to integrate a feminist, anti-racist, anti-homophobic perspective;
- Demonstrated experience working in close co-operation with volunteers, community, academic, legal experts, and other researchers;
- Ability to work in both English and French is considered an asset.
How to Apply:
LEAF encourages applications from Aboriginal women, racialized women, lesbians, women with disabilities and women from other marginalized groups. Applications will be accepted by email only. In the subject line of your email application reference Legal Researcher and your name. Please submit one document with your cover letter, your curriculum vitae and a list of 3 employment references (contact name, phone number and email address) and one written piece of research by email to [email protected]. Applications should be submitted in word format or PDF. Please do not submit multiple applications or send additional documents.
Applications for this position will be accepted until 5:00pm (EDT) on August 5, 2014.
We thank all applicants for their interest.
Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
No telephone enquiries please.
