Posting: Researcher(s)

The Peterborough Partnership Council on Immigrant Integration was established to create a cohesive regional response to the emerging needs of newcomers. It is comprised of approximately forty member organizations and community members who share an interest in integrating new Canadians into the community.

The Council is seeking researchers for two part-time research contracts. The goal of the projects is to establish a baseline level of knowledge regarding immigrant and service provider experiences in Peterborough before more extensive research is mapped out.

The projects may be undertaken by two separate researchers or both by one individual researcher (independent or representing an organization). Please indicate clearly which project(s) you are applying for in your cover letter.

Project A:
The project involves conducting a review of peer-reviewed and grey literature regarding how the issue of immigrant integration has been examined in second and third-tier Canadian communities (findings from 1995 and on). A written report must be completed which should include an examination of
• best practices for improving inclusivity
• strategies adopted to create a welcoming community for immigrants
• models of immigrant integration with a focus on second and third-tier Canadian communities

Responsibilities:
• Conduct a search of peer-reviewed and grey literature
• Complete a written report that succinctly summarizes the findings

Qualifications:
• Minimum M.A. or M.Sc. in social science or health related field (or equivalent experience)
• Experience with MSWord
• Strong writing skills
• Good interpersonal and communication skills
• Excellent planning and organizational skills

Project B:
The researcher will be responsible for facilitating focus groups with community members to uncover the barriers that immigrants face in engaging in the five priority areas of
1. health and social services
2. employment
3. education
4. housing and transportation
5. issues related to second- and third-tier municipalities
It is expected that the researcher will compile the findings into a written report for public distribution and present a summary of the findings at a public meeting of the Council. The successful applicant will receive administrative support related to participant recruitment, design of focus group questions, and transcription from Council staff.

Responsibilities:
• Interview focus group participants (minimum of six groups)
• Analyze focus group data (i.e., using NVivo or other qualitative analysis tool/software)
• Write a final report on the research
• Meet with Council staff and committees
• Present a summary of the findings at a meeting of the Council

Qualifications:
• Minimum M.A. or M.Sc. in social science or health related field (or equivalent experience)
• Experience conducting interviews
• Experience with qualitative data coding
• Experience with MSWord
• Strong writing skills
• Good interpersonal and communication skills
• Excellent planning and organizational skills

Starting Date: Oct 29, 2009
Finish: mid-January, 2010

Contact
Please send a resume, list of 3 references, and cover letter to:
Hajni Hős, Coordinator, Peterborough Partnership Council on Immigrant Integration
By mail at 205 Sherbrooke St Unit D, Peterborough, ON, K9J 2N2 or email hajni@nccpeterborough.ca

Applications must be received by 4pm, October 19, 2009.

Thank you for your application; only those candidates selected for interview will be contacted.