Cascade Institute Fellow, Energy Systems Transformation (Indigenous Energy Systems / Worldview Innovation)

Royal Roads University is located on the traditional lands of the Lekwungen- speaking Peoples, the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations. This land has been part of the fabric of the life of Indigenous communities long before Hatley Castle was built, and it will be long into the future. It is with gratitude that we now learn and work here, where the past, present and future of Indigenous and non-Indigenous students, faculty and staff come together. Located in one of Canada's most beautiful National Historic Sites, RRU is just minutes from downtown Victoria, British Columbia and is surrounded by old growth forest and awe-inspiring ocean and mountain views. RRU is a special-purpose university that delivers high-quality applied and professional programs. Established by the provincial government in 1995 through the Royal Roads University Act, RRU was created with a unique mandate and governance structure to respond to the labour market needs of British Columbia. RRU has over 34,000 alumni in 92 countries. With a reputation for innovation, RRU is a leader in the delivery of blended learning programs, which combine intensive residency experiences with online course work.

Requisition #

R0068.2

Job Title

Cascade Institute Fellow, Energy Systems Transformation (Indigenous Energy Systems / Worldview Innovation)

Division Department

Royal Roads University -> Office of the Vice-President, Academic & Provost -> Research & Innovation -> Cascade Institute

Recruitment Type

Temporary Full Time

Category

Research

# of Hires Needed

1

Closing Date

3/9/2024

Job Description

The Cascade Institute is based at Royal Roads University and acknowledges that our headquarters are located on the traditional lands of the Xwsepsum (Esquimalt) and Lekwungen (Songhees) nations. We recognize that their ancestors and peoples have lived on these lands for thousands of years. It is with gratitude that we now learn, work, and conduct research on these Lands. We also recognize that beyond the land acknowledgment, we all play a role in transforming our relationships, communities and our world.

The Cascade Institute is seeking a Fellow to contribute cutting-edge research and analysis to the Cascade Institute's Energy Systems Transformation team. The role is a two-year limited term position with the possibility of renewal depending on performance and funding. Special consideration will be given to applicants who are able to work at least three days per week at the Cascade Institute office on Royal Roads University campus—however, hybrid and remote working arrangements may be considered.

The Fellow will apply their expertise, experience, and analytical/methodological toolkit to two main areas (demonstrated expertise in at least one area is required – plus interest in the other):

Indigenous worldviews (ways of knowing and being) and their application to strategies for shifting entrenched and polarized belief systems—particularly around energy systems innovation, climate policy, and reconciliation.

Energy system innovation led by or impacting Indigenous communities

Since this is a special opportunity for Indigenous researchers, in accordance with Section 42 of the BC Human Rights Code, this opportunity is limited to Indigenous peoples. Applicants will be asked to complete self-identification information for the purposes of screening and consideration. Please note that this information will be securely accessed only by members of the selection committee on a need-to-know basis and will otherwise be kept confidential.

Primary Position Outcomes

Development of research and analysis products

Works both independently and with other members of the research team(s) to collect data, conduct cutting-edge analysis, and write high-quality deliverables (academic and non-academic papers, reports, briefings, system mapping tools)

Collaborates with other members of their research team(s) to scan the knowledge frontier for high-impact research and analysis opportunities

Contributes to the development and execution of new strategies and projects in collaboration with the research team(s)

Builds new, and expands current, national and international networks of experts and changemakers to shape and sometimes co-develop research and analysis

Knowledge mobilization

Collaborates with other members of their research team(s), as well as the communications team to mobilize knowledge, findings, and recommendations to maximize their impact

Teamwork and project management

Provides regular progress updates to the Research Director, project team, and various advisory teams/boards

Contributes to the tracking of project evaluation metrics and helps to fulfill project reporting requirements

Integrates inclusion, diversity and accessibility in processes, activities and resources

About the Energy Systems Transformation team

The Cascade Institute's Energy Systems Transformation (EST) team conducts applied research and analysis to accelerate the energy transition. Their work seeks to harness non-linear change in technological and social systems to produce new solutions. Using tools to measure and map worldviews and policy preferences, EST team members identify and investigate potential technological and social innovations capable of catalyzing energy system transformation at a rate and scale commensurate with the urgency and magnitude of the climate crisis. The EST team pursues new research pathways, analyzes emerging data, and provides timely advice to frontline actors including policymakers, financial actors, and activists. This work explores the technological, institutional, and worldview components of energy systems to effectively guide R&D, investment, and implementation of key energy technologies.

The EST team is a part of Accelerating Community Energy Transformation (ACET) (supported by the Canada First Excellence Research Fund)—a research collaboration with the University of Victoria, Yukon University, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, and the University of British Columbia helping communities achieve their unique clean-energy systems goals.

The Fellow will have opportunities to connect with networks and communities of Indigenous researchers/scholars, such as Royal Roads University's Emerging Indigenous Scholars Circle, the ACET Indigenous Advisory Council, and the University of Victoria's Centre for Indigenous Research & Community-Led Engagement (CIRCLE).

About Cascade Institute Fellows

Cascade Institute Fellows are researchers and knowledge mobilizers with highly specialized expertise on complex systems and the topics related to the Institute's evolving research program. Fellows are members of one or more of the Institute's research teams and work both independently and collaboratively with other team members to produce cutting-edge research and analysis products. Fellows scan the knowledge frontier to identify high-impact research opportunities. Working within intellectually diverse teams, Fellows develop new, and expand current, national and international networks of experts and changemakers.

Job Requirements

Required Qualifications

A masters degree or doctorate in a relevant discipline

Demonstrated expertise (e.g., writing, publications, other research/analysis outputs) in either:

Indigenous worldviews (ways of knowing and being) and their application to strategies for shifting entrenched and polarized belief systems—particularly around energy systems innovation, climate policy, and reconciliation.

Energy system innovation led by or impacting Indigenous communities

Experience working on collaborative/team projects

Experience working on interdisciplinary projects

Demonstrated ability to write with exceptional analytical clarity

Demonstrated ability to effectively tailor outputs for different types of readers

Experience communicating research/analysis findings beyond journal articles and academic conferences

Demonstrated ability to present research/analysis findings orally in a clear and compelling manner—and to engage critically and constructively with other experts in a meeting/workshop/webinar setting

Demonstrated ability to build broad networks of other experts and practitioners

Demonstrated ability to leverage networks to improve the quality of research/analysis outputs and maximize the impact of knowledge mobilization

Preferred Qualifications

Experience working at a research institute, think tank, or research- focused NGO

Experience managing complex projects

Experience using horizon scanning/scenario planning methods

Additional Information

This is a temporary, full-time position working 37.5 hours per week for a term from April 1, 2024 until March 31, 2026. This position has been evaluated at MPT-C with a salary range of $74,204 (minimum) to $87,204 (midpoint) to $100,203 (maximum) per annum. Employment offers will normally be made between the minimum and midpoint of the range and are determined by knowledge, experience and internal equity. The University is pleased to offer a comprehensive benefit package. Royal Roads University is strongly committed to fostering diversity within our community. We welcome those who would contribute to the further diversification of our faculty and staff including, but not limited to, women, visible minorities, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity.

While Royal Roads University values all applications we receive, only those candidates shortlisted for further consideration will be contacted. Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply. However, you will need to be legally eligible to work in Canada for the duration of the employment contract. If you require any form of accommodation throughout the recruitment process, please contact us directly at [email protected] attention: Lorisha Bühler or 250-391-2600 extension 4408 so we can offer you individualized assistance and ensure equity in our recruitment and hiring process. ALL COMPETITIONS WILL CLOSE AT 10.00 P.M. ON THE DATE OF CLOSING