Community Research Associate (Volunteer)

About Us: The CanAfro Research Institute is dedicated to advancing research, advocacy, and policy initiatives that support African, Caribbean, and Black-identifying (ACB) communities and other underrepresented groups in Canada and beyond. Our work focuses on equity, social justice, and community empowerment through community-led frameworks, systems change, and mentorship.

Role Overview: We are seeking three insightful Volunteer Researchers to support our mission through a focus on secondary community research. This role moves away from primary data collection and statistical analysis to focus on the synthesis of existing community knowledge, historical records, and sociological literature. You will explore the "wealth of documentation" that already exists, from community-led reports to academic archives, to build strong, justice-oriented narratives that support ACB communities in Canada.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct comprehensive secondary research by reviewing existing community reports, academic journals, historical archives, and policy papers.
• Synthesize existing qualitative findings to identify recurring themes, systemic gaps, and successful community-led interventions.
• Map out the landscape of existing community-based research to ensure our initiatives build upon, rather than duplicate, previous work.
• Translate complex secondary findings into clear, evidence-based research reports and advocacy briefs.
• Curate bibliographies and literature reviews that center ACB scholars and community-led knowledge production.
• Collaborate with the team to align research syntheses with organizational goals and social justice frameworks.

Qualifications:

• Strong background in the social sciences or humanities, with an emphasis on literature reviews and archival research.
• Proven ability to analyze and synthesize secondary sources (academic and non-academic) into cohesive narratives.
• Excellent writing skills, specifically in the areas of research synthesis and report writing (writing samples will be requested).
• Deep familiarity with issues affecting ACB communities in Canada, including historical contexts of systemic racism and community resilience.
• Proficiency in navigating digital archives, academic databases, and community resource hubs.
• (Preferred) Coursework or experience in Sociology, African/Black Diaspora Studies, Public Policy, or History.

Benefits:

• Gain hands-on experience in high-level research synthesis and justice-oriented scholarship.
• Contribute to meaningful work by amplifying existing community knowledge and identifying systemic solutions.
• Receive mentorship and networking opportunities within the research, policy, and non-profit sectors.
• Flexible, remote volunteer opportunity.

To Apply: Please email your cover letter and resume to admin@canafroinstitute.com. In your cover letter, please highlight your experience with secondary research, literature reviews, or archival projects related to social justice.