Job Description

Department: National Institute on Ageing

Position supervisor: Legal Researcher & Analyst


Contract length: 10 months (starting August 2025)

Hours of work per week: 36.25

Deadline to Apply: May 30, 2025

Salary: $62,000 for 10 months plus benefits.


About Toronto Metropolitan University


At the intersection of mind and action, Toronto Metropolitan University is on a transformative path to becoming Canada's leading comprehensive innovation university. Integral to this path is the placement of equity, diversity and inclusion as fundamental to our institutional culture. Our current academic plan outlines each as core values and we work to embed them in all that we do.


Toronto Metropolitan University welcomes those who have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion and will assist us to expand our capacity for diversity in the broadest sense. In addition, to correct the conditions of disadvantage in employment in Canada, we encourage applications from members of groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples, Indigenous peoples of North America, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, and those who identify as women and/or 2SLGBTQ+. Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, applications from Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.


As an employer, we're working towards a people first culture and we're proud to have been selected as one of Canada's Best Diversity Employers

and one of Greater Toronto's Top Employer

for 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018.
About the team - National Institute on Ageing


The National Institute on Ageing (NIA) improves the lives of older adults and the systems that support them by conducting research, convening stakeholders, sharing information, shifting attitudes and advancing policy solutions and practice innovations. Our vision is a Canada where older adults feel valued, included, supported, and better prepared to age with confidence.


The opportunity


We are seeking a motivated and committed Articling Student to join our growing team to help us to improve the lives of older adults and the systems that support them.


Reporting to the Executive Director of the NIA, you will support the NIA's efforts to advance policy solutions and practice innovations that address the unique challenges and opportunities for older adults and Canada's ageing population. You will work with a diverse group of professionals with whom you will collaborate and learn. During your time with the NIA, you can expect to develop skills in legal and policy research and advocacy, community engagement, and communications.


Job Responsibilities


Monitoring policy developments at the municipal, provincial, federal, and international level relevant to older adults and the systems, organizations and people that support them. Supporting the NIA's law reform, policy research, development, and analysis efforts, including the development of policy positions and recommendations to government and other stakeholders. Researching and producing written reports, briefing notes and policy submissions on legal and policy issues related to older adults. Preparing policy and law reform proposals in collaboration with team members and external partners and stakeholders. Drafting reports, factsheets, briefing notes and other communications content such as articles. Providing advice to management to support the NIA's policy and law reform strategy. Performing other duties as may be assigned to support the NIA's policy and law reform efforts.
Qualifications


Completed law degree and eligibility for Articles, in accordance with the requirements of the Law Society of Ontario. Excellent written and oral communication skills in English, with an ability to communicate effectively with older adults, organizations who serve them, policymakers and decisionmakers, industry, government and sector partners, academics and the general public. Outstanding legal and policy research skills. Strong presentation skills and an ability to develop accessible materials catered to a variety of audiences. Strong time management and organization skills, including sound knowledge of work planning. Ability to multitask, thrive in a fast-paced environment, and adapt quickly to change. Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Strong political acumen, diplomacy, discretion, tact, and good judgement. Cultural sensitivity and a commitment to principles of equity. Knowledge of public policy processes, understanding of and experience in developing, implementing and/or evaluating policy, and drafting briefing notes and/or position papers is an asset. Understanding of the ageing sector in Canada, domestic and international human rights law, elder law, and the barriers facing older adults is an asset. Working proficiency in French is an asset.
This position has been made available through The Law Foundation of Ontario Public Interest Articling Fellowship Program.


How to apply


Applications should be submitted in PDF format to info.nia@torontomu.ca, with the following subject line: "Articling Student - NIA 2025". Applications should include:


Cover letter Resume Law transcripts 2 letters of reference Writing sample of no longer than 10 numbered pages (excerpts from longer papers may be sent but sending writing samples longer than 10 pages will disqualify the application.)
We thank all candidates for their interest, however, only candidates who are invited to an interview will be contacted.


Toronto Metropolitan University's commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion


We encourage all First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples or Indigenous peoples of North America, to self-identify in their applications. If you are an Indigenous applicant and require support during the recruitment process, please reach out to James McKay, Indigenous HR Lead at james13@torontomu.ca. Toronto Metropolitan University is committed to the principles of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), and aims to ensure that independence, dignity, integration and equality of opportunity are embedded in all aspects of the university culture. We will provide an accessible experience for applicants, students, employees, and members of the Toronto Metropolitan University community. We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the recruitment process. If you have restrictions that need to be accommodated to fully participate in any phase of the recruitment process,please reach out to Human Resources: + Current employees can contact HR by logging into AskHR to submit a request.
+ External candidates who do not have TMU login credentials can contact HR by visiting torontomu.ca/human-resources/askhr/.
* All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.