Sustainability research, Ocean/marine conservation

Position: Researcher (Contract)
Organization: Equal Routes
Location: Remote / Canada / International

• Salary: $40 - $60 CAD per hour, commensurate with experience
• Work Arrangement: Contract (20 - 30 hours per week) with possibility of extension or transition to full employment (three month probationary period)
• Application Deadline: September 30th 2026 or until filled; note that application review will begin immediately so interested candidates should apply as soon as possible

The Opportunity

About Equal Routes

Equal Routes is a Canada-based NGO that works internationally to build a decarbonized maritime shipping industry focused on human rights, ocean health and climate equity. We prioritize the needs and perspectives of communities and Rightsholders, working in collaboration with regulators and industry leaders to drive positive change in the shipping sector. We are a small but mighty team that values a human rights approach, evidence-based knowledge, and accountability and transparency.

Role and Responsibilities

Equal Routes regularly publishes reports, develops briefs and makes complex submissions to Canadian and international regulatory processes. We are seeking 1-2 detail-oriented researchers to complete publication-quality analysis, reports, and briefs on a variety of topics related to maritime shipping sustainability. Research will focus on the social, economic, cultural, climate, biodiversity and environmental impacts of maritime shipping fuel, practices, technology, and regulations.

As part of the research process, the successful candidate(s) will:

• Stay up to date on the latest technological, regulatory, and environmental trends in the maritime shipping industry (5% of time)
  • Identify emerging issues and opportunities for Equal Routes research and advocacy
• Analyze complicated technical, policy, and regulatory documents (in particular those published by the IMO) to produce written research work products (75% of time)
  • Complete a mix of qualitative and quantitative research and analysis
  • Write detailed, comprehensive, and evidence-based regulatory submissions
  • Write high quality reports for general and technical audiences
  • Apply research to inform the development of Equal Routes positions on various topics
  • Fact check Equal Routes submissions, reports and communications materials
  • Represent Equal Routes at meetings and conferences, including by giving presentations to diverse audiences
• Support the development and implementation of advocacy products and campaigns (10% of time)
• Support the Communications Team in the development and dissemination of website, social media, and video content (5% of time)
• Support the administration, project management and internal culture development of Equal Routes (5% of time)

Who We Are Looking For

• 1 - 3 years of full time research and analysis experience (can include academic experience)
  • Experience completing research and analysis in two or more of the following areas:
    • Maritime shipping sustainability
    • Marine biodiversity
    • Climate change (ideally with a focus on GHG emissions calculations and/or modeling)
    • Marine pollutants
    • Marine and/or maritime shipping policy analysis
  • Experience completing research and analysis on one or more of the following types of impacts:
    • Social, including human rights, equity and justice
    • Economic and/or Financial
    • Cultural
    • Environmental
• 1-3 years of engagement experience with stakeholders, Rightsholders, industry and government
  • Experience engaging with the IMO would be an advantage
• Strong attention to detail
• Strong writing, editing, and fact checking skills
• Experience providing strategic advice to team or project leads
• Comfortable working as an important member of a small team
• Ability to take initiative and manage competing projects, priorities and deadlines
• Strong commitment to inclusion, equity, and justice
• Experience working with project management software (or willingness to learn) would be an advantage

Work Mode

Equal Routes works fully remotely, with team members located primarily in Canada. Some flexibility to attend virtual meetings across time zones within Canada and internationally is required. The role may include opportunities for travel within Canada and internationally. Travel within Canada for one annual team retreat is mandatory.

Compensation

$40 - $60 CAD per hour, commensurate with experience

How to Apply

Please send a resume and cover letter in one file (not to exceed 4 pages total) as well as an example of your previous research to: research@equalroutes.ca by 11:59pm on September 30th 2026 with the subject “Researcher Application”. Research examples should be primarily completed by the applicant and could include policy briefs, first-authored or co-authored publications or reports, etc.

Please mention you saw this at rcen.ca or goodwork.ca.

We thank all applicants for their interest, but only candidates selected to move forward with the interview process will be contacted.

Equal Routes is committed to developing an equitable, inclusive and barrier-free environment. We welcome applications from Black, Indigenous, racialized persons and persons with disabilities. If contacted for an interview with Equal Routes, please let us know if you require any accommodation throughout the hiring process.