Canada’s vast, sparsely populated northern regions are defining elements of our nation, where dogs are integral to the culture, and iconic for these regions. Unfortunately, there are wide gaps in access to veterinary services in northern Canadian communities, resulting in animal health and welfare concerns as well as human health and safety issues.
We have operationalized our Northern Animal Health Initiative with the vision of being strategic and focused on the sustainability of the intervention. There is enhanced emphasis on implementation of a community animal health worker framework and training to expand services across the targeted Territories and on engaging Territorial governments and Indigenous leadership for strengthened legislative environments. The provision of annual temporary veterinary clinics is part of this. This is done in a participatory manner to allow for supporting/strengthening of the partnerships.
Overall Goal for volunteer: Analyze social media content to help the northern animal health initiative understand and respond to the priority community needs of partner communities.
Objectives
- Develop analysis tools and processes to maximize value of data gathered
- Conduct a quantitative and qualitative content study of dog issues and attitudes towards dogs on community Facebook groups focused on identifying practical results that will help to achieve program objectives and support evidence-based decisions.
- Monitor and assess any changes in attitudes on social media groups following VWB programming and clinics in the communities through ongoing analysis.
- Present findings from study to Northern Canada staff team
Skills
Essential
- Interest in animal health, particularly in Northern Canada communities
- Fluent in English (written and oral)
- Excellent cross-cultural communication skills
- Demonstrated knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research methodology and design.
- Demonstrated ability to capture and synthesize information to develop relevant, value-added recommendations and provide advice.
- Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own
- Commitment to the principles of volunteer cooperation and familiarity with participatory approaches to development, including the promotion of gender equality, good governance and environmental sustainability
Desirable
- 1 to 3 years experience in social media content analysis