UX Researcher

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Researcher

Company: World Vision Canada

Location: Mississauga, Ontario, Canada

Job Type: Full Time Permanent

Category: User Experience Research / Innovation

Date Posted: 2026-05-26T04:00:00

Experience Level: 0-2 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive experimentation and research initiatives within the Market-Creating Innovation (MCI) team, focusing on digitally enabled organizational development and new engagement opportunities.

• Conduct comprehensive user research across the product lifecycle, including discovery interviews, usability tests, surveys, card sorts, and concept tests, to deeply understand user needs and behaviors.

• Analyze both qualitative and quantitative data to identify patterns, quantify opportunities, and articulate causal relationships, translating complex findings into actionable insights.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams (developers, designers, advisors) to inform product decisions, shape innovation strategies, and advocate for evidence-based approaches.

• Support the development of experimentation plans and minimal viable tests for innovation ideas, defining hypotheses and success metrics to drive iterative product development.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is situated within World Vision Canada's "Market-Creating Innovation" (MCI) hub, suggesting a focus on pioneering new digital solutions and engagement models rather than traditional product UX research. The emphasis on "exploring new engagement and market opportunities" and "building a digitally enabled organization" indicates a strategic role geared towards growth and impact in underserved or emerging markets, aligning with a "market-creating" innovation approach. The mention of a "lean startup approach and design thinking" further underscores the agile and experimental nature of this position.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Plan and execute a variety of user research studies throughout the product lifecycle, including discovery interviews, usability tests, surveys, card sorts, diary studies, fake-door tests, A/B tests, and concept tests.

• Analyze qualitative and quantitative data from research studies to extract meaningful patterns, assess opportunity sizes, and distinguish correlation from causation.

• Synthesize research findings into concise readouts, articulating Jobs-to-be-Done (JTBD), problem statements, and decision-ready recommendations for stakeholders.

• Conduct market and secondary research, including segment scans, competitive and analogous analysis, and trend reviews, to inform and define problem spaces for innovation.

• Manage Research Operations, including recruiting participants (ensuring diverse and representative samples), administering incentives, maintaining consent documentation, and keeping an organized inventory of research assets.

• Co-create and maintain evidence-based user personas and journey maps, linking research insights directly to hypotheses and experimental designs.

• Provide direct support for experimentation by drafting hypotheses, designing minimal viable tests, defining success metrics, and assisting with the instrumentation of basic analytics.

• Actively partner with and influence stakeholders, including advisors, designers, developers, and other key World Vision Canada (WVC) personnel, to champion evidence-based decision-making.

• Uphold ethical research practices, safeguarding principles, and data-handling standards, especially when working with vulnerable populations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a broad spectrum of UX research activities, from foundational discovery to experimental validation. The inclusion of "market research," "segment scans," and "trend reviews" suggests a strategic component where research informs market opportunities. The specific mention of "Research Operations" tasks like participant recruitment and incentive management indicates that this role may encompass more hands-on operational duties beyond pure research design and analysis. The strong focus on "safeguarding" and "ethical research with vulnerable groups" is a critical aspect given World Vision's mission.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a background in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Information Science, or a related field is typically beneficial for UX Research roles. Equivalent practical experience will also be considered.

Experience: 1-2 years of hands-on UX research experience, which can include internships, co-op placements, academic lab work, or freelance projects, specifically within digital products or services.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in core UX research methods such as user interviews, usability testing, and survey design.

• Working knowledge of basic statistical concepts including sampling, significance, confidence intervals, and bias.

• Demonstrated ability to design research studies, write clear protocols, develop discussion guides, and select appropriate research methodologies based on project questions and time constraints.

• Proven experience in synthesizing research findings into clear insights, including implications and actionable recommendations, tailored for non-research audiences.

• Familiarity with design collaboration tools like Figma.

• Experience with at least one research toolset from each category: survey tools (e.g., Typeform, Qualtrics), usability testing platforms (e.g., UserTesting, Lookback), or analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Amplitude).

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with a talent for clear storytelling supported by effective visuals.

• Commitment to ethical research practices, safeguarding principles, and inclusive research methodologies. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with designing and analyzing A/B or multivariate tests and a broader understanding of experiment design.

• Knowledge of Lean Startup principles, Design Thinking methodologies, or agile delivery frameworks.

• Exposure to market research activities, including segmentation studies.

• Experience working within the nonprofit or social impact sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Must-Haves" emphasize practical, hands-on experience and a solid grasp of foundational UX research principles and statistical concepts. The requirement for familiarity with specific toolsets (Figma, Typeform/Qualtrics, UserTesting/Lookback, GA/Amplitude) is a key indicator of the technological environment. The "Nice-to-Haves" suggest that candidates with experience in experimental design (A/B testing), innovation frameworks (Lean Startup, Design Thinking), market analysis, and the nonprofit sector will have a competitive edge. The experience level is explicitly set at 0-2 years, making this an excellent entry-level to early-career opportunity.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 2-3 well-documented UX research projects that demonstrate your ability to apply research methodologies effectively.

• For each project, clearly articulate the research problem, the methods used, the data collected, your analysis process, and the resulting insights and recommendations.

• Highlight your role and contributions within team-based projects, emphasizing collaboration and influence.

• Include examples of how your research directly informed design decisions, product development, or strategic initiatives, ideally with evidence of impact.

• Demonstrate proficiency with key tools mentioned, such as Figma for design artifacts or wireframes, and examples from survey, testing, or analytics platforms. Process Documentation:

• Provide examples of how you have documented research plans, study protocols, and discussion guides.

• Showcase your ability to synthesize complex data into clear, concise, and actionable reports, readouts, or presentations suitable for diverse audiences.

• Illustrate how you have translated research findings into user personas, journey maps, JTBD, or problem statements that guide product teams.

• Include instances where your research supported experimentation, such as defining hypotheses or success metrics for A/B tests.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an early-career role like this, the portfolio should focus on demonstrating foundational competence and a clear understanding of the research process. The emphasis is on showing how the candidate approaches research, analyzes data, and communicates insights, rather than solely on the scale or complexity of past projects. Highlighting collaborative efforts and the impact of research on decision-making will be crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: CAD $65,000 - $75,000 per year.

This range is provided in accordance with Ontario's pay transparency requirements under the Employment Standards Act. Placement within this range will be determined by the candidate's relevant skills, experience, qualifications, and internal equity.

Benefits:

• Health Spending Account: A dedicated account to cover eligible health and dental expenses.

• Up to 6% Matched Pension Contributions: World Vision Canada contributes to your retirement savings plan, matching a portion of your contributions.

• Parental Leave Top-up: Financial support for employees taking parental leave.

• Generous Paid Time Off: Includes vacation days, sick days, wellness days, and personal days.

• Additional Paid Days Off: The office is closed for six extra days per year, typically before long weekends.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours, typically 40 hours per week. The hybrid work arrangement offers some flexibility in scheduling.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is competitive for an early-career UX Researcher in the Greater Toronto Area. The detailed benefits package, including a Health Spending Account and matched pension contributions, reflects World Vision Canada's commitment to employee well-being. The additional paid days off and office closures before long weekends are notable perks. The note about placement within the range being influenced by skills, experience, and internal equity is standard for salary negotiations.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Nonprofit / Social Services / International Development / Humanitarian Aid. World Vision Canada is a leading development, relief, and advocacy organization dedicated to improving the lives of children globally.

Company Size: Approximately 400 employees in Canada, part of a larger international organization. This size suggests a structure that balances established processes with opportunities for individual impact and cross-functional collaboration.

Founded: World Vision was founded in 1950, with World Vision Canada established later. The organization has a long history of impactful work, now focusing on innovation and digital transformation to expand its reach and effectiveness.

Team Structure:

• The UX Researcher reports to the Director, Market-Creating Innovation (MCI). This positions the role within a dedicated innovation hub focused on exploring and building new digital solutions.

• The MCI team likely comprises a mix of roles such as developers, designers, advisors, and subject matter experts, working in an agile and lean startup environment.

• Collaboration will be a key aspect, with extensive interaction with internal stakeholders across various departments to advocate for user-centered design and evidence-based decision-making. Methodology:

• The team operates using agile methodologies, lean startup principles, and design thinking. This implies a fast-paced, iterative approach to innovation and product development.

• Data analysis and user research are central to informing business approaches and product decisions, moving beyond assumptions to validated learning.

• The focus on "market-creating" innovation suggests a proactive approach to identifying and developing solutions for unmet needs or new engagement opportunities.

Company Website: https://www.worldvision.ca/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture at World Vision Canada is deeply rooted in its Christian faith and commitment to serving vulnerable children. This is reflected in its core values and the emphasis on safeguarding. The "Market-Creating Innovation" team operates with an agile, lean, and design-thinking mindset, indicating a dynamic and experimental environment focused on impact. Being a large, established nonprofit means there are likely structured processes, but the innovation team's approach suggests a more startup-like agility.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This UX Researcher position is positioned at an early-career level (0-2 years of experience), suitable for individuals looking to build a strong foundation in UX research within a mission-driven organization. The role offers significant exposure to innovation processes and cross-functional collaboration.

Reporting Structure: The UX Researcher reports directly to the Director of Market-Creating Innovation. This provides direct access to leadership within the innovation hub and opportunities to influence strategic direction from an early stage.

Operations Impact: The UX Researcher's work is critical for ensuring that World Vision Canada's innovative digital solutions and engagement strategies are user-centered, effective, and impactful. By providing data-driven insights, the role directly contributes to the success of new initiatives aimed at expanding philanthropy and reaching more beneficiaries.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific research methodologies (e.g., advanced qualitative analysis, experimental design, survey psychometrics) and toolsets.

• Cross-Functional Expertise: Gain experience working with diverse teams (development, design, marketing, program management), enhancing collaboration and communication skills.

• Innovation Leadership: Progress to more senior UX research roles, leading research efforts for larger innovation projects, or potentially moving into product management or innovation strategy roles within the organization.

• Domain Knowledge: Develop deep insights into the nonprofit sector, international development, and digital engagement strategies for social impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is an excellent entry point into UX research within a mission-driven context. The growth path is likely to involve increasing ownership of research projects, mentoring junior researchers (as the team grows), and contributing to the strategic roadmap of the innovation hub. The unique blend of UX research with innovation and social impact offers a distinct career trajectory.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work environment. Employees are expected to work from the Mississauga office, with flexibility for remote work days. This model aims to balance in-person collaboration with individual flexibility.

Office Location(s): Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. This location offers access to a diverse talent pool and a vibrant business community within the Greater Toronto Area.

Workspace Context:

• The innovation team likely utilizes collaborative workspaces designed to foster creativity and teamwork, aligning with design thinking and agile methodologies.

• Access to standard office technology and potentially specialized UX research tools and software will be provided.

• The hybrid model encourages intentional in-person interaction for brainstorming, team building, and critical project discussions, while remote days allow for focused work and research analysis.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, with an expectation of approximately 40 hours per week. The hybrid arrangement allows for some flexibility in managing work hours, accommodating research participant schedules, and balancing personal commitments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work model is a key feature, indicating a modern approach to work-life balance. The Mississauga location is strategically chosen for its accessibility and proximity to talent. The emphasis on collaboration within the innovation team suggests a dynamic and interactive office setting on in-office days.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your application, resume, and portfolio to assess basic qualifications and experience.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A conversation with the Director, Market-Creating Innovation, to discuss your background, motivations, and understanding of UX research principles. This stage may involve behavioral questions and an overview of the team's current projects.

• Skills Assessment/Case Study: You may be asked to complete a take-home assignment or a live exercise focused on analyzing a dataset, designing a research study, or presenting insights from a hypothetical scenario. This will assess your practical research and analytical skills.

• Team/Stakeholder Interview: An opportunity to meet with other members of the innovation team (e.g., designers, developers) and potentially other key stakeholders. This assesses your collaboration style, communication skills, and cultural fit.

• Final Interview: Potentially a final discussion with senior leadership to confirm fit and discuss the role in detail.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Clarity and Structure: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, with clear case studies that follow a logical flow: Problem -> Research -> Analysis -> Insights -> Recommendations -> Impact.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals, mockups, and data visualizations to illustrate your process and findings. For this role, showing your work with Figma, survey data, or analytics outputs will be beneficial.

• Highlight Your Role: Clearly define your specific contributions, especially in team projects. Use "I" statements for your individual work and "we" for collaborative efforts.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, demonstrate the impact of your research. Did it lead to a specific design change, a measurable improvement in user satisfaction, or inform a key business decision?

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize projects that align with innovation, digital products, and ideally, social impact or nonprofit contexts. Highlight your understanding of Lean Startup and agile principles.

Challenge Preparation:

• Research Design: Be prepared to outline how you would approach a research problem given specific constraints (time, budget, participant availability).

• Data Interpretation: Practice analyzing qualitative and quantitative data and synthesizing it into actionable insights. Be ready to explain your reasoning.

• Communication: Rehearse presenting your findings clearly and concisely, focusing on the "so what?" and actionable recommendations. Practice storytelling with data.

• Tool Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your experience with Figma and other research/analytics tools mentioned in the job description.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is likely to be multi-stage, with a strong emphasis on assessing practical UX research skills and the ability to translate findings into actionable insights. The portfolio review will be critical, so candidates should prepare to walk through their projects in detail, highlighting their thought process and impact. A take-home assignment or case study is common for UX research roles to evaluate hands-on capabilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for design collaboration, prototyping, and potentially for presenting research findings in a visual context.

• Survey Tools: Proficiency with platforms like Typeform or Qualtrics for designing, distributing, and analyzing surveys.

• Usability Testing Platforms: Experience with tools like UserTesting.com or Lookback for conducting moderated and unmoderated usability tests.

• Analytics Platforms: Familiarity with tools such as Google Analytics (GA) or Amplitude for understanding user behavior, tracking metrics, and supporting experimentation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Google Analytics (GA): For website and application usage tracking, funnel analysis, and understanding user flows.

• Amplitude (or similar Product Analytics): For deeper product analytics, event tracking, and cohort analysis to understand user engagement and retention.

• Data Synthesis Tools: While not explicitly mentioned, proficiency in spreadsheet software (Excel/Google Sheets) and presentation tools (PowerPoint/Google Slides) is assumed for data analysis and reporting.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a UX Research tool, understanding how CRM data (e.g., Salesforce, Dynamics) or marketing automation platforms (e.g., Marketo, HubSpot) might inform user segmentation or provide context for user behavior could be beneficial, though not a primary requirement for this role.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is focused on core UX research and design tools. Familiarity with Figma is a must, and experience with survey, testing, and analytics platforms is critical. The ability to use these tools to gather, analyze, and present user data is key to this role's success.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Commitment to the Poor: A foundational value driving all work, ensuring that solutions are designed to serve the most vulnerable populations effectively.

• Christian Faith: An integral part of the organizational identity, influencing ethical considerations and a commitment to holistic development.

• Stewardship: Responsible management of resources, including time, talent, and financial contributions, to maximize impact.

• Valuing People: Respect for individuals, both beneficiaries and colleagues, fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment.

• Partnership: Collaboration with communities, donors, governments, and other organizations to achieve shared goals.

• Responsiveness: Adaptability and agility in responding to changing needs and opportunities, particularly relevant for the innovation team.

Collaboration Style:

• Agile and Iterative: Embraces flexibility, rapid prototyping, and continuous feedback loops typical of agile development.

• Cross-Functional Integration: Encourages close working relationships between UX researchers, designers, developers, and innovation leads to ensure holistic product development.

• Data-Driven Advocacy: Researchers are expected to champion user needs and advocate for evidence-based decisions through clear communication and persuasive insights.

• Learning Culture: Fosters an environment where experimentation is encouraged, and lessons learned from both successes and failures contribute to ongoing improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture is deeply intertwined with World Vision's core values, emphasizing impact, integrity, and collaboration. The innovation team's agile approach means that communication and adaptation are paramount. Researchers will need to be adept at working with diverse teams and influencing decisions through a combination of empathy, data, and strong communication.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Innovation with Mission: Ensuring that new digital solutions align with World Vision's core mission and ethical standards, especially when working with vulnerable populations.

• Data Scarcity in Niche Markets: Potentially facing challenges in recruiting specific user segments or finding readily available data for underserved or "market-creating" opportunities.

• Translating Research to Action: Effectively communicating complex research insights to diverse stakeholders who may not have a background in UX research, and ensuring those insights lead to tangible product improvements or strategic shifts.

• Rapid Iteration: Keeping pace with the dynamic nature of innovation projects and agile development cycles, requiring quick turnaround times for research and analysis.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Research Techniques: Opportunities to learn and apply more specialized research methods, such as participatory design, ethnographic research, or advanced experimental design.

• Innovation Frameworks: Deepen understanding and application of Lean Startup, Design Thinking, and agile methodologies in a real-world innovation context.

• Cross-Disciplinary Knowledge: Gain exposure to the technical aspects of digital product development, business strategy for social impact, and global development challenges.

• Mentorship and Networking: Benefit from guidance from experienced leaders within the MCI team and the broader World Vision Canada organization, as well as potential external networking within the UX research and nonprofit tech communities.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role provides a unique opportunity to tackle complex challenges at the intersection of technology, innovation, and social impact. The growth opportunities are significant, allowing for both deep specialization in UX research and broad exposure to innovation strategy and the nonprofit sector.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to conduct research with a challenging or hard-to-reach user group. How did you approach it, and what were the outcomes?" (Tests adaptability, problem-solving, and ethical considerations.)

• "Imagine we're developing a new app to help donors engage more effectively with our field projects. What would be your first steps in researching this opportunity, and what methods would you prioritize?" (Assesses research planning, methodology selection, and strategic thinking.)

• "How do you balance the need for rigorous research with the fast-paced demands of an agile or lean startup environment?" (Evaluates understanding of iterative research and trade-offs.)

• "Walk us through a project where your research findings led to a significant change in product direction or design. What was the insight, and how did you communicate it?" (Assesses impact, communication, and influence.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about World Vision's mission and our approach to market-creating innovation?" (Gauges alignment with the organization's values and strategic focus.)

• "How do you see yourself contributing to a team that values Christian faith, stewardship, and serving the poor?" (Assesses cultural fit and understanding of the organization's ethos.)

• "Describe your experience working in cross-functional teams. How do you ensure effective collaboration and communication?" (Evaluates teamwork and stakeholder management skills.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Arc: Structure your portfolio presentation around a compelling story for each project, highlighting the problem, your research journey, key insights, and the impact.

• Visual Aids: Use clear, concise slides with strong visuals. Show, don't just tell, your process and findings. Include screenshots of your work in Figma, charts of survey data, or examples of your synthesized reports.

• Define Your Role: Be explicit about your individual contributions, especially in team projects.

• Focus on Insights & Impact: Clearly articulate the "so what?" of your research and any measurable outcomes or influences on decision-making.

• Tool Integration: Naturally weave in your experience with the tools mentioned (Figma, Typeform/Qualtrics, UserTesting/Lookback, GA/Amplitude) as part of your project walkthroughs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only research skills but also an understanding of the organization's mission and the specific context of innovation within a nonprofit. Be ready to discuss how your research directly translates into actionable business and product decisions, and how you navigate collaborative environments.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Researcher position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Dayforce portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight your 1-2 years of UX research experience, focusing on digital products, core methodologies, and tool proficiency (Figma, survey/testing/analytics platforms). Showcase projects demonstrating your ability to analyze data and communicate insights.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your hands-on experience with UX research methods, statistical understanding, and familiarity with relevant tools. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice answering behavioral and situational questions related to research design, data analysis, cross-functional collaboration, and working in agile environments. Prepare to present your portfolio with a clear narrative highlighting insights and impact.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with World Vision Canada's mission, values, and recent innovation initiatives. Understand their commitment to serving the poor and their approach to digital engagement. This research will inform your responses regarding cultural fit and alignment with the organization's strategic goals.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.