Manager, Research & Open Data

Role Responsibilities

Monitoring Client Outcomes

• Overseeing the department’s largest outcomes survey, the Work Outcomes Reporting Project (WORP), setting strategic direction in consultation with program areas and multiple ministries to meet ALSS outcomes needs.
• Directing and prioritizing data analytics and research related to WORP data, including multivariate and net impact analysis projects to meet emerging information needs in the department. 
• Managing the provision of expertise to the department on survey development and sampling methodology. 
• Leading engagement within the ministry and across other ministries to develop outcomes related reports and access to Business Intelligence (BI) environment. 
• Collaboratively leading the design of provincial outcomes and evaluation needs, ensuring federal reporting requirements are adhered to and developing data collection approaches for ALSS programs impacted by the Labour Market Transfer Agreements (LMTA).

Enable Informed Decision Making through alignment and prioritization of ALSS research investments

• Providing strategic direction, leadership and coordination for the design, implementation and maintenance of the department’s research strategy, and provide recommendations to Executive Team, while maintaining alignment with business plans, strategic initiatives and mandate of the department.
• Collaboratively leading the development of ministry’s qualitative research and analysis capacity through integration of mixed methods analytic techniques.
• Overseeing the provision of research services, in particular literature reviews, to program and policy areas to support key policy, evaluation and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Provides consultation and supports business areas across the ministry for development, implementation, and interpretation of research activities including advice on research/statistical methodology.

Lead ALSS Research Initiatives, Collaboration and dissemination

• Building and fostering relationships with strategic partners such as other divisions, ministries and levels of government to secure research and data on ALSS priorities.
• Overseeing the development and updating of ALSS open data packages that are updated monthly, quarterly and annually on Alberta Open Data portal. 

Please click on this link to view the job description for this position.

APS Competencies

Competencies are behaviors that are essential to reach our goals in serving Albertans. We encourage you to have an in depth understanding of the competencies that are required for this opportunity and to be prepared to demonstrate them during the recruitment process.

This link will assist you with understanding competencies:
https://www.alberta.ca/system/files/custom_downloaded_images/psc-alberta-public-service-competency-model.pdf.

• Build Collaborative Environments- Engages others to think broadly about impacts of projects, brings differing perspectives together and encourages debate. Works with others to identify and remove barriers. Facilitates communication and collaboration and anticipates and reduces conflict at the outset. Credits others and gets talent recognized Promotes collaboration and commitment.
• Creative Problem Solving- Applies sound judgment and innovative thinking to assess complex privacy risks, interpret legislation, and develop practical solutions. Navigates ambiguous or emerging issues using a proactive and analytical approach, ensuring compliance while supporting service delivery improvements.
• Drive for Results- Clarifies objectives and taps into a variety of available resources within the organization; ensuring that roles and contributions are clear. Sets performance standards and monitoring processes to ensure deviations from the plan are identified at an early stage. Sets and accomplishes goals and priorities in order to deliver outcomes consistent with Government direction, departmental objectives and public expectations.
• Systems Thinking- Consistently takes a holistic and long-term view of challenges and opportunities at multiple levels across related areas. Seeks to understand a range of stakeholder perspectives and how they interrelate. Works with others to identify and address interdependent activities that require collaboration.
• Develop Self and Others- Plans according to career goals and regular development: Aligns personal goals with career goals. Leverages strengths of the team and attempts to stretch goals. Provides feedback and openly discusses team performance. Encourages employees to own and be accountable for their personal development.

Qualifications

Requirements:

• University graduation in social sciences, business, statistics, economics, public health, public administration or related field. Advanced training in statistics, quantitative research, inferential research methods, supplemented by four (4) years related work experience. 
• Graduate degree in a related field is an asset. 

Knowledge:

• Advanced knowledge of social science research design and methodology, qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis techniques, statistics, and database development and management.
• Advanced understanding of research communication, dissemination and mobilization methods, including product development and storytelling approaches. 
• Strong knowledge of federal-provincial labour market agreements, including data transfer processes, reporting requirements and program eligibility.
• Knowledge of ALSS legislation and Ministry policies, programs, Business Plan, long term goals and objectives of department and links to the branch's and unit's work.
• Knowledge of government accountability requirements and legislative requirements with regard to research (e.g., Protection of Privacy Act (POPA), Health Information Act, open data, etc.)
• Social/political environment to work with other government departments and jurisdictions to develop effective working arrangements and agreements.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills and the ability to lead multi-disciplinary project teams.
• GOA Contracting procedures and requirements. Departmental budgetary and financial reporting requirements/processes.
• Human resource policies and procedures.

Experience

• Extensive experience in applied qualitative and quantitative socio-economic research and evaluation methodologies; indicator development; data collection methods, data analysis and interpretation; statistical software and its applications.
• Experience working with statistical software for data analysis such as Python, R, SAS, STATA or SQL.
• Significant experience mobilizing qualitative and quantitative data to drive evidence-based decision making.
• Experience providing leadership to a statistical/analytical services function and professional staff.
• Experience working with different organizational levels within government, with other jurisdictions/governments.

Minimum recruitment standards outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification. 
Refer to https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-minimum-recruitment-standards.

Notes

Hours of Work

• 7.25 Daily Hours.
• 36.25 Weekly Hours.
• 8:15AM to 4:30PM (Monday to Friday).

Location: Edmonton.

Cover letter is required and will be used to evaluate written communication skills.

Final candidates will be required to undergo a security screening.

Any costs associated with obtaining the required documents/checks as noted or interview travel expenses, will be the responsibility of the candidate. Out-of-province applicants can obtain the required documents/checks from the province they currently reside in.

Links and information on what the GoA have to offer to prospective employees:

• Working for the Alberta Public Service - https://www.alberta.ca/advantages-working-for-alberta-public-service.aspx.
• Management Employees Pension Plan (MEPP) - https://www.mepp.ca.
• Alberta Public Service Benefit Information - https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-benefits.
• Professional learning and development - https://www.alberta.ca/professional-development-support-directive.
• Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool – https://researchapscareers.alberta.ca.
• Positive workplace culture and work-life balance.
• Leadership and mentorship programs.