Senior Research Officer

Role Responsibilities

The Senior Research Officer supports the division by leading the Alberta Education Assurance (AEA) survey and has a key role in the Alberta Education Assurance Measures Reporting Application (AEAMRA) or Accountability Pillar Online Reporting Initiative (APORI) project providing project management, data analysis, and research.

Responsibilities include project coordination of the AEA survey, validating data, applying appropriate methodologies, interpreting results, and preparing clear, informative reports. The role also advises stakeholders, contributes to cross-ministry initiatives, and helps improve internal policies and reporting mechanisms.

Responsibilities include:

1. Maintain detailed working knowledge of the AEAMRA/APORI project, including attending and participating in AEAMRA/APORI team meetings and providing technical support to Ministry representatives and stakeholders.
2. Work closely with the Senior Manager to examine survey methodologies and data collection methods to ensure reporting requirements are met (e.g., determine sample frame, delivery options for parent survey etc.) and develop the project plan for the annual survey process.
3. Prepare reports and make recommendations relating to findings and implications of research, results of surveys and focus groups, and outcomes of plans and program initiatives.
4. Identify improvements to coordinate, streamline, and enhance Ministry reporting mechanisms and schedules; develops and coordinates implementation of approved initiatives.
5. Monitor and review work for internal and external stakeholders for accuracy and quality.
6. Collaborate with Ministry representatives to determine feasibility of research proposals, define problems, clarify research needs, and develop project terms of reference including objectives, time frames and project budgets.

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.

• Drive for Results - Lead the project team to collect and analyze school authority data with projected planning, allocating of resources, and enabling communication between internal staff and external stakeholders.
• Creative Problem Solving - When inconsistencies are found between data sources and reports, the role leverages experience from others within the Ministry to improve data accuracy and improve future survey cycles.
• Build Collaborative Environment - Facilitate collaboration between technical teams, branch members, and other ministry stakeholders to ensure reports and data products meet operational and strategic needs.
• Systems Thinking - Ensures that data of high quality is used within the Ministry for reporting and supports long-term decision-making and continuous improvement across the education system.
• Agility - To meet the business needs of the Ministry, the role adapts to changes while maintaining timelines. Change is seen as a catalyst to update methodologies where appropriate, streamline data entry and validation processes, and try to minimize future workload and error rates.

Qualifications

University graduation in a related field like Social Sciences, Business, Data Science/Analytics, or plus four years of progressive experience; or equivalent as described below.

Equivalency: Directly related education or experience is considered on the basis of one year of education for one year of experience or one year of experience for one year of education.

Knowledge and/or experience of the following are considered assets for this position:

• Knowledge in performance measurement, evaluation and business analysis in large organizations.
• Knowledge of the application of advanced statistical and research methodologies.
• Knowledge of the development and administration of surveys for data collection.
• Knowledge of the K-12 education system in Alberta is an asset, although not required.
• Working knowledge of the flow of data through Ministry systems from initial collection to production of information products for stakeholders and the public.
• Ability to develop, implement, and maintain programming scripts for statistical analysis, data manipulation, and business productivity.
• Proficiency in SPSS and Python an asset; other relevant programs include SQL Server Management Studio, R, Excel, PowerPoint.
• Project management skills, including the ability to plan, manage, and execute complex research projects.
• Strong analytical, research, and investigation skills, including ability to synthesize and analyze information obtained from broad and varied sources and develop solutions and recommendations for consideration of decision-makers.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, from writing technical documentation to briefing notes for senior leadership; must be able to express complex ideas in plain language.
• Excellent organizational skills, including ability to adapt to change, multi-task and prioritize multiple responsibilities.
• Strong interpersonal, listening, and facilitation skills to interact effectively with various stakeholders and develop solutions for issues involving a variety of perspectives.
• Function well independently and within a collaborative team environment.

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

There is (1) permanent, full-time position working 36.25 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

This position is based in 44 Capital Blvd, Edmonton.

Resumes must include precise employment dates (month and year) details.

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.
• Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP) - https://www.pspp.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.
• Opportunity to participate in flexible work arrangements such as working from home up to two days per week and modified work schedule agreement.
• Leadership and mentorship programs.