Senior Research and Evaluation Analyst

Role Responsibilities

Are you a self-motivated, results-driven individual with a passion for leading evidence-based policy planning and development initiatives? Are you looking for an opportunity to make a difference on matters relating to the aging population and Alberta’s seniors?

The Senior Research and Evaluation Analyst plays a key role in supporting division research and program policy, including special projects and initiatives. This position is responsible for full scope policy research, planning, development, and implementation. In addition, this position will be required to coordinate, lead, and support division performance measurement, evaluation and analytics. Furthermore, this position will represent the Ministry on internal, cross-ministry, and external teams.

As the successful candidate, your exceptional, analytical, and project management skills, coupled with your ability to interpret and synthesize information, will allow you to effectively manage projects and find innovative solutions to complex issues. Your knowledge of trends and current issues related to seniors and the aging population in Alberta and Canada will allow you to be on the leading edge within the industry. Building collaborative relationships with stakeholders and clients will also be key to your success in this position.

Responsibilities:

1.  Research, evaluation and performance measurement activities inform ministry planning, program improvements and policy development.

• Coordinate, lead, and support ministry research, evaluation and performance measurement processes including through data collection and analysis.
• Lead the development, implementation, and revision of evaluation guides and tools (e.g. frameworks, surveys), to support divisional measures and metrics that inform program improvements and policy development.
• Coordinate ministry business planning input regarding division evaluation and performance measurement reporting processes for seniors financial assistance programs and policy-related initiatives; this includes providing advice regarding appropriate metrics and benchmarks.
• Support division data analytics, which may include identification and analysis of relevant program and external data to identify trends and promising practices, as well as to inform branch and system priorities and initiatives to support Alberta seniors.
• Lead project evaluation to identify success factors and incorporates best practices.
• Promote awareness and use of high quality research, data, program evaluation, and performance measurement methods.

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2.  Division data analytics initiatives inform branch and system priorities and initiatives to support Alberta seniors.

• Support division data analytics, which may include identification and analysis of relevant program and external data to identify trends, and promising practices apply statistical tools effectively, as well as to inform branch and system priorities and initiatives to support Alberta seniors.
• Action data queries and analysis to support the development and implementation of priority Government of Alberta initiatives.
• Maintain existing data repositories and reporting of data used in the creation of provincial community profiles accessed by external stakeholders to inform the provision of supports and services for seniors in their community.
• Coordinate the verification and supplementation of information contained in briefings, presentations, and correspondence.
  Coordinate collaboration with Ministry staff and stakeholders to identify and provide recommendations in support of Alberta seniors, based on data identification and analysis.

3.  Unit research and evaluation activities and special projects identify and apply best practices and policies for promoting and providing optimum supports and programs for Alberta seniors.

• Support strategic policy initiatives and projects at the broad system level, focused on addressing challenges and trends related to Alberta's aging population.
• Conduct research and analysis to identify strategic trends, emerging policy issues and pressure points to anticipate and identify potential policy issues provincially, nationally and internationally.
• Conduct cross-jurisdictional research and environmental scanning related to effective policies, best practices and developments relevant to the aging population and issues facing seniors.
• Develop policy options, recommendations, position papers and briefings for senior Ministry representatives and officials. Prepare high level strategic documents, including Cabinet documents, for the Minister.
• Provide specialist research and evaluation support to others in the department to contribute to the development of feasible and effective solutions to seniors and aging population issues.
• Represent the branch, division and department interests by strategically collaborating with a variety of ministries and stakeholders for performance measurement, evaluation, and data initiatives.

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4.  Innovative research and evaluation activities are coordinated, led by effective project management to address complex trends and issues pertaining to seniors.

• Develop project Terms of Reference, associated project work plans with goals, resource allocation (including staff and budget), and timelines.
• Prepare Requests for Proposals, lead evaluation, hiring and management of external contractors.
• Supervise project staff and/or consultants to ensure timely project completion and expected outcomes.
• Engage the participation of other ministry units and/or other ministries.
• Monitor and report on project status including processes, outputs, budget, and achievements using a variety of project management tools; make adjustments as necessary and raise awareness to significant emerging risks.
• Review project deliverables and make recommendations for approval.
• Evaluate projects and apply lessons learned to future projects or process improvements.
• Develop necessary reports and briefings including writing and coordinating the compilation of final products.
  

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5.  The division, ministry, and government are represented on internal, cross-ministry, and external teams.

• Participate in cross-ministry initiatives and research/analysis to support the development and implementation of priority Government of Alberta initiatives.
• Lead and/or coordinate initiatives with other departments, including participating/chairing, and supporting departmental and interdepartmental committees and working groups to ensure thoroughness and consistency in policy and program development.
• Lead and/or participate in the development of cross-ministry decision documents, briefing materials, and recommendations for next steps for executive management and the Ministers.
• Establish and maintain positive and effective relationships with key internal and external stakeholders based on the strategic and program planning interests and priorities of the division, ministry, and government.
• Represent division, ministry, and government interests and perspectives while providing expertise on internal, cross-ministry, and external teams and working groups to ensure coordination and integration of activities and promote collaboration with system stakeholders to support the development and implementation of priorities.
• By consulting with other programs, ministries, and jurisdictions on issues, options, and recommendations coordinate and lead value-added analysis of the impacts of proposed policy changes to existing policies, legislation, operations, and client.
• Collaborate with department managers and cross-ministry partners to promote information sharing and the integrated and coordinated implementation of initiatives and service delivery.

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6.  Research staff and/or contractors are supported in their work.

• Supervise research staff as well as contracted resources when leading assigned projects.
• Provide cover-off for data and research staff.
• Represent the manager and/or director at interdepartmental and other meetings, as requested.
• Serve as acting manager, as needed, to cover off vacations and other leaves of the manager.

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.

Required Competencies:

Agility: 
Adapts communication to meet the needs of specific stakeholder groups; challenges the norm when necessary; proactively anticipates and adapts to shifting priorities and tight timelines and adjusts project plans accordingly.

Creative Problem Solving:
Assesses consultation processes to identify improvements to get the best outputs possible; considers multiple types of feedback and others' perspectives; critically analyzes options and issues; proactively engages stakeholders to resolve issues to mitigate their escalation.

Build Collaborative Environments:
Promotes collaboration and positive relationships (even in challenging circumstances) within and across groups and builds commitment to reach desired results.

Develops Networks:
Seeks and leverages internal and external relationships to ensure the ministry has sound inputs from stakeholders and stakeholders have meaningful opportunities to provide input; leverages opportunities to enhance the integration of perspectives into provincial legislation and policy.

Systems Thinking:
Considers longer-term opportunities and risks prior to presenting recommendations; takes a holistic view of policy and legislation challenges and opportunities at multiple levels across related areas.

Qualifications

University graduation in a related field plus 4 years progressively responsible related experience; or equivalent as described below.

Equivalency: Directly related education or experience considered based on: 
•    1 year of education for 1 year of experience; or 
•    1 year of experience for 1 year of education.

Assets:
•    Experience leading complex projects involving diverse stakeholders and multi-disciplinary teams is preferred.
•    Proficiency using data sources, such as Statistics Canada.
•    Proficiency in data analysis soft experience e.g., statistical analysis software (SAS) 

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

This is a full-time permanent position for one year working 36.25 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

Work location is in Edmonton.

A cover letter is required. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.

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.