POSITION SUMMARY
In consultation with the Executive Director or Designate, the Researcher/Program Analyst will be responsible for developing, coordinating, and implementing comprehensive research activities that will enhance organizational capacity to better respond to trends in service delivery requirements for both newcomers and employers. The objective of this position is to improve the development and execution of organizational programs and services in a manner consistent with best practices and high standards of service delivery. This may include quantitative or qualitative analysis, evaluation of programs, and providing management with information that will lead to enhanced services and programs.
Additionally, the Researcher will design and execute research protocols and practices to enable consistency in the review of programming offered at Manitoba Start, assessing and documenting program strengths and areas for improvement, and preparing recommendations that will ultimately assist in improving newcomers’ success in attaining their goals of self-sufficiency and career progression.
QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS
The candidate must:
- Possess a post-secondary degree from an accredited institution in Social Sciences, Education or a related discipline at the Master’s level preferably, with strong writing and research experience;
- Have awareness of adult learning principles/teaching/facilitation and individual or group counselling, with experience in program design, implementation, and evaluation;
- Exhibit a strong interest in continuous learning, be highly organized, efficient, and detail-oriented, with solid computer skills, including Word processing, database applications, analysis software, and Internet research;
- Be knowledgeable in data gathering techniques and technologies with the ability to analyze and interpret data;
- Proven communication skills with the ability to present concise and precise written and verbal reports; demonstrate strong analytical skills to assess and compare data, synthesize and summarize research findings;
- Demonstrate cultural awareness and sensitivity; be skillful in conducting needs assessment and evaluation of programming;
- Must be strongly resulted-oriented and able to work cooperatively within a diversely talented multi-disciplinary team of professionals.
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES
- Establish parameters of research and identify priority areas that are value-added in initiating analysis of documentation in a manner that offers logical follow through;
- Create a realistic and effective monitoring process to evaluate the efficiency of programs and develop feedback methods;
- Inform program planning and service development by conducting research, assessing effectiveness of programs and services, and identifying gaps and key service areas needing targeted measures;
- Research issues by gathering and analyzing information such as statistical and qualitative data;
- using surveys, focus groups, interviews, and other appropriate methods to research clients’ needs, attitudes, and behaviour;
- collect and analyze program data and extract relevant information for recommendations;
- Review documentation practices for consistency of application and devise a “train the trainer” session to guide and facilitate improved means of documentation and data recording;
- Build upon and improve program monitoring and evaluation approaches, taking into consideration best practices;
- Consult with Director in matters of a sensitive nature when writing summaries or analyses of findings, and discuss key points with management to ensure relevance of findings and action required;
- Compile research findings to create organizational plans to increase program/service quality and satisfaction of clients and staff;
- Present pros and cons of program options, identifying program issues and making recommendations to inform and advise management of current or impending problems;
- Develop strategies to navigate information available through sources such as the Internet, databases, news, and industry publications;
- Evaluate information sources, check facts, and interview experts to provide information for management needs;
- Engage in continuing education to understand new research and technology advances, which will assist in performing the responsibilities of the job effectively.
