The Social Research and Demonstration Corporation (SRDC) is a non-profit organization involved in the design, research and evaluation of social programs and policies. Since 1991, we have been building a base of knowledge and experience about what works in employment, education, health, and social policy and we are recognized across Canada, and internationally, as a leader in the design, implementation, and evaluation of large-scale demonstration projects. For more information on SRDC, please visit our Web site at www.srdc.org.

SRDC is seeking a full-time Researcher in Winnipeg, Manitoba for a two-year contract opportunity starting in April 2014. The successful candidate will be attached to a team of professional policy analysts and evaluators conducting a research project to examine the effectiveness of employment and training programs among jobseekers (including jobseekers on Employment Income and Assistance) in Winnipeg.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The successful candidate will primarily support research activities for the project and will work closely with employment and training service agency program teams to coordinate, implement, administer, and monitor research activities. Specific responsibilities will include:

• overseeing the research implementation, including administering of surveys (classroom and individual basis) across three employment and training service agencies (one large agency and two smaller agencies):
• ensuring consistent implementation of the research protocol, and
• working to facilitate smooth data collection, participant retention and confidentiality;
• conducting client follow-up surveys (ensuring a high response rate);
• developing and maintaining a work plan and schedule throughout the project;
• working with agency program teams within the employment and training service agencies to coordinate and schedule research activities;
• generating spreadsheets and debriefing notes/memos on observations for implementation research;
• coordinating interviews with employers who are participating in the project; and
• participating in weekly project status meetings with SRDC research team and providing summary notes for these meetings and general support to the team when needed.

CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS:

The successful candidate will ideally have a demonstrated interest in applied research and possess the following competencies:

• a Bachelor’s degree in social sciences (such as economics, psychology, sociology, or public policy) combined with a minimum of two years’ research experience working in a field capacity;
• sound knowledge of research methods used in program evaluation and familiarity with randomized control trial studies;
• experience managing qualitative and/or quantitative research project data;
• experience recruiting, managing, and retaining research participants;
• strong relationship-building skills and ability to interface with client and other project stakeholders;
• capable of working in a self-directed manner as well as collaborating in a team environment;
• superior organizational, critical thinking, and communication (oral and written) skills;
• proven organizational and time management skills;
• proficient with Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint);
• strong attention to detail;
• excellent mastering of English; knowledge of French will be considered an asset; and
• willingness to work flexible hours

We take pride in our employees and in their commitment to excellence. Our reputation for professionalism, rigorous ethical standards, integrity, quality, and objectivity is based in no small part on our high-calibre researchers.

Please submit applications (including a resume and cover letter providing a description of research interests and skills) (preferably by e-mail) by April 2, 2014 to:

Elizabeth Rodgers,
Director, Human Resources and Corporate Services
Social Research and Demonstration Corporation (SRDC)
400-55 Murray St.,
Ottawa, ON, K1N 5M3
hr@srdc.org

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