The Social Research and Demonstration Corporation (SRDC) is a non-profit organization primarily 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. SRDC is recognized across Canada, and internationally, as a leader in the design, implementation, and evaluation of demonstration projects testing promising program ideas. We also conduct program evaluation, impact analysis, and cost–benefit analysis for a wide range of government and non-governmental organizations, in particular those involved in the delivery of services to economically disadvantaged populations.

SRDC is seeking a dynamic, full-time researcher for its Vancouver office with experience in one or more policy areas concerned with services and supports for Canadians who face barriers to employment or education. The successful candidate will contribute to a range of studies and innovative policy research initiatives in areas such as: employment and training services, youth employment, social and economic inclusion of immigrants, supports to people with disabilities and recipients of social assistance. The successful candidate will support research activities, program implementation and evaluation. He/she will be called to work closely with government and non-governmental clients and service delivery partners to contribute to the development of program logic models, program tools, evaluation frameworks, evaluation strategies and designs, research instruments and protocols, qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis, and research reports.

Primary duties and responsibilities:

• Participating in the development of evaluation strategies and designs;
• Designing logic models and evaluation frameworks;
• Establishing partnerships with funders, service agencies, employers and other research organizations;
• Liaison, coordination and collaboration with project partners (including service providers, advocacy organizations, public service agencies);
• Participating in the development of work plans, research instruments and protocols;
• Field visits to support implementation of new programs, as well as their monitoring and evaluation;
• Implementing the project evaluation plan, which may include undertaking literature reviews and environmental scans; collecting and analyzing both quantitative and qualitative data via key informant interviews, focus groups and surveys;
• Developing evaluation and research proposals in response to specific client needs; and
• Writing research reports and presenting research findings.

Candidate qualifications:

• A graduate degree (Masters or Ph.D.) in social sciences, public policy, or a related field;
• Previous experience in program evaluation;
• Sound knowledge of program evaluation methods;
• Experience developing logic models and evaluation frameworks;
• Strong interpersonal, relationship-building, facilitation and communication skills;
• Strong writing skills in English; capacity to work in French is considered an asset;
• Ability to present research results clearly and concisely;
• Capable of working in a self-directed manner and collaborating in a team environment; and
• Problem-solving skills; ability to exercise good judgment within established procedures and practices.

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 staff. We offer our employees competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package as well as a stimulating work environment and a collegial approach to doing challenging work.

Interested candidates should submit their resume and a cover letter providing a short description of their research interests and skills, explaining how they relate to SRDC’s mission statement and research priorities. Candidates may be required to complete an assignment as part of the selection process.

Please submit applications by December 14, 2015 to:

Elizabeth Rodgers
Director, Human Resources and Corporate Services
Social Research and Demonstration Corporation
55, Murray Street, Suite 400
Ottawa (Ontario)  K1N 5M3
E-mail: hr at srdc.org

SOURCE: Social Research and Demonstration Corporation