Now Hiring – Program Evaluation Specialist

POSITION OVERVIEW

Kids Brain Health Network (KBHN) is a national network that puts science to work for children with neurodevelopmental disabilities. We support cutting-edge research and use evidence-based solutions. Most importantly, we put kids and families at the heart of what we do. With funding from the federal Network Centres of Excellence (NCE) program and other partners, KBHN has invested over $60 million into 150 projects and research initiatives so kids can live their best lives.

The KBHN National Training Program encourages trainees across Canada to consider the economic, social, environmental, and ethical implications of their work dedicated to helping children with neurodevelopmental disabilities and their families.

Guided by a Core Competency Framework, the KBHN National Training Program aims to achieve the Strategic Framework objective related to trainees: develop the next generation of researchers proficient in the co-produced pathway to impact, moving research innovations from discovery to implementation (evidence oriented, accessible, understandable, and useful for users), and emphasize experiential learning opportunities to develop skills, ideas, teamwork, and relationship-building that are the building blocks of a successful career.

As an Evaluation Specialist, you will develop an evaluation strategy and plan to support the implementation of the KBHN training program (practice enhancement tools and processes). You are expected to work collaboratively with KBHN training lead and the Research Training Committee Chair, as well as consulting with KBHNs Policy Advocacy Research Training Committee (PART) and other KBHN stakeholders, to ensure that the evaluation strategy meets objectives by providing useful feedback and information for decision-making. You will be working with key stakeholders, identify the existence and quality of existing and similar programs in a limited scope for the purposes of supporting evidence-based decision making, and evaluating the program.

KEY JOB DUTIES

• Develop an evaluation strategy and plan, which includes a program profile, a logic model, evaluation designs and methods
• Carry out the evaluation strategy and plan
• Working with key stakeholders, identify the existence and quality of existing and similar programs in a limited scope for the purposes of supporting evidence-based decision making, and evaluating the program
• Execute and effectively manage the evaluation plan within the agreed-upon timelines for project tasks and deliverables
• Coordinate the collection of data using multiple methods (e.g., surveys, focus groups, interviews, administrative data)
• Conduct qualitative (e.g., thematic) and quantitative (e.g., descriptive, inferential) data analysis
• Interpret results and write evaluation reports and recommendations, memos, and summaries for use by decision-makers
• Facilitate the use of evaluation findings for planning and improvement
• Ensure evaluation activities are implemented in compliance with ethical requirements
• Perform other duties as required to ensure the successful completion of assigned work

Qualifications

• Demonstrated professional experience and knowledge of program evaluation
• Extensive knowledge of research/evaluation methodology, statistics, and program evaluation
• Canadian Evaluation Society Credentialed Evaluator (CE) designation preferred
• Postgraduate degree in evaluation, education, health, or social sciences preferred
• Previous employment in a not-for-profit organization, preferably in a health- related field, is preferred
• Experience in translating scientific materials to plain language
• Strong ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing
• Proven ability to develop and maintain cooperative and productive working relationships with stakeholders or clients
• Ability to plan, organize, manage, monitor, complete, and evaluate projects within allocated time and resources
• Ability to be thorough, accurate, and have a high level of attention to detail
• Ability to analyze and interpret data, determine implications, and provide recommendations
• Ability to effectively manage multiple tasks and priorities
• Ability to prioritize and work effectively under pressure to meet difficult deadlines
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and decision-making
• Ability to exercise tact and discretion
• Ability to anticipate problems and issues and plan ahead
• Ability to work independently and demonstrate initiative and self-directedness
• Strategic thinker with the ability to develop an overarching evaluation strategy
• Proven project management and excellent communication skills
• Strong computer literacy skills (experience in Excel, Word, Outlook, data analysis programs, etc.)
• Solid judgement and high integrity
• Proven ability to take initiative and provide leadership and mentorship within a team environment
• Ability to work independently, and with little oversight
• Excellent time management skills, including the ability to multi-task and reprioritize as needed
• Excellent attention to detail
• Ability to problem solve, be resourceful and offer solutions for consideration
• Bilingual in Canada’s official languages an asset

HOW TO APPY

Applications will be reviewed immediately and continue on a rolling basis until all the position is filled. Shortlisted candidates only will be called for interviews.

Email a resume and a cover letter (2 pages max) to Dr. Hajer Chalghoumi, KBHN training lead at training@kidsbrainhealth.ca.

We thank all those who express an interest, however only those chosen for further development will be contacted.

Equity, Diversity, Inclusion

Kids Brain Health Network is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with the Accessible Canada Act, 2019 and all applicable provincial accessibility standards, upon request, accommodation will be provided by KBHN throughout the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process to applicants with disabilities.

The Kids Brain Health Network (KBHN) goal is to create a workplace welcoming for researchers, health professionals, families and communities to gather and learn and that all who work or study here feel a sense of belonging, inclusion, fairness and mutual respect.

KBHN adopts the Networks of Centres of Excellence of Canada (NCE) EDI Statement

The NCE programs help build a more advanced, healthy, competitive and prosperous country. The participation of all qualified individuals, inclusive of members of under-represented groups, is essential to mobilize Canada’s best research, development and entrepreneurial expertise to create excellent, innovative and impactful results. The NCE Secretariat is committed to principles of equity, diversity and inclusion and deems them central to its programs. Therefore it is expected that all NCE-funded organizations are equally committed to these principles.

The NCE Secretariat works collaboratively with the NSERC, SSHRC and CIHR to identify and further share strategies and practices that respect the spirit of equity, diversity and inclusion.