Job Specification

Purpose of Position :

This position exists to coordinate evaluation and statistical activities and reports for senior management and central agencies and to support other deliverables of the Strategic Planning and Research Branch including supporting the development of the Ministry performance measures, monitoring the achievement of its defined goals and objectives, supporting the Ministrys research contracts, management and project management capacity, as well as coordinating federal/provincial/territorial relations for the Ministry, including providing support to the National Justice Statistics Initiative. The position provides project leadership and expertise in the planning, supervision and execution of the design, data analysis, interpretation and reporting of all in house and/or tendered research that supports program evaluation and the development and implementation of policy and program initiatives.

Duties / Responsibilities :

Within the Strategic Planning and Research Branch, responsible for providing support in the development, implementation and monitoring of the Ministrys performance measures and research plan; project management and research contract management support to program areas and provides corporate support related to the Federal/Provincial /Territorial Justice Sector relations, the position:

1. Plans, coordinates and conducts research and analytical studies in support of senior level decision-making. Independently performs very complex analyses, develops and evaluates a wide variety of options to assess their practical, policy, strategic and other implications and to identify potential areas of concern, conflict or synergy. Identifies and analyzes options to determine best alternatives and make informed recommendations for discussion with Divisional and Ministry management. Leads/conducts research/strategic planning and design of research and evaluation methodologies (e.g., customer surveys) by reviewing the literature and performing environmental scans, defining research objectives, defining target population and sample size, data collection processed and analytical techniques. Coordinates the development and preparation of logic models and performance measures, program evaluation activities, business cases and requests for submissions and/or requests for proposals (RFPS). Conducts or supervises the planning, design, implementation and interpretation of advanced complex statistical analysis such as descriptive statistics, univariate and multivariate inferential statistics such as hierarchical linear models, forecasting and data reduction techniques using SPSS and/or SAS and qualitative analysis software (e.g., Nvivo. Provides research expertise in the branch and ministry for the evaluation and compliance of research proposals according to ministry/government priorities, standards and guidelines. Maintains a leading edge awareness of new research developments and trends and directions, which may impact provincial policy directions for justice sector; summarizes and communicates findings to support the decision-making process.


2. Coordinates Ministry reporting on evaluation activities and performance measures in the annual Results-based-Plan and throughout the year. Leads consolidation of information, including tracking and monitoring templates.

3. Maintains a current awareness of justice policy issues within the Ministry, other Ministries and other levels of government of significance to Branch activities. Anticipates and assesses concerns. Advises Branch and Divisional management on strategies for responses. Prepares memoranda, issue papers, briefing notes, presentation material, responses to correspondence, and other informational materials.

4. Leads and coordinates the Ministry strategic position related to federal/provincial/territorial issues. Works with the Justice sector F/P/T coordinator and in consultation with other divisions of the ministry, central agencies, line ministries, and other jurisdictions. Represents the ministry on inter-ministry and inter-government committees, conferences and forums; develops and sustains positive relationships and networks with stakeholders.

5. Provides coaching and/or supervision to other staff of the unit who are assisting with projects.

Knowledge :

Expert knowledge of project management and program evaluation techniques and skills including knowledge of social science research methodologies typically acquired in postgraduate level studies in a social science and through program evaluation experience. Consultation and facilitation skills to provide leadership and project management expertise and expert advice in research to senior management. Knowledge of and facility in a range of research, analytical and statistical methodologies to both conduct and coordinate the conduct of studies. Excellent analytical and conceptual skills to envision requirements, conduct and oversee research and analytical work, interpret findings, assess implications and make recommendations; ability to think strategically; ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with Ministry peers and counterparts, provincial government officials, officials of other jurisdictions and a range of stakeholders; ability to negotiate and resolve issues; ability to track progress and meet deadlines; Knowledge of the provinces justice policy field, related legislation, current issues and trends; corporate strategic direction; Ministry programs, initiatives, policies and objectives and the related activities and programs of other Ministries and other jurisdictions in conjunction with provincial government decision-making and program and policy development processes to ensure reports, recommendations, presentations, briefing materials and proposals are presented in such a manner to facilitate senior level decision-making. Government decision-making and accountability framework, including the role of the central agencies, Results-based Planning processes, the program monitoring and reporting and allocations processes to design and conduct program evaluations and to support the accurate reporting of program performance data. Knowledge of current and leading edge strategic planning, and project management theories, tools and methodologies to coordinate, implement and monitor effective processes and best practices for the Ministry; Knowledge of project management techniques to plan and lead research studies and provide direction and guidance to project teams and to manage external research consultants. Excellent oral, written and presentation skills to prepare and oversee the preparation of reports, presentations, briefing material, option papers, etc. on technical topics in a clear, succinct and persuasive manner to clearly communicate complex information to non-technical audiences. Ability to translate complex information to common language. Knowledge of PC software and statistical software packages for data management and analysis, including MS Word, Powerpoint, Outlook, Excel, Access, Visio, Acrobat, SPSS and Nvivo.

Judgement :

Position works under the administrative direction of the Manager, within the broad framework of the Branch and Divisional mandate and Ministry and central agency policies, procedures and guidelines. Position is expected to work with a high level of initiative, independence and expertise in conducting and coordinating the conduct of research studies, analytical and statistical methodologies, supporting strategic planning, project management and federal/provincial/territorial relations. Excellent judgement is required given the sensitive role liaising between parties with different perspectives and priorities (central agencies and Ministry programs). The position is fairly visible and DM and Ministers offices tend to take a keen interest in the Ministrys performance targets. Members of the public may request materials related to Ministry targets and achievements under the authority of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. The position will need to work closely with key internal contacts and understand the particular needs of the audiences (Deputy Ministers, Ministers Offices and central agencies). The staff member needs to understand the importance of providing sufficient information so that the requested information is understood in context and the risks that could occur with providing information that is not necessary to the end users. It is also necessary that the staff member be sensitive to the number of corporate requests that go to programs, and to provide appropriate instructions and deadlines to ensure a continuing strong and positive working relationship with programs.

Accountability - Programs :

The position is accountable for providing senior level expertise to coordinate statistical/data gathering exercises, the evaluation and analysis of data and the development and preparation of reports, briefings and recommendations to senior management. Program accountability includes providing senior level expertise in the development and maintenance of the Ministrys strategic plan and research plan, project management capacity and federal/provincial/municipal relations.

Accountability – Personnel :

The position is accountable for providing leadership to staff that are assigned to projects and initiatives.

Accountability - Finance and Materials :

N/A

Accountability - Impact of Errors :

Ineffective planning / project management would seriously impair the Ministrys policy and program planning initiatives. Errors or omissions in research planning, strategic planning and project management processes and initiatives, or inadequate evaluation and analysis and/or recommendations could result in ineffective program and policy choices presented to senior Ministry management, higher costs and impede the achievement of Ministry program and policy objectives.

Contact - Internal :

Frequent contact with policy and program development counterparts and analysts within the Ministry, other ministries and central agencies to discuss evaluations and performance measures, share information, stay current with developments, make recommendations, participate in problem-solving and provide briefings on specific issues.

Contact - External :

Regular contact with officials of other governments, the broader public sector and non-governmental organizations, to stay current with developments, to provide and exchange information, identify best practices and discuss issues of mutual interest and concern.