11 Oct
The University of Calgary
Calgary
Description
The School of Public Policy is currently seeking a Full-time Staff Limited Term Data Analyst for approximately 9 months.
The School of Public Policy (SPP), the University of Calgary is Canada's leading policy school. The School was founded in 2008 by renowned economist Jack Mintz with a vision to drive policy discourse with relevant research, outreach and teaching. The School of Public Policy provides a practical, global and focused perspective on public policy analysis and practice in four focus areas: Fiscal and Economic Policy, Social and Health Policy, Energy and Environmental Policy, and International Policy and Trade. The School achieves its mandate through integrated activity across its academic programming,
research portfolio, and extensive outreach.
Housed at the School of Public Policy, the Simpson Centre focuses on the numerous social and economic factors that facilitate the success of Canadian agri-food and agri-business. The goal is to make the Simpson Centre a locus of Canadian research that strengthens and supports the growth and sustainability of agri-food and agri-business ¿ especially in western Canada.
This position reports to the Director of the Simpson Centre, and contributes to research focused social, and economic policy at SPP. It normally involves working Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week with occasional work outside of regular hours as well as potential travel within Canada.
The position entails undertaking research in a team and independently; coordinating the initial set up of a large scale research project that spans multiple researchers at multiple institutions; coordinating ongoing research programming, research projects and outreach activity,
presentation and communication of research and research results to a variety of audiences and in different venues (i.e. presentations at conferences and workshops, media communication, team meetings as well as various written publications). Peak times will occur near deadlines for reporting analysis and results to project stakeholders. The incumbent works on multiple research projects, meeting multiple simultaneous deadlines throughout the year.
This position involves first the provision and application of research services and skills to research projects in environmental and economic policy in the agricultural sector. The research project consists of evaluating the impact of policies supervising digitalization in the agricultural sector.
The incumbent will perform economic modelling using existing public and private datasets.
The incumbent is conversant with the relevant major policy issues and acts as a resource for others working in these areas. The incumbent works to ensure research and outreach activities inform the policy debate in Canada and internationally, are completed in a timely manner, and are useful (in scale and scope) for policy-makers. The incumbent works independently and as part of a team on research projects; the resulting research products (articles, papers, reports, presentations, etc.) will typically have a high profile and must meet rigorous quality standards. This individual will primarily be engaged in projects involving social, economic,
qualitative (e.g literature reviews and document analysis) and quantitative analysis, and will also assist the scientific and program directors with reporting and day-to-day management of research activities. The incumbent works closely with the Director of the Simpson Centre, the project coordinator, and other research associates in SPP, as well as with other faculty, students and project stakeholders.
Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):
- Applies analytical skills for the collection, formatting, analysis and effective presentation of data. Includes comparing and/or validating results with established literature.
- Organizes time effectively so that research results are produced by set deadlines that support overall project timelines.
- Collaborates regularly and closely with others (i.e., participation in project meetings, and brainstorming sessions) as required or to conduct research, obtain, and verify results.
- Regularly updates project team on data collection and analysis, as well as prepares and presents reports of these results using excellent technical writing skills.
- Follows set guidelines for completion of data analysis, but may recommend changes to research methods.
- Assists in the development of multi-year strategic plans that anticipate policy changes and link research activities from year to year.
- Represents SPP externally, which may include media interviews.
- Assists in the development of funding applications.
- Completes other tasks as required.
- Regularly contributes to collaborative research projects.
- Supports the development of academic publications, and particularly The School of Public Policy Publications.
- Undertakes qualitative and quantitative analysis of a range of policy issues in the area of social, economic, and fiscal policy. This includes research question definition, review of the relevant literature, data gathering, application of appropriate theory and empirical analysis, development and assessment of results, development of policy implications and recommendations, and the writing and presentation of reports and other study products to stakeholders.
- Prepares literature reviews, briefing documents, background reports, research papers, technical papers, applied research, presentations,
and other research products.
- Organizes time effectively so that research results are produced by set deadlines that support overall project timelines.
- Provides leadership and technical expertise to other team researchers, which may include research assistants and student researchers.
- The majority of the time works independently with limited direct oversight, and applies analytical skills for the collection, formatting and analysis of data in research projects. Includes comparing and/or validating results with established literature.
- Development and communication of policy implications and recommendations.
- Provides an evaluation of all policy implications of the results and develops carefully considered recommendations for practical and effective policy responses.
- Works closely with the Director of the Simpson Centre and program directors in organizing research agenda.
- Coordinates and supports the development and execution of research projects.
- Supports and monitors the project development and approval process, including key deadlines.
- Develops timelines and research criteria for varied research projects.
- Liaises with external research contractors, as needed, on behalf of the Director.
- Contributes to preparation of the Simpson Centre stewardship reports, and reviews stewardship reports for accuracy.
- Develops Simpson Centre program overview documentation, including website content.
- Coordinates and assists with developing a range of research-related activities including conferences, symposia, and other programming.
- Liaises with faculty, students, and stakeholders as appropriate for successful completion of research work.
- Contributes to the identification of grant opportunities and the development of grant applications and donor pursuit material.
- Assists in the establishment and organization of program advisory councils and committees.
- Performs administrative duties as required.
- Collaborates regularly and closely with the Simpson Centre team members (i.e., participation in project meetings and brainstorming sessions) as required to conduct research, obtain and verify results, and to assist research-related outreach activities associated with the research division.
- Interacts frequently with internal and external stakeholders in the area of research to maintain strong working relationships and ensure that research is conducted in a timely manner. This includes gathering information and also to share research findings with stakeholders as needed.
- Presents research and findings to interested parties (i.e. presentations at conferences and workshops, media communications).
- Updating and/or maintaining external communications (email correspondence and project website).
Qualifications / Requirements:
- Completion of at least a Master's degree in Social Sciences, Political Science, Economics, or a related area focused on social, and economic policy, with a strong preference for a PhD degree; however, a combination of experience, training, and education may be considered. At least two years of research experience in the fields noted above is preferred.
- Possesses knowledge of current social, environmental, and economic policy issues, data, and research, in both academic and policy literature, as well as the policy-making process at all orders of government.
- Demonstrated qualitative and quantitative research skills.
- Proven ability to engage and build working partnerships with various stakeholder groups, including government, researchers, social/non-profit sector representatives, and people with lived experience to inform research and the development of policy advice.
- Proficiency in relevant technical software (statistical and econometric analysis, graphics, web and data base tools, etc.) in addition to Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
- Familiarity with Julia, Python, Stata, SAS, R, or other statistical programs is required.
- Strong analytical skills in reaching sound decisions and resolving complex problems.
- Excellent communication skills, orally and in writing, including demonstrated proficiency in effectively communicating ideas to policymakers and the informed public.
- Strong organizational skills for collection, maintenance and organization of information, data, and research programming
- Experience supporting funding proposals, grant writing, and reporting processes.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently in performance of day-to-day duties.
- Adaptable and flexible in a fast-moving and changing environment.
- Ability to work collaboratively and interact respectfully with a variety of internal and external contacts.
Application Deadline: October 15, 2024.
We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.
This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Technical Job Family, Phase 2.
For a listing of all management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our Management and Staff Careers website.
About the University of Calgary
UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.
The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.
As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (******@ucalgary.ca) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources (******@ucalgary.ca).
Do you have most but not all the qualifications? Research show that women, racialized and visible minorities, and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At UCalgary we are committed to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible employment practices and workplaces and encourage you to apply if you believe you are right for this role.
We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.
▶️ Data analyst centre school of public policy
🖊️ The University of Calgary
📍 Calgary