Research and Innovation Specialist
About the role
POSITION PROFILE: RESEARCH AND INNOVATION SPECIALIST
Reports to: Director, Health Services Quality and Modernization
Vacancy Reason: Existing Role - Replacement
ABOUT THE CANADIAN CENTRE ON SUBSTANCE USE AND ADDICTION
The Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA) changes lives by bringing people and knowledge together to reduce the harms of alcohol and other drugs on society. We partner with organizations and diverse communities to improve the wellness of people living in Canada. A non-governmental organization with a national focus, CCSA envisions a healthier Canadian society where evidence transforms approaches to substance use.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
CCSA acknowledges that First Nations, Inuit and Métis people are the holders of Traditional Indigenous Knowledge. We respect the power of the Indigenous ways of knowing and of Traditional Indigenous Knowledge, and we commit to learning about and incorporating this knowledge into our work with proper guidance.
ABOUT THE POSITION
Reporting to the Director, Health Services Quality and Modernization, the Research and Innovation Specialist (RIS) is responsible for developing relationships with partners and synthesizing various forms of evidence to get the right information into the right hands at the right time. The RIS leads and proactively seeks opportunities for multi-faceted knowledge mobilization (KM) initiatives that will advance CCSA’s priorities to achieve desired change in programs, policies and practice. The RIS conducts research and integrated KM, including developing and disseminating innovative approaches to evidence-based research and product dissemination, as well as transforming evidence and experiences into training and implementation that strengthens knowledge among various audiences. The RIS establishes strategic partnerships and buy-in from a range of collaborators to achieve these changes and works collaboratively with other divisions in CCSA.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES
RESEARCH AND INTEGRATED KNOWLEDGE MOBILIZATION STRATEGY
- Plans, leads and conducts research, which may include study design, data sources and analyses, developing and implementing plans and managing scope, timelines and costs of projects
- Works with CCSA colleagues to interpret and summarize research findings for knowledge mobilization plans, products, tools and activities to inform practice, policy and program development or can be used as educating and training materials for different audiences
- Contributes to research proposals or grant applications
- Presents research or knowledge products at conferences, symposia, partner meetings and workshops, adapting presentation and style to audiences
- Supports project management activities, including co-ordinating project work, collaborating with colleagues and identifying deliverables, timelines, risks, budgets and partner engagement milestones
- Schedules, organizes and attends all project development meetings and events, ensuring appropriate attendees are present and preparing relevant materials, presentations and documents
PARTNERSHIP ENGAGEMENT
- Proactively initiates and develops strategic relationships with partners including those with lived or living experience of substance use
- Responsible for all inside project development efforts, including responding to and following up on inquiries and maintaining engagement
- Identifies potential risks and benefits for projects and liaises with the team to resolve problems
- Builds strong relationships through ongoing communication and support to encourage the active participation, satisfaction and commitment of partners and contributors
- Tracks deliverables and keeps partners and all interested parties updated about progress
This position profile is designed to provide an overview of the main responsibilities for the role. Other responsibilities not identified in this position profile may be assigned based on the person’s experience and operational requirements.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Master’s degree or doctoral degree in a relevant discipline (e.g., science, arts and humanities, health administration, adult education) or area related to the substance use field
- A minimum of two years’ experience working in a similar role;a combination of experience and education will be considered
- Ability to conduct evidence-based research, interpret and identify key results from health and other research and summarize findings in plain language (presentations and writing)
- Strong writing skills with the ability to explain complex research findings and prepare KM products in a clear and concise manner (e.g., reports, presentations, public education)
- Experience identifying and applying best practices in integrated KM to multi-faceted KM strategies (e.g., communications, education, training, resource development, stakeholder engagement) and evaluating the uptake, use and impact of this knowledge
- Familiarity with partner engagement, consultation and related data collection methods through various mechanisms, including surveys, focus groups and social media
- Ability to understand, express and apply quantitative and qualitative analysis concepts, methods and processes
- Learning mindset: eager to learn, try new things and experiment with and build on ideas while constantly looking to expand skill set
- Comfortable working in a dynamic environment
- Initiative and ability to work with minimum supervision
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to interact with colleagues in a confident, courteous and professional manner
- Relationship-building skills across health, municipal, justice and community sectors
- Demonstrated excellence in project and time management skills to meet deadlines and deliver results
ASSETS
- Experience working in or with governmental, non-governmental or international organizations
- Clinical experience in health or social settings is strongly preferred
- Bilingual in English and French
WORKING CONDITIONS
- Occasional high intensity concentration
- Occasional exposure to psychologically challenging conditions, such as deadlines, interpersonal conflict or extended work hours for which no additional compensation is provided
- Ability to adapt and pivot attention to react to multiple demands and deliver detail-oriented work with regular interruptions
- Frequent communication with internal and external contacts
- Work performed in an office and/or from home (hybrid/remote as applicable) environment, with occasional on-site presence and extended hours during events
- Physical demands are minimal; no sustained physical exertion is required
CCSA VALUES
CCSA is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of our work. As an organization, we are committed to ensuring that First Nations, Inuit and Métis people and all equity-deserving groups are fully represented, including women, people of colour, people with disabilities and people who members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
CCSA is dedicated to learning from and supporting people with lived and living experience of substance use health. We encourage people with lived and living experience of substance use to apply to join the CCSA team.
CCSA promotes the rights of all people with disabilities as outlined in the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, and its related Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation. CCSA will make appropriate accommodations on request. Please inform CCSA in advance of a request for accommodation during the recruitment process by emailing hiring@ccsa.ca [hiring@ccsa.ca].
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) DISCLOSURE
At CCSA, we are committed to maintaining a fair and equitable hiring process. We do not use artificial intelligence (AI) to screen, assess, or select applicants for any positions. While mandatory eligibility questions may be used to confirm minimum requirements, all applications are reviewed and all hiring decisions are made by our hiring team, ensuring that each candidate is thoughtfully and individually evaluated based on their overall qualifications and experience.
HOW TO APPLY
If you are interested in this position, please submit a cover letter and resumé. Located in Ottawa, CCSA works within a flex-hybrid model. The successful candidate must be willing to be onsite to attend in-person activities as required. We thank all applicants. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
No agencies please.
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Research and Innovation Specialist
About the role
POSITION PROFILE: RESEARCH AND INNOVATION SPECIALIST
Reports to: Director, Health Services Quality and Modernization
Vacancy Reason: Existing Role - Replacement
ABOUT THE CANADIAN CENTRE ON SUBSTANCE USE AND ADDICTION
The Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA) changes lives by bringing people and knowledge together to reduce the harms of alcohol and other drugs on society. We partner with organizations and diverse communities to improve the wellness of people living in Canada. A non-governmental organization with a national focus, CCSA envisions a healthier Canadian society where evidence transforms approaches to substance use.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
CCSA acknowledges that First Nations, Inuit and Métis people are the holders of Traditional Indigenous Knowledge. We respect the power of the Indigenous ways of knowing and of Traditional Indigenous Knowledge, and we commit to learning about and incorporating this knowledge into our work with proper guidance.
ABOUT THE POSITION
Reporting to the Director, Health Services Quality and Modernization, the Research and Innovation Specialist (RIS) is responsible for developing relationships with partners and synthesizing various forms of evidence to get the right information into the right hands at the right time. The RIS leads and proactively seeks opportunities for multi-faceted knowledge mobilization (KM) initiatives that will advance CCSA’s priorities to achieve desired change in programs, policies and practice. The RIS conducts research and integrated KM, including developing and disseminating innovative approaches to evidence-based research and product dissemination, as well as transforming evidence and experiences into training and implementation that strengthens knowledge among various audiences. The RIS establishes strategic partnerships and buy-in from a range of collaborators to achieve these changes and works collaboratively with other divisions in CCSA.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES
RESEARCH AND INTEGRATED KNOWLEDGE MOBILIZATION STRATEGY
- Plans, leads and conducts research, which may include study design, data sources and analyses, developing and implementing plans and managing scope, timelines and costs of projects
- Works with CCSA colleagues to interpret and summarize research findings for knowledge mobilization plans, products, tools and activities to inform practice, policy and program development or can be used as educating and training materials for different audiences
- Contributes to research proposals or grant applications
- Presents research or knowledge products at conferences, symposia, partner meetings and workshops, adapting presentation and style to audiences
- Supports project management activities, including co-ordinating project work, collaborating with colleagues and identifying deliverables, timelines, risks, budgets and partner engagement milestones
- Schedules, organizes and attends all project development meetings and events, ensuring appropriate attendees are present and preparing relevant materials, presentations and documents
PARTNERSHIP ENGAGEMENT
- Proactively initiates and develops strategic relationships with partners including those with lived or living experience of substance use
- Responsible for all inside project development efforts, including responding to and following up on inquiries and maintaining engagement
- Identifies potential risks and benefits for projects and liaises with the team to resolve problems
- Builds strong relationships through ongoing communication and support to encourage the active participation, satisfaction and commitment of partners and contributors
- Tracks deliverables and keeps partners and all interested parties updated about progress
This position profile is designed to provide an overview of the main responsibilities for the role. Other responsibilities not identified in this position profile may be assigned based on the person’s experience and operational requirements.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Master’s degree or doctoral degree in a relevant discipline (e.g., science, arts and humanities, health administration, adult education) or area related to the substance use field
- A minimum of two years’ experience working in a similar role;a combination of experience and education will be considered
- Ability to conduct evidence-based research, interpret and identify key results from health and other research and summarize findings in plain language (presentations and writing)
- Strong writing skills with the ability to explain complex research findings and prepare KM products in a clear and concise manner (e.g., reports, presentations, public education)
- Experience identifying and applying best practices in integrated KM to multi-faceted KM strategies (e.g., communications, education, training, resource development, stakeholder engagement) and evaluating the uptake, use and impact of this knowledge
- Familiarity with partner engagement, consultation and related data collection methods through various mechanisms, including surveys, focus groups and social media
- Ability to understand, express and apply quantitative and qualitative analysis concepts, methods and processes
- Learning mindset: eager to learn, try new things and experiment with and build on ideas while constantly looking to expand skill set
- Comfortable working in a dynamic environment
- Initiative and ability to work with minimum supervision
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to interact with colleagues in a confident, courteous and professional manner
- Relationship-building skills across health, municipal, justice and community sectors
- Demonstrated excellence in project and time management skills to meet deadlines and deliver results
ASSETS
- Experience working in or with governmental, non-governmental or international organizations
- Clinical experience in health or social settings is strongly preferred
- Bilingual in English and French
WORKING CONDITIONS
- Occasional high intensity concentration
- Occasional exposure to psychologically challenging conditions, such as deadlines, interpersonal conflict or extended work hours for which no additional compensation is provided
- Ability to adapt and pivot attention to react to multiple demands and deliver detail-oriented work with regular interruptions
- Frequent communication with internal and external contacts
- Work performed in an office and/or from home (hybrid/remote as applicable) environment, with occasional on-site presence and extended hours during events
- Physical demands are minimal; no sustained physical exertion is required
CCSA VALUES
CCSA is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of our work. As an organization, we are committed to ensuring that First Nations, Inuit and Métis people and all equity-deserving groups are fully represented, including women, people of colour, people with disabilities and people who members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
CCSA is dedicated to learning from and supporting people with lived and living experience of substance use health. We encourage people with lived and living experience of substance use to apply to join the CCSA team.
CCSA promotes the rights of all people with disabilities as outlined in the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, and its related Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation. CCSA will make appropriate accommodations on request. Please inform CCSA in advance of a request for accommodation during the recruitment process by emailing hiring@ccsa.ca [hiring@ccsa.ca].
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) DISCLOSURE
At CCSA, we are committed to maintaining a fair and equitable hiring process. We do not use artificial intelligence (AI) to screen, assess, or select applicants for any positions. While mandatory eligibility questions may be used to confirm minimum requirements, all applications are reviewed and all hiring decisions are made by our hiring team, ensuring that each candidate is thoughtfully and individually evaluated based on their overall qualifications and experience.
HOW TO APPLY
If you are interested in this position, please submit a cover letter and resumé. Located in Ottawa, CCSA works within a flex-hybrid model. The successful candidate must be willing to be onsite to attend in-person activities as required. We thank all applicants. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
No agencies please.