010-Research and Data Management Specialist

About the Role:

The Research and Data Management Specialist supports the Rights, Research and Policy Branch with operational processes required for the Branch’s overall effectiveness and efficiency for ongoing operational program performance in accordance with MNO’s strategic goals. This position will provide support in the management of long-term datasets, many of which comprise of sensitive and confidential information. They will also provide coaching to branch teams to ensure objectives are met as it relates to performance measurements, quality control and reporting. The Research and Data Management Specialist will monitor and help gauge the efficacy of current data management strategies, and work directly with the Branch to enhance current measures. This position will work directly with the Branch Director and management team to identify and mitigate performance risk, identify data trends, and create plans to adapt as necessary to protect the interest of the MNO and its programs. The Research and Data Management Specialist will also be tasked with leading MNO research, through archival, traditional knowledge and land-use, and oral history research, as well as other relevant methodologies (community-based, Indigenous, participatory action research). Internal research will be focused on enhancing intergenerational knowledge transfer and community storytelling. Other duties may be assigned as necessary.

What you will be doing:

• Oversee performance measures and/or accountability frameworks to ensure the data directives are met in accordance with MNO strategic goals.
• Contribute to project planning, budgeting in compliance to funding contracts, and overall Rights, Research and Policy Branch operational plans.
• Support in the organization and interpretation of data to identify trends and make recommendations for services, programs, and systems improvements.
• Conduct monitoring of the MNO’s traditional knowledge and oral history management system and provide guidance and training to staff as required to ensure consistent performance and data tracking.
• Lead community-based storytelling initiatives based on archival, traditional knowledge, and oral history data.
• Identify and conduct MNO-specific special research projects
• Generate comprehensive reports using program qualitative and quantitative data for both internals and external use.
• Complete program evaluation with the support of the Management and provide recommendations for improvement and/or insights to optimize performance.
• Participate in the development and implementation of operational policies.
• Participate in ongoing decisions regarding study design, data collection, data analysis, and methodology.
• Lead staff training and development in areas relating to data collection, documentation repository requirements, and system processes.
• Maintain accurate records through regular data audits.
• Serve as an analytics specialist focusing on streamlining the management of data from various sources and providing data-driven insight to relevant programs.
• Collaborate with other programs to determine areas of improvement in relation to data collection in accordance to MNO strategic goals and plans.
• Conduct and reports a feasibility analysis for proposed projects.
• Assist in the coordination and delivery of complex multifaceted special projects or events within the Branch.
• Assist with the creation and implementation of onboarding materials for new hires.
• Provide support to the Director and Program Managers as needed.
• Other duties as reasonably assigned.

Qualifications:

• Experience or relevant education related to working with vulnerable clients
• Extensive knowledge on Indigenous research methodologies and principles of data governance
• 3-5 years experience in monitoring, tracking, and reporting performance measures.
• Extensive knowledge in working with data management systems
• Demonstrated analytical and evaluative skills to assess compliance and accountability.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate complex narratives to diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated analytical, research and problem-solving skills to identify, analyze and recommend solutions to complex or contentious program issues.
• Knowledge of performance measures and financial modeling, and data analysis methods.
• Strong skills in Microsoft Suite – particularly Excel and Sharepoint
• Strong communication skills – verbally and written.
• Experience in using databases to do research/provide information.
• Experience in using electronic document/records repositories.
• Strong desire to act in the service of the Métis Citizens, to advance and uphold rights and culture
• A post-secondary degree or certification in a related field or equivalent combination of education and experience
• A high degree of technology literacy and proficiency in standard office equipment
• Advanced communications skills, both written and verbal
• Superior organization skills and time/priority-management managing others including the design and implementation of project work plans
• Elevated levels of problem-solving and analytical skills
• Demonstrated ability to motivate, lead and work effectively with others in a supervisory capacity
• Demonstrated understanding of policies, processes, practices, and documentation used to deliver program services or the Branch mandate

Preferred:

• Knowledge of Métis-specific and broader Indigenous key challenges and programs and services available to address them.
• A post-secondary degree, certification or courses in Indigenous studies, library management, research, education, business, or statistics.
• Professional certification in performance measurement, KPI, or project management preferred.
• Previous 5-7 years or more experience in a similar/comparable role
• Bilingualism (Considered an asset)
• Accreditation in a professional area (Considered an asset)