Full job description

Job Category: Policy, Planning & Research

Division & Section: Parks, Forestry & Recreation, PFR Policy & Strategic Planning

Work Location: Metro Hall, 55 John Street

Job Type & Duration: Full-Time, Temporary (24 months)

Hourly Rate: $46.84 - $51.33

Shift Information: Monday - Friday 35 hours per week

Affiliation: L79 Full-time

Number of Positions Open: 1

Posting Period: 26-Jan-2022 to 09-Feb-2022

Job Description

Reporting to the Manager, Research and Analytics, in the Policy and Strategic Planning Branch of Parks, Forestry & Recreation, the Evaluator, Programs will help design, plan, and lead the implementation of small and large evaluative frameworks, needs assessments, and applied research projects. You will provide direction to Research Analysts and Data Analysts, while collaborating cross-functionally with data analytics and policy colleagues.

As a successful evaluation lead for this team, you must possess a strong technical background, especially in program evaluation and applied mixed methods research for recreation, ecosystem services, climate change resilience, public space, youth-focused, community- and network-building programs. You should be results-driven, highly motivated and have a track record of using evaluation and evaluative thinking to drive the understanding, improvement, and communication of quality of life outcomes for the public.

If you are passionate about improving the quality of life in the City of Toronto through applying evaluative thinking, please apply to this exciting opportunity with Parks, Forestry & Recreation.

Major Responsibilities:

Evaluation Planning & Measurement Framework Development

Collaborates with divisional units/sections/branches in the planning and evaluation of programs.

Develops plans for the implementation of the evaluation strategy and data development agenda in collaboration with internal and external groups.

Researches, reviews and implements policy and programs for evaluation.

Designs causal and/or logic models and/or theories of change to frame and design/integrated measurement frameworks for divisional policies, strategies and plans.

Designs, plans, and implements high-quality applied research, evaluation and/or baseline studies.

Data Collection and Analysis

Analyzes needs and develops assessment tools.

Coordinates and collaborates with divisional managers, technical experts in the related field of the study to streamline related or connected work processes and/or data collection and to ensure monitoring and evaluation components are well integrated in the implementation plans.

Provides technical support to divisional teams in the development, use, and quality assurance of data collection methods for qualitative, quantitative and participatory research and evaluations.

Designs and tests evaluation and applied research strategies and tools to ensure the quality and usability of performance monitoring tools and collects data from patrons and program participants to support the decision-making process.

Designs, develops and implements surveys to determine customer satisfaction with specific programs.

Coordinates cross-functional groups within the Division to support data quality assurance and data governance guidelines.

Performs the statistical analysis and evaluation of results and prepares reports.

Knowledge Translation and Capacity Building

Translates lessons learned, evaluations and/or research results into knowledge products that are visual, and easy to apply and communicate.

Represents the team and gives presentations at relevant learning networks, meetings and events related to research, evaluation, or knowledge management related to relevant subject areas.

Provides subject matter expertise related to evaluations.

Trains divisional and unit staff on monitoring and evaluation of foundational knowledge.

Provides direction and guidance to Research/Data Analysts and/or Research Trainees.

Consults and/or works collaboratively with external groups, stakeholders, outside organizations and interest groups to identify shared interests/results.

Collaborates in decisions reached and ensures outcomes are supported and provides mediation for opposing viewpoints.

Key Qualifications:

Your application must describe your qualifications as they relate to:

Master's Degree in program evaluation, epidemiology, anthropology, social sciences, ecology or public health or social services research or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Considerable experience in conducting and supporting program evaluations and/or public health, ecosystems or social science research in a public service context.

Considerable experience with quantitative and qualitative evaluation/research methods.

Experience with sampling design and statistical analysis.

Experience with youth and/or older adults, and recreation or community-building services.

Experience in data analytics using Geospatial, R or Phython, Nvivo/Atlas.ti or similar programming languages.

You must also have:

Excellent interpersonal skills to maintain inter-professional team relationships with multiple stakeholders, including City staff and the public.

Excellent political acuity.

Ability to create and effectively present information and facilitate discussions with various audiences.

Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Detail-orientation, dependability, and flexibility with initiative, capacity, and organizational skills to handle a complexity of tasks simultaneously.

Excellent critical thinking, problem-solving and conflict resolution skills.

Excellent time management and organizational skills.

Ability to travel to various locations.

Ability to support the Toronto Public Service values to ensure a culture that champions equity, diversity and respectful workplaces.

Assets:

Advanced computer skills in data analytics (R or Phython, Nvivo/Atlas.ti) or data visualization (Adobe Illustrator, Power BI, Tableau, ArcGIS).

Project management training and certification (PMP).

Recreation or sport for development program evaluation skills.

Note: All City of Toronto employees are required to be fully vaccinated as a condition of hire in accordance with the City's Mandatory Vaccination Policy. Candidates will be required to show proof of vaccination during the recruitment process.

NOTE TO INTERNAL FULL-TIME AND PART-TIME CITY OF TORONTO EMPLOYEES:

City of Toronto employees must apply to full-time or part-time employment opportunities posted on the City's Internal Job Posting Portal.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

The City is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to creating a workplace culture of inclusiveness that reflects the diverse residents that we serve. Learn more about the City’s commitment to employment equity.

Accommodation

The City of Toronto is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive organization. We are committed to providing barrier-free and accessible employment practices in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Should you require Code-protected accommodation through any stage of the recruitment process, please make them known when contacted and we will work with you to meet your needs. Disability-related accommodation during the application process is available upon request. Learn more about the City’s Hiring Policies and Accommodation Process.