Research & Innovation Specialist - Ottawa, Canada - Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse

Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse

Verified Company

Ottawa, Canada

1 week ago

Posted by:

Sophia Lee

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Description

Position:

Research & Innovation Specialist

Reports to:

Associate Director, Innovation and Evidence in Practice

Profile Date:

January 2024

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 public, private and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to improve the health and safety of people living in Canada.

An NGO with a national focus, CCSA envisions a healthier Canadian society where evidence transforms approaches to substance use.

CCSA acknowledges that First Nations, Métis and Inuit people are the holders of Traditional Indigenous Knowledge.

We respect the power of the Indigenous ways of knowing and of Traditional Indigenous Knowledge and commit to learning about and incorporating this knowledge into our work with proper guidance.

The Innovation and Evidence in Practice team's objective is to produce meaningful impact by (1) developing and disseminating innovative approaches to evidence-based research and product dissemination; and (2) transforming evidence and experiences into training and implementation that strengthens knowledge, change and supports among various audiences.

Under the guidance of the Associate Director, the Research & Innovation Specialist will conduct evidence-based research, develop knowledge products, work with partners, contribute to team proposal writing, and support the team in the development of resources for training and education purposes.

The Research & Innovation Specialist may represent CCSA at meetings, committees, or working groups and provide advice on current initiatives and their impact on different groups.

With support from the Associate Director and internal teams, this role will also engage in new initiatives including responding to changing needs of communities, partners, and emerging gaps in substance use and health issues.

Responsibilities and Accountabilities

Plans, leads, and conducts multiple research projects including determining study design, theoretical models, data sources and analyses, as well as managing scope, timelines, and costs of projects.
Applies the appropriate research methods, data collection and quantitative and/or qualitative analyses.
Works with CCSA colleagues to interpret and summarize research findings to form the basis of knowledge mobilization plans, products, tools and activities to inform practice, policy and program development in the field of substance use.
Leads or assists in developing and implementing knowledge mobilization plans on assigned projects and initiatives.
Contributes to and writes sections of research proposals or grants to gain additional project funding for CCSA.
Presents research or knowledge products in various contexts such as conferences, symposia, partner meetings, workshops, etc., adapting presentation and style to audience.
Supports project management activities, including coordinating project work, collaborating with colleagues, and identifying deliverables, timelines, risks, budgeting and partner engagement.
Schedules, organizes and attends all project development meetings and events, and assists in ensuring appropriate attendees are present, preparing materials or presentations as well as documentation.
Uses and maximizes CCSA's partner management system and network to continue strong partner relationships and support the growth of new project opportunities.
Owns all inside project development efforts, including responding to and following up on inquiries, maintaining engagement.
Identifies potential risks and benefits for projects and liaising 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 keep partners and all interested parties updated about progress.
Develops and researches products that support or can be used as educating and training materials for different audiences.

Qualifications

Master's or PhD in the health sciences, social sciences, neuroscience, population health, epidemiology or area related to the substance use field.
Ability to conduct evidencebased research, interpret and identify key results from health and other research, and to summarize findings in plain language (presentations and writing).
Understanding of aspects of knowledge mobilization (e.g., generation, synthesis, product development, knowledge translation and exchange, dissemination, management, evaluation).
Strong writing skills with the ability to explain research findings or present knowledge products in a clear manner (e.g., reports, presentations, public education).
Familiarity with partner engagement, consultation and related data collection through a variety of mechanisms, including surveys, focus groups and social media.
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