PAN JOB POSTING: Making It Work Research Coordinator

Posted On: Friday, February 17th, 2017

Making It Work Research Coordinator (Part-time)

Position: Research Project Coordinator

Status: Part Time Position (~12 hours per week)

Time Period: 44 week position

Remuneration: $23-$25/hr

Location: Anywhere in the Province

 

The Pacific AIDS Network and the Making It Work project is seeking a Project Coordinator to coordinate and administer activities of this community-based research study. The Coordinator will be an independent, self-starter who will be responsible for: supporting an active and engaged Study Team; leading a community-based process to create a program theory using a Realist Evaluation Framework; developing data collection tools; engaging and supporting case study sites from around the province; facilitating data collection and analysis; leading knowledge translation and dissemination; and supporting proposal writing for the next phase of the project.

The Coordinator will work in collaboration with the Making It Work Study Team and with the project’s co-principle investigators Dr. Melanie Rusch and J. Evin Jones. The Coordinator will also work within the Community-Based Research and Evaluation Program at the Pacific AIDS Network, which is offered in partnership with the CIHR Centre for REACH in HIV/AIDS.  The Coordinator will report directly to PAN’s Director of Evaluation and Community-Based Research.

The Making It Work: Supporting Community Approaches to Integrated Service Models for People Living with HIV, HCV, Ill Mental Health, and/or Problematic Substance Use Project is a community-based research project in British Columbia born out of the HIV and HCV communities’ identification of a need to more fully understand how service providers adapt and build on “best practice” service delivery models to “make them work” for service users and to ensure that they are culturally safe, particularly for Indigenous service users. The project will build a realist evaluation framework and program theory through team discussions, examining the literature and by collecting data using a case study approach.  The ultimate goal of this work is to apply the program theory to implement a comprehensive evaluation of case management and community development programs that will work to improve services for people living with complex health issues.

The Pacific AIDS Network (PAN) is a vibrant, pro-active member-based coalition that provides a network to support the abilities and efforts of its 50+ member organizations to respond to HIV, HCV and related issues in British Columbia. PAN provides face-to-face networking opportunities, opportunities for mutual support; education and skills development; and opportunities for member organizations to participate in community-based research and evaluation projects. PAN facilitates knowledge translation and exchange (KTE) activities and the sharing of evidence-based practices; and undertakes collective action to influence public perceptions and policies affecting people living with HIV/AIDS, HCV and those “at risk.”

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  1. Supports the Study Team by organizing monthly team teleconferences and organizing one face-to-face team meeting.
  2. Promotes research capacity building among community-based organizations and peer researchers and other Study Team Members.
  3. Prepares research ethics board applications.
  4. Develops, in collaboration with the Study Team, a Realist Evaluation Framework and Context-Mechanism-Outcome statements through culturally safe consultation including a series of Talking Circles that will support the creation of a program theory.
  5. Develops data collection tools that will be used to do an evaluation pilot in 2-3 case study sites around the province. Data from the pilot will be used to test and further refine the program theory.
  6. Coordinates the analysis of evaluation data.
  7. Supports case study sites in capacity building around the project and works in partnership to recruit and implement data collection tools.
  8. Leads an evaluation of this pilot phase of work.
  9. Assists the Study Team in preparing a CIHR Operating Grant submission.
  10. Ensures the smooth and efficient day-to-day operation of evaluation and data collection activities; acts as the primary administrative point of contact.
  11. Coordinates the day-to-day activities of any support staff specifically engaged in the carrying out the study, as appropriate to the position.
  12. Supports integrated knowledge translation and communications activities.
  13. Works in collaboration with the CBR and Evaluation Program staff at PAN, and, where appropriate, with the CIHR Centre for REACH.
  14. Other duties, as required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Master’s level education in a related field (or equivalent experience)
  • Excellent organizational, interpersonal, group team-building and facilitation skills and ability to work independently and within a team
  • Experience working with Indigenous communities in a culturally safe way
  • In-depth knowledge of community-based research and/or participatory evaluation principles
  • Some knowledge of Realist Evaluation approach and methods
  • Advanced understanding of qualitative and mixed methods research, including case study approaches
  • Experience with developing data collection tools – i.e. surveys, interview guides, etc.
  • Excellent writing, presentation, and communication skills
  • Experience in or understanding of HIV/AIDS and/or HCV research and understanding of the Nothing About Us Without Us Principles
  • Proficiency in applicable software programs (i.e. Microsoft Office, excel, data analysis software, e.g. nVivo, etc.)

CHARACTERISTICS

  • Self-starter, able to hit the ground running, able to work independently, dependable
  • Ability and willingness to travel, as required (there are a number of case study sites around the province and there may be travel to each of these)
  • Skilled team player who is able to build professional and effective working relationships with a diverse group of stakeholders – respected and respectful
  • A hands-on, forward-thinking planner, problem solver and implementer, capable of anticipating and dealing with challenges proactively
  • Strong organizational skills, detail-oriented, ability to multi-task and manage time well
  • Values diversity, collaboration, transparency and partnerships

APPLICATION PROCESS: Forward a CV and cover letter, in PDF format, to [email protected] by March 10, 2017. Applications must be sent with the following email subject line: “PAN Making It Work Research Coordinator – Lastname.” (Example: “PAN Making It Work Research Coordinator – Jones”) Applications will be reviewed as they are received. Only successful, short-listed, candidates will be contacted. No telephone or email inquiries please.

We encourage individuals living with HIV/AIDS and/or hepatitis C and/or Indigenous individuals and other members of under-represented communities to apply