Consultant-Evaluation and Knowledge Synthesis

Position Description

Shkaabe Makwa is seeking a full-time, permanent Consultant-Evaluation and Knowledge Synthesis (Indigenous Evaluation). Reporting to the Manager, Evaluation and Performance Measurement, the Consultant-Evaluation and Knowledge Synthesis (Indigenous Evaluation) will design and lead the methodological development and implementation of evaluation and data projects utilizing Indigenous evaluation approaches, frameworks, and metrics.

The incumbent will play a key role in data integration, conducting analyses of secondary and primary data, and will contribute to the conceptual design and planning of evaluations.

The incumbent will be required to maintain a database to continuously update and integrate the results of the above analyses.

The Consultant-Evaluation and Knowledge Synthesis (Indigenous Evaluation) will have demonstrated experience planning and overseeing the day-to-day activities of complex evaluation projects, along with a passionate commitment to ensuing evaluation practices are rooted in Indigenous Knowledge.

The incumbent will support a number of evaluation activities with an emphasis on working with complex data sets, clinical outcome data, and service utilization data.

The incumbent will also co-develop and / or adapt research and evaluation methods, tools (e.g. : surveys, interview guides), and techniques based on Indigenous communities and / or partners’ protocols and vision.

A key focus of this role will be engaging internal and external project partners, leading discussions with community advisory circles (CACs), working groups, and leadership to engage in Indigenous grounded evaluation activities through the consistent application of wise practices and principles within all evaluation projects.

The successful candidate will be responsible for co-designing and co-implementing evaluations, needs assessments and dissemination strategies that are unique and relevant to diverse First Nation, Inuit and Métis populations and partners.

The candidate will lead the co-creation of evaluation studies that will be grounded in Indigenous evaluation principles, and may utilize a combination of evaluation types (i.

e. process, outcome, impact), as well as various approaches (i.e. developmental, utilization-focused, and empowerment). The Consultant-Evaluation and Knowledge Synthesis (Indigenous Evaluation) will navigate multiple projects simultaneously and will develop and nurture meaningful relationships with internal partners and programs within CAMH, as well as with external partners within the mental health and addictions system in Ontario, in addition to First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities and service providers.

Developing parallel pathways that honour Indigenous knowledge systems within Western institutions is an expectation of this role, meaning the candidate will be confident in advocating for Indigenous ways of knowing, being, doing, and connecting in evaluation.

Qualifications :

The successful candidate will possess a Master's degree in Social Science, Public Health, Health Evaluation, or a related field with five years’ related experience in the field of mental health or community-based health services.

Proven ability to handle, organize, and synthesize large amounts of quantitative, and qualitative data is an essential part of the role.

The incumbent will have a strong background in Indigenous evaluation approaches and will be well-versed in Indigenous evaluation ethics, Indigenous data governance and data sovereignty principles (e.

g., CARE Principles, Ownership, Control, Access, and Possession (OCAP), Principles of Ethical Métis Research and the Guidelines for Research Involving Inuit, with a focus on culturally-relevant evaluation).

The Consultant-Evaluation and Knowledge Synthesis (Indigenous Evaluation) will be experienced in community engagement and facilitation, both in person and virtually and will have an understanding of principles and practices of Indigenous engagement along with demonstrated community connections.

The successful candidate will have a thorough understanding of the health, mental health and the social service sector, government programs and current legislation that may affect Indigenous peoples.

Experience with supporting the development of Indigenous-led evaluation frameworks is a requirement of this position. Report writing skills are required, particularly the ability to communicate complex data in clear language for multiple audiences, including the creation of visual representations.

Experience in a number of knowledge mobilization activities such as writing for academic and non-academic audiences, preparing project reports, presentations, and publications for peer-reviewed journals is required.

The incumbent will have demonstrated success working and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams on team-based projects, supporting regular and strategic communication with a range of partners and stakeholders to enable transparency and trust.

The successful candidate will also be able to demonstrate the following :

• Possess the ability for self-directed learning / working, as well as collaboration and teamwork and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision;
• Demonstrate adaptability, flexibility, diplomacy and consideration;
• Excellent planning and time management skills, with ability to multi-task, produce and coordinate projects to tight deadlines;
• Strong interpersonal communication skills including experience developing and maintaining partnerships and networks of significant numbers of internal and external partners;
• Creative problem-solving abilities and organizational skills with the ability to adapt to dynamic project needs;
• Bilingualism in French / English or an Indigenous language would be an asset. This position may require travel throughout Ontario, including remote First Nations communities.

All applicants offered and accepting employment must complete a Criminal Record Check. The offer of employment will be conditional upon receipt of the satisfactory Criminal Record Check