Sr. Research and Evaluation Analyst

Job Information

Overall Purpose

Under the direction of the Sergeant Evidence-Based Policing Team, the Sr Research and Evaluations Analyst is responsible for:

• Utilizing principles and tools of police science, evidence-based policing (EBP), applied criminology, and data analytics to support the design and implementation of the EBP Team and to provide evidence-based solutions to improve operational effectiveness.
• Serving as a subject matter expert (SME) to the EBP Team, providing expertise to assist in testing, targeting, and tracking strategic delivery
• Coordinate the EBP Teams' capacity to conduct valid police science research and analysis.
• Engaging internal and external stakeholders, including community partners, to develop strategies that address internal and external concerns and clearly communicate the vision and process of the EBP Team. 
• Maintain subject matter expertise through ongoing research of innovative practices and engagement with networks and professional associations.

Major Responsibilities

Utilizing principles and tools of evidence-based policing (EBP), police science, and applied criminology to support the design and implementation of the EBP Team and to provide evidence-informed solutions to improve operational effectiveness.

• Provide a lead role in developing EBP-informed strategies, including research and data collection, review, and analysis.
• Proactively identify EBP opportunities and provide recommendations on their use within the OPS. 
• Partner with internal teams to understand the needs of the sections and units across the organization relative to the EBP Team; identify information sources and research processes to address these needs.
• Support the development of Key Performance Indicators (KPI) metrics/score cards, dashboards, and other tools to operationalize evidence-based practices. 
• Implement and track targeted EBP strategies.
• Design, test, and EBP pilot projects at will demonstrate the utility of evidence-based practices and continuous tracking to senior leadership and the Ottawa Police Service Board.
• Prepare EBP-based proposals (including engagement and research project plans) and lead the implementation of approved proposals following project management principles. 
• Maintain current knowledge and expertise in EBP and applied criminology. 
• Participate in the OPS multi-functional project teams as required.
   

Major Responsibilities (continued)

Serve as a subject matter expert on conducting valid research, data analysis, and applied EBP practices. 

• Support the development and evolution of the new service delivery framework through evidence-based data analytics, including associated governance and processes.
• Design, conduct and coordinate comprehensive data gathering, analysis and reporting to support decision-making in accordance with professional standards requiring advanced and specialized knowledge of various types of quantitative and qualitative research methods, EBP strategies, and applied police science. 
• Guide the collection, analysis, and reporting of qualitative and quantitative data from internal and external sources. 
• Produce reports and presentations to inform the Executive, Project Sponsors, and the DRP Steering Committee to support decision-making.
• Leverage valid research methods to conduct evaluations and identify meaningful insights, interpreting data and turning it into knowledge that informs DRP decisions, including analysis of current projects, programs, and policies.
• Provide direction and support to DRP members in data analytics and EBP tools and strategies.
• Where required, design and deliver information sessions on EBP.
• Provide consultation and evidence-based support to other OPS members involved with the DRP who may be conducting data analysis, including identifying data sources and appropriate analytic methods.
• Provide statistical expertise, determining the validity of data, constructing meaningful indices, and determining the limitations of data. 
• Establish standards and guidelines for data collection, modelling, and analysis to ensure consistency and accuracy.
   

Major Responsibilities (continued)

Manage DRP’s capacity to conduct evidence-based data analysis.

• Manage, coach, and develop and promote the personal and professional development of assigned staff.
• Provide consultation support, tools, and training to the DRP in conducting data analysis and applying EBP tools and strategies.
• Provide leadership to develop robust qualitative and quantitative analysis that will guide operational and/or strategic decisions.
• Provide evidence-based guidance and leadership to data, geo-spatial, and business intelligence analysts to support the DRP.
• Assist in other Corporate / Organizational initiatives relating to data analysis and EBP in its role within OPS’ new service delivery model. 

Engage internal and external stakeholders in order to develop strategies that address internal and external concerns and clearly communicate the vision and process of the DRP.    

• Liaise and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to:
• Identify opportunities for new and improved service delivery, 
• Leverage data sources and analytic capabilities, and
• Build collaborative approaches to key challenges.
• Coordinate DRP data partnerships, agreements, protocols, and activities with internal and external stakeholders.
• On behalf of DRP, facilitate meetings with internal and external stakeholders to help define data sharing and analytical opportunities, provide expertise in data collection methods, and make recommendations on EBP-informed solutions.
• Make presentations, written and oral, to members, to internal and external stakeholders, organizations and groups as required.

Maintain subject matter expertise through ongoing research of innovative practices and engagement with senior level networks and professional associations.

• Maintain specialist knowledge and skills in data and statistical analysis, EBP, research, and project management in order to effectively act as a subject matter expert.
• Develop and maintain peer networks locally, provincially and nationally in order to keep abreast of emerging EBP issues and trends that may affect the DRP and the OPS.

Statement of Required Qualifications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Successful completion of a graduate degree (Masters or PhD) in Criminology, Applied Statistics, Data Science, Social Sciences, Criminology, or a related discipline.

Experience and formal training combined may substitute for stipulated education requirements.

Minimum five (5) years of experience in research and analysis, applying a wide range of analytical techniques, and critical thinking, including:

• Developing and implementing quantitative and qualitative research frameworks and methodologies for large-scale projects.
• Presenting data and data interpretations and insights to non-technical audiences clearly and compellingly, using graphical representations and data visualizations.
• Developing KPIs and reports from concept, development, deployment, and reporting, to metric ownership.
• Using statistical and research software and data visualization tools.
• Minimum three (3) years experience in working with stakeholders at all levels to build consensus and communicate complex and sensitive concepts, initiatives and findings, including:
• Experience in preparing written research and analysis reports and delivering presentations for a variety of audiences, including Senior Management.
• Experience supporting cross-organizational and multi-dimensional initiatives and activities.
• Experience managing multiple projects, priorities, and conflicting demands under tight timelines.

LANGUAGE

English – fluency in oral, reading, and writing.
French – fluency in oral.

Certifications and Licences

N/A

In service Training

The following mandatory training and education is provided to all employees of the OPS:

• Health & Safety.
• Respectful Workplace. 
• Violence in the Workplace.
• Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).
• Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI).

Job Knowledge

General knowledge of: 

• The Ottawa Police Service’s Vision, Mission and Values.
• The economic, social, legal, governance, and demographic context in which police services are delivered in Ottawa specifically, and the broader policing community in general.
• The rationale behind Ottawa Police policies, procedures, mission, vision and values and how they impact on the day-to-day work or delivery of service.

Advanced knowledge of: 

• The theories, principles and practical associated with qualitative and quantitative data analysis; qualitative and quantitative research, performance measurement; and strategic planning practices.
• Microsoft Office applications including Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Visio, and Outlook. 
• Statistical analysis and survey research software.
• Legislation governing police services (such as the Police Services Act), data standards (such as the Anti-Racism Data Standards), and privacy (such as the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA) and the Ontario Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
• Project and change management
• Facilitation and negotiation tools and techniques

Advanced knowledge and proficiency project management skills with the ability to foresee challenges, risks and opportunities concerning socio-demographic data collection in a policing context, lead and organize projects, troubleshoot, and solve problems creatively.

Strong political acuity skills to make recommendations to senior leadership, build consensus amongst stakeholders and provide appropriate and recommendations to resolve conflict.
 

OPS Competencies

Hours of Work

Effort and Working Conditions

Work is performed in a standard open office environment with minimal adverse working conditions.

May be required to work extended or flexible hours.

Travel between OPS work sites will be required.
 

Desired Qualifications

Experience and / or additional training in business process improvement and/or project management.
Experience and / or training in Evidence Based Policing.
Experience preparing professional reports and presentations to Senior Management or an oversight body. 
Oral, reading, and writing fluency in French or other languages.