Specialist, Strategic Programs and Projects

JOB SUMMARY

Reporting to the Program Manager, Business Support Services, this position is responsible for providing strategic support, consistent with departmental and corporate vision, to Public Safety Services within the Emergency & Protective Services department. The Strategic Program and Project Specialist will lead and undertake high risk, complex development, research and evaluation services concerning Service Area/Branch and/or departmental policies, programs, initiatives and procedures, issues and inquiry management services, and performance improvement services.  

The position will provide consultative advice and strategic recommendations to the service management team in order to resolve operational issues impacting service performance and the achievement of strategic priorities, consistent with the departmental and corporate vision.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Completion of 4 year university degree in social work, health, social science, public administration or a related field

Master's Degree in social or health sciences, public administration or related field is desirable

Minimum of 5 years of varied, in-depth, incremental work experience in social services, public service, research and statistical analysis, project  management, community development, and strategic planning

KNOWLEDGE

• Community services/non-profit sector in Ottawa
• Corporate and departmental policies and procedures
• Community development, capacity building and inclusive public engagement theory, concepts and practice
• Advanced Research, statistical analysis and report writing techniques and processes
• Project management/Program development
• Policy research and analysis 
• Program evaluation
• Strategic communications, negotiating
• Program and project evaluation and performance measurement processes
• Strategic planning
• Computer applications, including Microsoft Office
• Knowledge of applicable health and safety legislation, including the rights and duties of workers

COMPETENCIES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Research and analysis techniques/methodologies
• Performance evaluation and benchmarking techniques
• Strategic planning and management principles and techniques
• Program evaluation techniques
• Community consultation modalities
• Best practice approaches related to community services
• Recommending service enhancements
• Manage a variety of multi-faceted projects using project management techniques/skills
• Effective presentation delivery and facilitation skills
• Knowledge of community services
• Establish effective working relationships with various level of staff within the branch, city and department and within the community
• Work well under pressure in an environment of evolution and rapid change
• Advanced computer skills and abilities in statistical modeling and data management utilizing Office Automation software such as Excel, Project, PowerPoint and word
• Possess sound skills in dealing with controversial and sensitive issues, which involve balancing interests of numerous parties with divergent viewpoints
• Plan, develop, organize and implement short and long term projects and strategies within an environment of frequently changing priorities
• Project manage concurrent, complex projects on time and within budget 
• Develop and implement research plans, collect, analyse and validate quantitative and qualitative data/reports from various sources, Organize and facilitate inclusive public engagement processes
• Collaborating with managers, directors, community leaders, the public, elected officials and representatives of external agencies towards consensual solutions and outputs
• Exercise sound judgement and political acumen
• Set and manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
• Analytical and attentive to detail
• Client-service oriented in dealing with management and staff regarding complex and sensitive issues
• Organized, efficient and productive in carry out responsibilities
• Capable of managing multiple tasks and priorities under tight deadlines
• Contributes to team work, fosters strong working relationships with senior management, branch management, staff and the community