Knowledge Translation Specialist (Level Two)

Echo is an agency of the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care with a mandate to act as a catalyst to improve health, wellbeing, and equity for women. At a critical time for our health care system, Echo will improve women’s health and well-being by focusing on women’s unique health needs and issues, developing and supporting innovative programs, educating health professionals, and supporting change.  As the provincial advisor on women’s health to the Government of Ontario, we are working to ensure Ontario is at the forefront of improving women’s health.

Position Overview:

Reporting to the Director, Knowledge Translation, the KT Specialist (Level Two) will provide leadership for their portfolio, which will include building and delivering plans, seeking advice and collaborating as appropriate, and utilizing research to stimulate change that benefits women in Ontario (particularly in relation to the sexual and reproductive health portfolio, a priority area for Echo’s work). This role includes supporting Echo in using knowledge mobilization strategies, methodologies and tools; researching industry trends and policy developments in order to identify implications and to recommend approaches or projects which support the achievement of Echo’s mandate; building and managing relationships with agencies, researchers and other partners to influence policy and advance Echo’s mandate; and contributing to the design of communication and web-based activities to reach diverse stakeholders.

Duties & Responsibilities:

 Knowledge Translation

  • Provide subject matter expertise to support the planning and development of Echo’s knowledge mobilization activities and strategies
  • Recommend appropriate policies, actions and mechanisms for  improvements within the portfolio
  • Monitor and evaluate emerging issues in the health care field in order to identify and assess opportunities and policy developments which are applicable to Echo’s mandate; recommend projects (i.e. additional research, demonstration activities) which address identified gaps between research and practice. Support the development of initiatives including scoping and costing of such projects.  
  • Recommend the most appropriate format for structuring and/or designing projects selected to advance Echo’s mandate; includes an awareness of, and the ability to, differentiate between available resources or tools in order to recommend those which are most effective and relevant to the achievement of project objectives
  • Develop and manage strategic relationships with influential and/or senior-level leaders in the health care delivery and research communities in order to facilitate dialogue, promote collaboration and create opportunities for future partnerships; position Echo’s interests to influence provincial policy and program initiatives
  • Design and facilitate stakeholder consultation sessions in order to share knowledge and/or seek stakeholder input; summarize, assess and report on session outcomes; recommend approaches to build on session outcomes
  • Research best practices and emerging issues in women’s health; translate findings into audience-specific communication materials aimed at enhancing understanding and the use of research evidence in program design and delivery
  • Provide input into the development of ongoing monitoring and evaluation frameworks to measure Echo’s progress against yearly and multi-year priorities; support the evaluation of Echo’s annual progress against priorities, identify priorities which are not being met and recommend strategies to address identified gaps
  • Support the work of other KT Specialists and provide coaching and feedback to develop the knowledge, skills and performance of KT team members; provide guidance and support to KT team members based on area of subject matter expertise (e.g. mental health and addiction, quantitative research etc.); collaborate with peers across the organization to support the achievement of Echo’s mandate and vision; assume additional tasks and responsibilities as assigned

Project Management

  • Manage assigned projects; proactively anticipate and resolve issues or delays and exercise judgment in bringing sensitive or challenging issues to the Director of KT; provide regular project status updates to the KT Specialist – Project Management and Director of KT

Experience & Qualifications

  • University degree (minimum PhD level or equivalent) in health sciences, social sciences, law, public administration or other appropriate field coupled with at least 5 years’ of applicable progressive experience
  • Advanced understanding of research (especially in relation to understanding research results); advanced knowledge of policy development and knowledge translation methodologies; and advanced ability to write for key audiences
  • Significant experience in managing the design, development and implementation of project strategies and activities, preferably within the health and/or non-profit sector; familiarity with program delivery and evaluation methods is considered an asset
  • Demonstrated ability to develop and manage collaborative relationships with stakeholders and partner organizations; capacity to conduct all interactions with diplomacy and tact
  • Interest in, and sensitivity to, the field of women’s health, including an appreciation for diversity and the issues and challenges of the sector
  • Knowledge of the health care system and community health care sector preferred
  • Previous experience in knowledge translation/policy development/quality improvement related roles preferred
  • Ability to embrace change, adapt to new information, and work proactively and positively in an evolving organizational context
  • Excellent technical skills (Microsoft Office products, knowledge translation tools, internet-based research, social media, Basecamp etc.)
  • Flexibility of work hours is needed to ensure deliverables are met in a fast paced environment of changing/conflicting priorities and tight deadlines 
  • Capacity to work in a team-oriented office culture is required
  • Some travel is required; a valid driver’s license is preferred
  • In addition to strong English language communication skills, fluent bilingualism (both written and oral) in French and English is preferred; knowledge of a second language other than French is also an asset

Core Competencies

Achievement Orientation

Communication

Continuous Learning / Improvement

Information Seeking

Relationship Management

Risk Management

Interested and qualified candidates are invited to send their application to [email protected].  Please quote “Knowledge Translation Specialist Level Two” in the subject line.  We thank all candidates however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.  No agencies or phone calls, please.

Website:

www.echo-ontario.ca