Role Responsibilities

The Research Officer supports Alberta Education and Childcare’s assurance initiatives, including the Alberta Education and Childcare Assurance (AECA) survey and the Alberta Education and Childcare Assurance Measures Reporting Application (AECAMRA) / Accountability Pillar Online Reporting Initiative (APORI). The position ensures the accuracy and clarity of education data through validation, analysis, and reporting.

Working under the Senior Manager, the role interprets data using statistical and analytical methods, prepares clear reports and briefings for senior leaders, and contributes to improving Ministry reporting tools and processes. The position also provides research expertise to support cross ministry work and continuous improvement initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

1. AECAMRA/APORI Reporting Support

• Validate data, assess methodological integrity, and support report accuracy.
• Maintain working knowledge of system updates and participate in project meetings.
• Update technical documentation and identify improvements for existing and new reports.

2. Support for the Alberta Education and Childcare Assurance Survey

• Assist with survey sample creation and administrative requirements.
• Prepare and update methodology documents and communications to authorities and schools.
• Respond to survey-related inquiries and support manual data entry as required.

3. Analysis and Reporting for Senior Leaders

• Analyze quantitative data and prepare stakeholder appropriate reports.
• Contribute to research summaries, program evaluations, and briefing materials.
• Recommend opportunities to streamline and automate reporting processes.

4. Research and Analytical Support

• Apply statistical methods to support Ministry initiatives and system performance analysis.
• Suggest improvements to reporting mechanisms and schedules.

5. Consultative and Advisory Support

• Collaborate with Ministry staff on research design and ad hoc analyses.
• Support development and refinement of performance measures and indicators.
• Provide input for annual reports, audits, and emerging research needs.

Please click on this link to view the job description for this position.

APS Competencies

Competencies are behaviors that are essential to reach our goals in serving Albertans. We encourage you to have an in depth understanding of the competencies that are required for this opportunity and to be prepared to demonstrate them during the recruitment process.

This link will assist you with understanding competencies: https://www.alberta.ca/system/files/custom_downloaded_images/psc-alberta-public-service-competency-model.pdf.

• Drive for Results: Be a part of the project team to collect and analyze school authority data with projected planning, allocating of resources, and enabling communication between internal staff and external stakeholders.
• Creative Problem Solving: When inconsistencies are found between data sources and reports, the role leverages experience from others within the Ministry to improve data accuracy and improve future survey cycles.
• Agility: To meet the business needs of the Ministry, the role adapts to changes while maintaining timelines. Change is seen as a catalyst to update methodologies where appropriate, streamline data entry and validation processes, and try to minimize future workload and error rates.
• Build Collaborative Environments: Facilitate collaboration between technical teams, branch members, and other ministry stakeholders to ensure reports and data products meet operational and strategic needs.
• Systems Thinking: Ensures that data of high quality is used within the Ministry for reporting and supports long-term decision-making and continuous improvement across the education system.

Qualifications

University graduation in a related field like Social Sciences, Business, Data Science/Analytics, and 2 years of progressive experience; or equivalent as described below.

Equivalency: Directly related education or experience is considered on the basis of one year of education for one year of experience or one year of experience for one year of education.

Knowledge and/or experience of the following are considered assets for this position:

• Knowledge in performance measurement, evaluation and business analysis in large organizations.
• Knowledge of the application of advanced statistical and research methodologies.
• Knowledge of the development and administration of surveys for data collection.
• Knowledge of the K-12 education system in Alberta is an asset, although not required.
• Working knowledge of the flow of data through Ministry systems from initial collection to production of information products for stakeholders and the public.
• Ability to develop, implement, and maintain programming scripts for statistical analysis, data manipulation, and business productivity.
• Proficiency Excel, SPSS and Python an asset; other relevant programs include SQL Server Management Studio, R, PowerPoint.
• Project management skills, including the ability to plan, manage, and execute research projects.
• Strong analytical, research, and investigation skills, including ability to synthesize and analyze information obtained from broad and varied sources and develop solutions and recommendations for consideration of decision-makers.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, from writing technical documentation to briefing notes for senior leadership; must be able to express complex ideas in plain language.
• Excellent organizational skills, including ability to adapt to change, multi-task and prioritize multiple responsibilities.
• Strong interpersonal, listening, and facilitation skills to interact effectively with various stakeholders and develop solutions for issues involving a variety of perspectives.
• Function well independently and within a collaborative team environment.

Minimum recruitment standards outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification. Refer to https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-minimum-recruitment-standards.

Notes

This is one (1) permanent, full-time position working 36.25 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

This position is based in Edmonton. We require you to attach a Cover Letter with your application explaining your qualification and suitability for this role.

Links and information on what the GoA have to offer to prospective employees.

• Working for the Alberta Public Service - https://www.alberta.ca/advantages-working-for-alberta-public-service.aspx.
• Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP) - https://www.pspp.ca.
• Alberta Public Service Benefit Information - https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-benefits.
• Professional learning and development - https://www.alberta.ca/professional-development-support-directive.
• Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool – https://researchapscareers.alberta.ca.
• Positive workplace culture and work-life balance.
• Leadership and mentorship programs.