Job Summary
In accordance with the Mission, Vision and Values, and strategic directions of Provincial Health Services Authority, alignment and integration of care, research, and education is central to PHSA. The Manager, Research Policy (MRP), plays a key role in developing and implementing research policies to ensure appropriate alignment, standardization, and oversight of PHSA-wide research policy in support of PHSA’s role as an integrated health science organization. Reporting to the PHSA Chief Administrative Officer-Research (CAO-Research), the MRP gathers information from a broad range of sources, analyzes data and summarizes findings and/or proposes recommendations for improvements. The MRP drafts research policies and guidelines for review and approval by the CAO-Research and PHSA Board. The processes necessary to support approved research policies and guidelines will be implemented through the office of the MRP. The MRP supports projects identified as priorities for achieving research strategic objectives for the organization. The information collected, synthesized and communicated will support the office of the CAO-Research, PHSA Board Research Committee and the PHSA Research Conflict of Interest Committee. The MRP coordinates the administration and management of PHSA’s Research Conflict of Interest (COI) declaration process and provide information on relevant policies.
Duties/Accountabilities
- Researches key topics and manages related processes/communications as directed by the CAO-Research. Gathers information from a variety of sources including health authorities, international healthcare facilities/universities, publications and professional organizations.
- Writes policy briefs, summary papers, board briefing notes, policies, and other documents related to project activity; works with communications support to develop and implement dissemination strategies for project outcomes. Cultivates relationships within the PHSA community and works with research entities to strengthen implementation of research policy analysis and outcomes.
- Works with appropriate points-of-contact within PHSA and with affiliated institutions to amend or develop, when needed, affiliation agreements or internal policies to be approved by PHSA executive leadership and associated external parties. This may include modifications to PHSA research policies or university affiliation agreements and drafting of new legal agreements to support PHSA academic affiliations.
- Coordinates PHSA’s Conflict of Interest (COI) process and policy with guidance from the CAO-Research. This includes working with PHSA IMITS to improve the workflow of and suggest modifications to the PHSA online COI website. Drafts and maintains training resources and provides in-person and on-line training to ensure that researchers fulfill granting agency requirements and any PHSA research policy requirements. Tracks compliance with training requirements as mandated by external granting agencies.
- Provides strategic advice on PHSA policies and processes to comply with internal COI policy and external COI requirements. Supports the Research COI Committee which reports to the PHSA Board Research Committee.
- Develops and creates internal online website pages and maintains external website pages relevant to the PHSA research community. This includes the review and update of online instruction, tutorials and notices, as well as identifying areas of communication and education that can be strengthened through this office.
- Writes, edits, presents and delivers educational tools for PHSA research community, including senior researchers and department heads as directed by the CAO-Research.
- Conducts literature reviews on specific issues addressed in response to specific requests or guideline and policy updates.
- Provides advice and information about PHSA’s policies relating to the research community. Initiates and leads meetings with agency and research entity leaders or their delegates to provide communication tools and templates as appropriate for the audience.
Qualifications
A level of education, training, and experience equivalent to a Bachelor of Law or related discipline and a minimum of five (5) to seven (7) years of experience in the health care services policy field, including research administration or health care analysis.
Ability to collect and analyze data and produce reports. Demonstrated ability to assume and synthesize complex information and make succinct recommendations. Strong analytical, problem solving and critical thinking skills involving the use of research data. Familiarity with research methodologies, legislative review, and relevant databases of published literature. Strong planning and project management skills; skill in managing several projects simultaneously. Ability to self-manage and work both independently and as part of a team. Demonstrated aptitude for details and accuracy. Demonstrated ability to operate related equipment including various word processing and spreadsheet software. Skill in conducting legislative and regulatory analysis and critical literature searches on-line resources. Knowledge includes an advanced level of healthcare policy understanding. Strong interpersonal skills including tact, judgment, reliability, and respect to facilitate team work and interdisciplinary and interjurisdictional coordination. Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
