Primary Purpose: The University of Saskatchewan leads the Global Water Futures (GWF) program in partnership with University of Waterloo, McMaster University and Wilfrid Laurier University. The GWF research program is funded in part by a $77.8-million grant from the CFREF. The overarching goal of the program is to deliver risk management solutions – informed by leading-edge water science and supported by innovative decision-making tools – to manage water futures in Canada and other cold regions where global warming is changing landscapes, ecosystems, and the water environment. GWF aims to position Canada as a global leader in water science for cold regions and addresses the strategic needs of the Canadian economy in adapting to change and managing risks of uncertain water futures and extreme events. End-user needs are critical inputs to drive strategy and shape GWF science. Additional information on GWF is available at: http://www.globalwaterfutures.ca/
The GWF network involves more than 478 partners/ stakeholders/ users, 189 researchers from 18 Canadian universities and 949 research personnel associate with 65 pan-Canada projects, and core teams including modelling and forecasting, computer science, knowledge mobilization, communications, data and technical teams.
A fundamental component of the GWF program is an active, state-of-the-art program of Knowledge Mobilization (KM) for the benefit of society, the environment, and the economy. Defining research needs with users, and the engagement and communication with partners/ stakeholders throughout the research process, is a defining characteristic of the GWF program. In order to institutionalize and support the GWF KM philosophy and approach, a GWF KM Core Team, with representatives from the University of Saskatchewan, the University of Waterloo, McMaster University, and Wilfrid Laurier University, has been established to provide oversight, advice, and support. The GWF KM Core Team is an advisory body that reports to the GWF Strategic Management Committee.
Nature of Work: The KM Specialist will support the GWF program’s KM Core Team at the University of Saskatchewan. The KM Specialist will be responsible for designing, implementing, monitoring and reporting on KM activities on a day-to-day basis.
Typical Duties or Accountabilities:
Knowledge Management Strategy Development
- Support researchers in identifying relevant knowledge users for various research proposals, projects or initiatives
- With researchers and end users, facilitate the co-design and –development of robust KM strategies that detail specific mechanisms to ensure that KM occurs throughout, and perhaps beyond, the life of the project, including the:
- Identification of user needs (eg, research challenges, research questions)Appropriate design of research outputs (eg, modality, format, language, timing, type of evidence)
- Design of (an) active and inclusive knowledge exchange, transfer and communications process(es), including the use of appropriate messaging and methods
- Development of clear accountability structures and processes, ensuring that ideas and information flow in all directions
- Collection of relevant supporting KM documentation (eg, support letters)
Knowledge Management Strategy Implementation, Monitoring and Reporting
With researchers and knowledge users, facilitate the:
- Implementation and monitoring of KM strategies, including knowledge exchange, transfer and communications components
- Identification of KM successes and challenges
- Identification of opportunities to overcome challenges, and to improve on KM processes, practices and activities
- Development of project-specific knowledge exchange, transfer of communications products
- Where appropriate, help overcome differences in understanding and perspectives among researchers and knowledge users
Knowledge Transfer and Communications
Design and implement a strategy for transferring and communicating program- and project-level information, ensuring that the content and delivery is compatible with end user needs and characteristics, including the:
- Identification of results of interest to specified user groups
- Appropriate messaging, methods, messengers, timing and formats
- Analysis and synthesis of research results, and the production of knowledge products suitable for risk analysis, decision making or other purposes
- Research and prepare stories on the implications of research results, including accounts of “lessons learned” and successes
Networking and Relationship Management
- Cultivate and maintain contacts, communications and relationships with water researchers and various knowledge user groups, stakeholder groups and individuals
- Represent the GWF, or the home university, through oral presentations, and through attendance or participation in various face-to-face or virtual meetings
Training and Capacity Building
- Design, develop and implement a KM training/capacity building program targeted at researchers and knowledge users
- Develop various KM training/capacity building modules and materials
- Deliver KM training/capacity building activities
- Measure short- and long-term impact of KM training/capacity building activities
- Where appropriate, participate in, or support, broader KM networks or communities of practice
Reporting and Administration
- Identify relevant program- and project-level performance indicators
- Measure, track and report on KM performance indicators on a regular basis
- Prepare annual KM performance reports
- As required, prepare reports on KM progress and achievements for the GWF Strategic Management Committee
- Assist in the administration, planning and scheduling of regular GWF KM core team meetings and activities, including meeting materials, minutes and reports
- Assist in the development of KM proposals, or KM components of proposals
Education: Graduate degree with particular relevance to knowledge mobilization, or equivalent experience. Background in the water or environment sector would be considered an asset.
Experience:
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in a position where knowledge mobilization was a key functional role
- Demonstrated experience with diverse stakeholders across multiple disciplines
- Knowledge mobilization experience in the university sector would be considered an asset
- Familiarity with modeling as a tool for knowledge co-production an asset
Skills:
- Excellent verbal and listening communication skills
- Superior writing skills, including the ability to prepare “plain language” documents
- Refined interpersonal and diplomatic skills
- Ability to understand, integrate, translate and disseminate research outcomes undertaken in an inter- and trans-disciplinary context
- Excellent critical thinking and analytical skills to enable assessment of complex issues and scenarios of concern to researchers, knowledge users, and other stakeholders
- Ability to work independently, and to work as a contributing member of a larger team
- Strong organizational skills, and the ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines
- A positive attitude and approach to working with colleagues and a diversity of partners
Knowledge:
- Strong theoretical and practical understanding of knowledge mobilization approaches and methods
- Understanding of opportunities and challenges associated with mobilizing knowledge between, and among, researchers and knowledge user groups
- Understanding of Canadian and international water issues and opportunities
- Strong familiarity with key water knowledge user groups, and other water sector stakeholders.
Inquiries regarding this position can be directed to Michelle Martel-Andre at [email protected].
Department: Global Inst for Water Security
Status: Term up to 2 years with the possibility of extension
Employment Group: ASPA
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0
Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $64,107.00 – 100,169.00 per annum. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
Salary Family (if applicable): Specialist Professional
Salary Phase/Band: Phase 2
Posted Date: 8/11/2021
Closing Date: Until Filled.
Number of Openings: 1
The University believes equity, diversity, and inclusion strengthen the community and enhance excellence, innovation and creativity. We are dedicated to recruiting individuals who will enrich our work and learning environments. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. We are committed to providing accommodations to those with a disability or medical necessity. If you require an accommodation in order to participate in the recruitment process, please notify us and we will work together on the accommodation request. The University of Saskatchewan’s main campus is situated on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis. We pay our respects to the First Nations and Métis ancestors of this place and reaffirm our relationship with one another. Together, we are uplifting Indigenization to a place of prominence at the University of Saskatchewan.
