Associate Consultant

The SMART Initiative, funded by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), is a 4-year project aiming to reduce barriers to foreign credential recognition, provide Internationally Educated Health Professionals (IEHPs) with Canadian work experience, facilitate labor mobility across provinces and territories and assist IEHPs in understanding their role in the Canadian health system and its culture. The SMART Initiative (A Sustainable, Multi-Collaborator approach from Arrival to Readiness for Practice and Transition) offers the only comprehensive program in Canada that enhances existing pathways for Career & Learning Development, Practice Readiness, Mentorship, Work Placement and Social Support for IEHPs. The initiative will be a demonstration project in Alberta that is designed with flexibility for scaling across Canada. The Alberta International Medical Graduate Association (AIMGA) is a co-applicant in the grant, and the programs and tools that AIMGA have developed to support International Medical Graduates (IMGs) will be leveraged and scaled in this project. The initiative complements or expands existing efforts to support the integration of IEHPs into the workforce through three deliverables: SMART Hub: A multi-lingual web-based concierge platform for IEHPs and their mentors. Microlearning Journey: Blended learning curriculums to assist both in the integration of IEHPs into the Alberta health system and for training mentors to support IEHPs. Mentor Community of Practice: Strengthen networking and learning for mentors. The SMART Initiative is complex and will involve advanced business, project and technical subject matter expertise. The national scope, scalability, and replicability aspects are essential success elements, as is extensive collaboration and engagement with other Canadian healthcare jurisdictions and colleges.

The Associate Consultant - Communications is responsible for: The development and implementation of the FCRP communication/engagements strategies that increase awareness and facilitate the knowledge of the program to prospective applicants and collaborators. Building and growing relationships between FCRP collaborators, internal and external to AHS. Providing liaison services between members of the SMART initiative cohort and the project team. Supporting the strategic direction of the SMART initiative. The Associate Consultant is responsible for developing and implementing communication activities for the Steering Team, Project team, Advisory group by undertaking planning and delivery of communications, promotional activities, media relations and issues management. This position will predominately support communications activities related to SMART Initiative project requirements. This position works in collaboration with lead and senior communications advisors to develop and implement communication plans, to develop key messaging, briefing notes, speaking notes, etc. in consultation with key stakeholders; Researches and writes content for various communication tools, including publications and internal and external websites.

A degree or diploma in communications, science/health communications, journalism, marketing or a related field. Professional experience in a health care profession. Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.

Experience with collaborator relationship building within organizations and demonstrated ability to strengthen key relationships with public leaders, IEHPs, colleges, academia, patient/family advisors. Demonstrated application of systems thinking and change management. Demonstrated strength in verbal and written communication skills; ability to relay or explain complex issues or difficult situations. Experience with MS Office suite, including MS Project and Visio. Training and experience with project management, including facilitation/coordination of project planning, execution, monitoring, and evaluation. Ability to work effectively and efficiently in a unique project environment where project resources and subject matter experts have limited availability to contribute; ability to move projects forward within these constraints. Breadth of knowledge of healthcare and healthcare issues, social determinants of health and how to address health inequities. Skill and experience in critical thinking, analysis, problem solving, negotiation, investigation and concerns resolution. Motivated and adaptable team player with experience coordinating/leading teams. Demonstrated ability and comfort with decision making and communication, and the ability to inspire and build confidence in others. Proven ability to foster relationships and partnerships with complex and varied internal and external individuals and groups.

Graduate degree in communications, science/health communications, journalism, marketing, business administration. Project Management designation. Experience working with IEHPs & addressing their barriers to practice. 3-5 years of clinical experience working in a healthcare organization of significant size. Understanding the IEHP’s challenges & opportunities. Work independently, prioritize & meet deadlines. Training in process improvement, change management, health services planning.