Who we are

We are an organization comprised of industry thought leaders who are passionate about health data and want to make a difference in the health care field. We are an independent, not-for-profit organization and together with our partners we provide essential information on Canada's health systems, enabling decisions that lead to healthier Canadians. As a valued member of the CIHI team, you and your work will have a pivotal role in the evolution of Canada's health care systems.

CIHI is recognized as an exceptional place to work that embraces diversity, respect, integrity, collaboration and innovation. Learn about our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy and the work being done to create a more inclusive and welcoming organization by focusing on how we learn, govern and practise.

At CIHI, we recognize what matters to our employees. Some of the benefits of working at CIHI include

- HOOPP Pension Plan (Defined Benefits Pension)
- Retirement Planning Program
- Generous vacation days for permanent and long-term contracts
- Work-life balance
- Career Planning Program
- Learning and Professional Development Program
- Flexible benefits program from your first day on the job for permanent and long-term contracts

Why is this role important? The Program Specialist provides subject-matter expertise, project coordination, and program support to advance organizational priorities related to data, stakeholder engagement, and program delivery. Working in a collaborative, matrix environment, the role contributes to the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of program activities, tools, and processes.

The Program Specialist prepares presentations, reports, and briefing materials, and supports the documentation and dissemination of products and materials. The role helps plan and implement engagement strategies, contributes to the coordination and integration of initiatives across teams, and ensures deliverables are completed on time and to a high standard. Through these activities, the Program Specialist supports improved data quality, usability, and alignment with organizational goals, while fostering continuous improvement and effective stakeholder participation.

The Health Sector Data Space (HSDS) is a pan-Canadian initiative to connect health data from organizations and jurisdictions across Canada in support of research and innovation. The HSDS will enable health data to be more easily discovered, accessed, linked, and used for approved purposes while remaining under the authority of participating organizations.

The Program Specialist supports the development, implementation, and ongoing operation of the HSDS, with a focus on data and use cases.



The role contributes to the development and advancement of use cases, data and metadata requirements, and the end-to-end processes needed to support data discovery, access, linkage, and use. Working across internal teams and with external partners, the role coordinates input, develops requirements and supporting materials, and supports the ongoing delivery, monitoring, and continuous improvement of HSDS data flows, processes, and activities.

What you'll do

1. Conduct research, environmental scans, literature reviews and synthesize findings into summaries and recommendations.
2. Respond to stakeholder and client information requests and provide support with the dissemination of program information and onboarding activities.
3. Coordinate stakeholder engagement activities, including scheduling and supporting meetings, consultations, workshops, and education sessions; prepare materials, and track outcomes.
4. Build and maintain effective relationships with internal teams, external partners, vendors and subject matter experts; act as a liaison to support alignment and information sharing.
5. Plan, coordinate and monitor projects and deliverables (e.g., workplans, timelines, status reporting, risks, budgets as applicable).
6. Coordinate review cycles and manage feedback, approvals, version control and documentation.
7. Draft and contribute to reports, briefing notes, presentations, training materials and other communications.
8. Maintain and improve processes, tools, SOPs, templates and records management practices.
9. Develop and maintain knowledge of stakeholder priorities, program objectives, and relevant practices.
10. Support data-related processes and workflows, including data intake, validation, documentation, and release activities.
11. Support the development, testing, quality assurance, maintenance, and delivery of data systems and data products (e.g., datasets, reports, dashboards), including preparation of metadata and supporting documentation.
12. Collaborate with information technology teams to support implementation, maintenance, and issue resolution activities related to data systems.
13. Coordinate data quality and validation activities, including issue tracking and resolution.
14. Contribute to documentation of data processes, systems, and workflows, and support implementation of process or system improvements.





What you'll bring to the table

- Undergraduate degree in Health Sciences, Health Information, Social Sciences, Public Administration, Information Science, Business or related field, or equivalent combination of education and related experience.
- 3–5 years of relevant experience in health care or related sectors, with strong accountability, project coordination, program delivery, and program support skills.
- Demonstrated experience collaborating with internal and external stakeholders and subject-matter experts to support project activities and deliverables.
- Experience in the subject matter relevant to the program area, with the ability to provide program guidance within CIHI.
- Experience coordinating strategic projects, including elements of planning, facilitation, and execution.
- Experience preparing briefing notes, presentations and dissemination materials for varied audiences.
- Strong research, problem-solving and information synthesis skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Proven organizational and project coordination skills, with solid attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
- Collaborative and client-focused, with the ability to work effectively both independently and within cross-functional, matrixed teams.
- Proactive, with sound judgment and a continuous improvement mindset.
- Proficiency in Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams), SharePoint/OneDrive, and project management tools.
- Role-specific technical skills may be required depending on the position (e.g., data tools, standards, systems, engagement platforms).
- Familiarity with data systems, data workflows, and quality concepts.
- Understanding of health systems and the use of data and information to support policy,

planning, management and evaluation.

Basic Qualifications

- Primary locations: Toronto or Ottawa.
- Must comply with all CIHI workplace policies, including privacy and confidentiality.
- Fluency in English is required; bilingualism in both official languages is an asset.

Closing Statement To find out more about this role and other exciting opportunities visit our website at www.cihi.ca and check out our 'Careers' section. We thank all those who apply, however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Employment Equity

At CIHI we are committed to fostering an inclusive, barrier-free and accessible environment. Part of this commitment includes arranging accommodations to ensure an equitable opportunity to participate in the recruitment and selection process. If you require an accommodation, we will work with you to meet your needs.

📌 Program Specialist - Office of the Executive Director, Health Data Advancement (Toronto)
🏢 Canadian Institute for Health Information
📍 Toronto