Job Description

Overview

The Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) is seeking a system dynamics modeling consultant to help TDHS understand and address the complex challenges facing our organization. We are looking for a consultant with a deep understanding of system dynamics and experience applying it to real-world problems. System Dynamics is a computer-aided approach for strategy and policy design. The main goal is to help people make better decisions when confronted with complex, dynamic systems. System dynamics is a comprehensive methodology for understanding and improving complex systems. While it can be applied to analyze IT systems, its scope extends far beyond the realm of technology, encompassing social, economic, and environmental systems. In short, this requisition is not designed to perform IT systems-related work.

Further, the approach provides methods and tools to model and analyze dynamic systems. Model results can be used to communicate essential findings to help everyone understand the system’s behavior. It uses simulation modeling based on feedback systems theory that complements systems thinking approaches. It applies to dynamic problems arising in complex social, managerial, economic, or ecological systems. It can be applied to social, managerial, economic, ecological, and physiological systems.

As the successful candidate, you will contribute to analyzing and better understanding of resilience of interconnected social safety net systems. Your research will combine methodological and empirical contributions to building the self-sufficiency of Tennesseans.

We are looking for a creative and autonomous candidate, who is able to combine methods and approaches from different fields, such as system dynamics modeling. This simulation approach will be developed for one or several case studies, within the State of Tennessee with a focus on poverty and the social safety net.

Required Skills

• 3+ years of experience working with government or private organizations to address complex challenges faced by the organization.
  
•  5+ years of advanced knowledge and experience in simulation modeling software such as Vensim or Stella is required.
  
• Quantitative research methods:   experience with mathematical models (e.g., differential equations, econometrics, optimization) and data analysis are required; knowledge of various simulation techniques and models across sectors would be an advantage.
  
• Qualitative research methods:   knowledge and experience in creating causal loop diagrams (CLDs) are required; experience in conducting surveys would be an advantage.
  
• Organizational and planning:   ability to work autonomously, managing workload and producing deliverables to time and to budget; results-focused, with an ability to prioritize and to work quickly and accurately; flexibility to take on tasks ranging from highly complex to basic in nature.
  

Projected Work Commitment:   up to 20 hours per month

Scope of Work :

The consultant will work with DHS to:

• Design and implement simulation models to identify policy analysis and impact.
  
• Use mathematical models (e.g., differential equations, econometrics, optimization) and data analysis to leverage various simulation techniques and models across the public sector.
  
• Create causal loop diagrams (CLDs) and utilize information gained to conduct qualitative research methods.
  
• Conduct policy evaluation and impact analysis.
  
• Facilitate training sessions to help our team members understand system dynamics and build simulation models.
  

Responsibilities

The consultant's responsibilities will include:

• Simulation:   Specific tasks include model creation with simulation modeling software such as Vensim or Stella, data research, calibration, and validation (structural and behavioral), and reporting (on the structure of the model documentation, validation, and results as well as interpretation of results). They will conduct analyses, modeling, and development management tools for complex systems that impact adoption of proven solutions. They will conduct quantitative and qualitative analysis of data from successful development projects to identify successful, promising and innovative practices that can resolve issues relating to complex systems.
  
• Research:   The consultant is expected to collaborate with TDHS leadership to support data collection efforts as well as reporting. The selected consultant will be required to work independently and deliver analyses and writing that are “publication-ready” with limited oversight and editing. We also expect the consultant to develop communications and presentation materials, both collaboratively and independently. Experience in publishing papers in peer-reviewed journals is welcome, as is experience in preparing PowerPoint presentations for public events.
  
• Collaboration and project management:   The consultant will participate in team meetings and strategy sessions to coordinate activities, contribute ideas, and execute the overall project. The consultant will be required to present the results of their work to decision-makers and other relevant stakeholders.
  

Travel/In-Office Expectations:   This position is considered   hybrid   with the potential for in-person meetings/events once per quarter.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have the following qualifications:

• Master's degree or equivalent in engineering, business management, or public policy with a specialization in system dynamics.
  
• 4-6 years of progressive experience working on system dynamics modeling.
  
• Expert knowledge of qualitative and quantitative analytical and evaluation methods.
  
• Ability to move between detailed technical analysis and strategic “big picture” thinking.
  
• Ability to work well with a wide range of stakeholders and colleagues with different strengths and styles.
  
• Experience with the public safety net system is preferred.
  
• Excellent communication skills
  
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  

Requirements

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