International Project Manager , University of Prince Edward Island

Date of Posting: September 17, 2013

International Project Manager (amended closing)

Office of Research Services

Full-time Term Position

Competition Number:  52E13

 

The Office of Research Services and the CIDA faculty team at the University of Prince Edward Island invite applications for the position of Project Manager for a four-year, CIDA funded development project in Chiloé Island, Chile. A team of UPEI faculty members from a wide range of departments leads the Project in association with the UPEI Office of Research Services and in collaboration with the Williche Council of Chiefs on Chiloé Island, Chile. The project is funded by CIDA, now a part of the Canadian government’s Department of Foreign Affairs.

The successful candidate will be self-motivated and focused, with the ability to function at a high level in this type of work environment. The Project Manager will be charged with the responsibility to oversee and direct the development of its school in southern Chile – Wekimün: A school for and with Indigenous youth and communities.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Project Manager will provide management services and direction to the Project, including:

Project Management
• Update and maintain project plans, Gantt charts, timelines
• Identify and report risks to achievement of project goals
• Schedule and manage regular team and work stream meetings
• Proactively assess progress to plan on project activities, communicate issues and provide recommendations to adjust work plans
• Maintain and disseminate monthly progress reports to project team
• Development of an annual work plan and budget for submission and approval by CIDA
• Responsible for all regular project reporting to CIDA.

Financial

• Maintain impeccable, up to date records on spending, collaborating regularly with Project Coordinator at UPEI on status of finances, spending and budget reports
• Accountable for all in-country spending and documentation and maintaining full oversight of all project spending
• Ongoing training and supervision of Administrative Assistant with regard to recording all spending in shared accounting software between Canada and Chile.
• Regular reporting of issues relating to spending, exchange rates, costing in-country

Stakeholder Engagement

• Create and maintain positive, productive relationships with project stakeholders in Chile and Canada
• Act as a model and spokesperson for Canadians while in Chile, demonstrate a high level of integrity and ethics in all interactions
• Liaise with government stakeholders, such as the Canadian Embassy in Chile, CIDA funders
• Maintain strong communication with UPEI stakeholders, primarily the UPEI faculty team and the Office of Research Services.

Personnel Management
• Supervision of locally hired staff
• Ensure all timesheets are maintained, reported and filed
• Resolution of conflict, negotiation of mutually agreeable solutions
• Ensure volunteers are integrated into project community and activities, actively assess and provide coaching and guidance for improved performance and integration
• Ongoing assessment and communication of needed skillsets for volunteer pool
• In-country orientation of volunteers, training of all staff regarding emergency response, maintenance of contact information and protocols

 

Logistics

• Management of project housing and liaison with landlord on issues or concerns requiring resolution.
• Meeting incoming volunteers and staff and helping to settle them into project accommodation
• Transport of staff and volunteers to project site
• Ensure maintenance and upkeep of project transportation
• Maintain emergency, safety kits in both project space and in housing
• In consultation with selected contractor, purchase and arrange delivery and itemized receipt of construction materials to construction site

 

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Complete fluency in both English and Spanish
• An undergraduate or graduate degree in a related field
• Previous international experience highly desirable
• Demonstrated experience in Project Management in multi-year complex projects
• PMP certification desirable
• Management and administrative experience in education or development projects ideal
• Experience supervising and training staff members
• Valid driver’s license and ability to drive manual transmission vehicles, at times in remote areas
• Ability to work independently and to take the initiative
• Keen desire and well developed coping skills for living and working internationally.
• A strong passion for living and experiencing other cultures, highly developed intercultural and gender sensitivity skills
• Highly flexible with an outgoing and positive personality with the ability to observe and adjust approach to conform to cultural norms
• Due to the nature of the role, evenings and weekends may be necessary in some cases

Review of applications will begin on October 19, 2013, however, the competition will remain open until the position is filled.

Hours of Work:  37.5 hours per week

Term:  4 year term position (Term may be reduced or extended depending on performance, available funding and departmental requirements.)

Salary:   $50,000 CAN per annum, plus applicable CIDA Post Differential Allowance. Housing provided.

Closing Date: 

 Oct 18 2013

Application Instructions:  Candidates’ applications will include a cover letter, a current resume and three letters of reference. Additional references will be required from candidates who are selected for interviews. All applications should be addressed to Dr. Kate Tilleczek, Professor and Canada Research Chair, UPEI. Applications may be submitted electronically to employment@upei.ca or via regular mail to Human Resources Department, Kelley Building, University of Prince Edward Island, 550 University Avenue, Charlottetown, PEI C1A 4P3, Fax Number (902) 894-2895. For electronically submitted applications, please ensure that your first and last name and the competition number are included in the email subject line. 

In accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. The University of Prince Edward Island is committed to gender equity in employment.
Only those applicants who are invited to an interview will be acknowledged.