Overview
The Senior Project Officer (SPO) supports the Principal Investigator by providing operational and program leadership to advance strategic priorities, and to implement activities that support the achievement of the targeted project outcomes including EDI targets. The SPO provides support for all communications, monitoring, and reporting to both internal and external partners. In addition, this role is responsible for all administrative, financial, and event-related activities.
This position is contingent on funding.
Responsibilities
Project Implementation Support
- Develops and manages a calendar of research activities including application deadlines, financial payment processes and annual reporting
- Provide administrative support for monitoring of the implementation of research projects, providing timely and quality support to the Project leadership
- Manage multi-user data and information sharing platforms
- Monitor submission deadlines associated with key project documents (logic models, performance measurement frameworks, budgets)
- Develop and maintains a good working knowledge of current Waterloo research, activities, and centers of excellence
- Support the PI in monitoring, stakeholders, partners and consultants to help ensure that work plan, reports and performance targets are met
- Oversees the EDI coordinator to ensure EDI objectives are met
- Oversee the organization and recruitment of participants where required
- Other duties and responsibilities, associated with special and short-term projects or committees, to help support and accelerate project progress as assigned
Communications, Liaison and Reporting
Prepare appropriate briefing materials, status reports, statistical information / analysis, and recommendationsPrepare briefs and other materials, public speaking notes, and media work where requiredRespond to external requests for information related to the research activityPrepare regular progress reports in accordance with reporting requirementsDevelop and maintain relevant web pagesFinancial Management :
Responsible for financial management, reporting, and planningIdentifies new funding opportunities, including commercialization opportunitiesBrings an in-depth understanding of University financial practice and the financial requirements of the CERC programProvides oversight on spending to ensure that the project adheres to the budget and to detect and remediate any deviations earlyReviews and analyzes financial statementsPrepare travel claims and expenditure reimbursement requests for related faculty, postdocs, graduate students, and visitors of CERC in compliance with University Policy and Tri-Agency granting requirementsCoordinates the purchase of supplies and equipment, maintaining records and ensuring eligibility and that budget allocations are adequatePrepares casual pay requests and temporary employment contracts for assigned researchersProvides guidance to researchers, research staff and students on financial rules and policies relevant to their grants and contractsUnderstands the constraints of granting programs; forecast and recommend strategies to maximize the use and leverage of the research fundingAdministrative and Event Management :
Coordinate logistics for hiring and management of temporary employees and consultants and participate in short-listing and interview processes; Provide advice, recommendations and coaching as requiredEnsure proper processes are in place for the recruitment, evaluation and pay of temporary employees and co-op studentsPrepare appointment and payroll activities for review by the Principal Investigator and onward processingDevelop outbound travel plans including rationale, coordination of meetings, correspondence, travel logistics, gifts, and tactical adviceOrganize and coordinate the setup of facilities and equipment, including internal assignment of space, assigning computer equipment, keys, telephones, computer accountsLead the coordination of in-person events and workshops; determine event goals and requirements, planning and coordinating all necessary arrangements including ( : locations, room set-up, staffing, volunteering, seating, food and beverage and accommodation considerationsUses virtual event platforms to manage virtual events and meetingsQualifications
University degree or equivalent combination of education and experience4+ years of administrative experience4+ years of experience in supporting the monitoring and evaluation of large multicomponent projects would be preferredExperience in supporting the creation of documentation and dissemination of project resultsExperience working in Indonesia, or with Indonesians, would be considered a strong assetDemonstrated research skills including online / electronic searchesDemonstrated ability to successfully work collaboratively with a variety of stakeholders at different levelsHighly competent in managing information and administration processesStrong organizational, communications and interpersonal abilitiesDemonstrated ability to undertake creative and innovative problem solvingExcellent English writing and editing skills to support preparation of project reports and briefing materialsDemonstrated capacity to work both in a self-directed manner, and collaborativelyDemonstrated capacity to work effectively in a wide range of cultural and political settingsAbility to undertake international travel, as neededProven ability to provide a mature, competent, and professional presence vis-à-vis external agencies; domestic and international government officials; and university administrators, faculty, staff, and studentsDemonstrated ability to build consensus, maintain confidentiality, exhibit sensitivity to the needs and interests of a variety of stakeholders, and support the functioning and collaboration of a diverse team both within an individual department and across WaterlooStrong organizational skills coupled with the ability to handle multiple tasks, meet tight deadlines, and excel in a fast-paced environment characterized by changing priorities and arrangementsDemonstrated ability to thrive in and contribute to an integrated, collaborative, and multicultural and multidisciplinary team environment, and to apply a positive team approach to collaborating with colleaguesEvidence of sound judgement, tact, and the ability to positively influence and motivate othersUnderstanding of the policies, practices, and research expertise available at Waterloo is an assetUnderstanding of the policies, practices, and requirement of a range of institutional funders is an assetKnowledge of the broad range of academic programs, support services, and research expertise available at WaterlooAdvanced experience with Teams, and intermediate competency using project management software and cloud storage systems would be considered an assetAbility to demonstrate leadership, diplomacy and integrity when dealing with internal and external stakeholdersAbility to establish and maintain productive working relationships across large organizationsAbility to communicate effectively with colleagues, clients, and external stakeholders, including the media