Project Manager, Indigenous Research & Training

Description

The Department of Indigenous Engagement in the Office of the Provost & VP Academic invites applications for a Project Manager, Indigenous Research & Training. This Full-time, Fixed Term position is for approximately 12 months, with the possibility of extension.

The Project Manager, Indigenous Research and Training Project will report to the Indigenous Administrative and Research Lead, One Child Every Child. This position will have multiple demands; thus, effective time management, coordination and the ability to work independently are essential to the role. The Project Manager is a process, integration and detail-oriented individual who is able to handle multiple projects and organizational demands, whilst supporting the continual advancement of Indigenous self-determination and research. 

The Project Manager will also work in conjunction with the One Child Every Child Indigenous Ways of Knowing Accelerator team in the development of training materials specific to Indigenous research, ethics and parallel processes. This position will support One Child Every Child in facilitating the inclusion of Indigenous peoples, communities, perspectives, and approaches in child health and research. The Project Manager will be responsible for supporting internal and external communications, arranging annual events, conducting budget reviews, coordinating learning opportunities, advancing strategic initiatives, and logistically supporting online, printed and community orientated publications. 

This role supports the continued indigenization of the University of Calgary. Click here to see more job opportunities with an Indigenous scope. 

Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):

Research and Project Management (50%):

• Provide research and project management to the Indigenous Research and Administrative Lead on OCEC related projects and initiatives. 
• Supports the Indigenous Lead’s projects which includes coordinating projects activities and schedules, partnership and contract development, maintaining connection with partners, recording meetings, arranging all transportation, itineraries, and agency/hotel accommodations and completing all necessary forms and requisitions for funding, and supporting completion of reports.
• Provide administrative and operational support to the OCEC Indigenous Research Path and Indigenous Principal investigators. Activities may include hosting monthly update meetings, preparing financial reviews, communications and reporting and research contract development. 
• Support emerging Indigenous scholars connecting with the Indigenous Path.
• Support the long-term sustainability of Indigenous led and co-led projects through grantd and fund development for current and future projects.
• Ensure that the strategic goals and objectives for the Indigenous Parallel research path are met and reported on using both written and oral processes. 
• Support Indigenous scholars in creating and implementing parallel processes within their research initiatives.
• Manages initiatives that support the strategic activities of the Indigenous path and accelerator, assists in achievement of consensus for important changes, and coordinates resources.
• Provide assistance to OCEC Themes and Accelerators in developing Indigenous co-led, Indigenous partnerships, research and support in the implementation.
• Create space and processes for ongoing ‘full circle’ community engagement through dialogue with Indigenous communities.
• Develop internal and external communications specific to parallel paths, ethical space and Indigenous engagement and parallel path progress, ensure all parties informed on the goals, activities, and milestones.

Training and Program Development (20%):

• Leads the development of training material related to research with Indigenous people, communities, organizations, and nations for OCEC members.
• Provide leadership to members of OCEC on how to implement OCAP principles, United Nations Declaration of Rights of Indigenous Peoples, CARE Principles for Indigenous Data Governance, parallel research processes and data sovereignty across OCEC initiatives. 
• Develop a recruitment and retainment strategy for Indigenous scholars and early career researchers.
• Onboard and support new Indigenous-led research projects from idea to implementation. This includes the development and implementation of project/research agreements, ethics approval, project plans and logic models in collaboration with key stakeholders.
• Creates opportunities for program expansion through fund development, research and program development, training and strategic partnership development. 
• Work in collaboration with the IWoK Accelerator, the Office of Indigenous Engagement, the Indigenous Research Support Team and other Indigenous based units within the University of Calgary for the creation and facilitation of training materials related to Indigenous research, ethics and community research partnerships.
• Oversee the training and learning curriculum development for Accelerator, litergature reviews, outreaching to curriculum developers, partners and university departments. 

Financial management, performance and reporting (20%):

• Oversee the effective financial management for Indigenous Lead and the Parallel path research projects and institute activities, including generating financial reports, advising and addressing variance reports and supporting the development annual budgets and ensures financial reporting expectations and deadlines are met.
• Monitors expenditures against approved budgets to identify adherence to budget policies and compliance. Initiates, and reviews all purchasing requisitions and expense claims for matters on a team level on behalf of the Indigenous Lead. 
• Provides financial document, budget and statistical report preparation for the Indigenous Lead and the project leads of the Indigenous Research Path projects. 
• Reconciles and processes expense recoveries to appropriate funding sources for the Indigenous Lead and on a team level for project leads of the Indigenous Path. 
• Initiates, and reviews all purchasing requisitions and expense claims for matters on a team level on behalf of the Indigenous Lead.
• Advises members and external stakeholders regarding the efficient use of University's business systems and Indigenous protocols (e.g. elder honorariums and gifting).
• Advises and answers finance and accounting questions within the Reserarch Path

Leadership & People Management (10%):

• To work in collaboration with the Indigenous Community Partnerships and Development Project Manager in advancing strategic goals and provide operations and HR management to the Indigenous Ways of Knowing Accelerator when needed.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, University staff, faculty and One Child Every Child themes, accelerators, and collaborators.
• Hire and recruit research and support staff associated with training and development initiatives, Indigenous path research projects and the IWoK accelerator when needed. 
• Manages any direct reports (MaPS or AUPE positions) assigned by the Indigenous Lead including; hiring, performance reviews, performance management, grievances, discipline, learning and professional development, terminations and succession planning.
• Participate in the One Child Every Child operations committee, the themes and accelerators working groups, and other committees, as necessary.
• Serve as a liaison, leader, and role model for the Indigenous Parallel Path and Indigenous Accelerator within the larger One Child Every Child context, fostering a team-based culture, ensuring positive interactions with other team members and collaborators.
   

Qualifications / Requirements:

• Undergraduate degree in business, education, Indigenous studies, health, social work or a combination of education and equivalent work experience is required; master's degree or other professional degree is preferred.
• A minimum of 5 years of direct and focused experience in Indigenous research, education, program development and/or Indigenous engagement.
• 3 years’ experience in management and administration with an emphasis on decision-making, budget monitoring and strategic planning.  
• A minimum of 3 years' experience in project management. Experience leading projects that include Indigenous people, communities, perspectives and practices will be a significant asset.
• In-depth understanding of community engaged research practices, principles as OCAP® (Ownership, Control, Access, Possession) and informed prior consent, and the Tri-Council Policy Statement 2, chapter nine.
• In-depth understanding of ii’ taa’poh’to’p, and its key concepts, particularly parallel paths, ethical space and transformation.
• Understanding of and commitment to engage in Indigenous protocols, work with Elders and knowledge keepers, and Indigenous practices.
• At least one year of experience in a research environment that includes community-based research. Experience in a health/medical research environment is an asset.
• Experience in strategic planning, program development, organizational planning, HR management, event planning and reporting and performance measurement. 
• Superior interpersonal and communication skills required in dealing with a range of situations, which may include complex, sensitive and confidential issues. 
• Understanding of University, and of One Child Every Child’s mission, values, and plans.
• Knowledge and understanding of the policies and protocols of the University of Calgary, Cumming School of Medicine, Alberta Children's Hospital Foundation, Alberta Health Services would be an asset
   

Application Deadline:  May 31, 2024; However, resumes will start being reviewed May 17, 2024.

We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.

This position is classified in the Management Career Band, Level 1 of the Management and Professional Staff Career Framework. 

For a listing of all management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our Management and Staff Careers website. 

About the University of Calgary

UCalgary is Canada’s entrepreneurial university, located in Canada’s most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada’s leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.

The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.

As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion ([email protected]) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources ([email protected]).

Do you have most but not all the qualifications? Research show that women, racialized and visible minorities, and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At UCalgary we are committed to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible employment practices and workplaces and encourage you to apply if you believe you are right for this role. 

We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.