Job Description

Overview:
Term: 2 Years

The Research Manager position is responsible for providing project management services to the Project Director of Can-Peat: The potential of Canada’s peatlands as nature-based climate solutions (ECCC-CAAF 2022-2027). This is a crucial role in the Can-Peat initiative, involving partnership building, communication, research coordination/implementation, and project management responsibilities.

The Research Manager will coordinate knowledge translation, reporting activities, and ensure that project deliverables are met in a timely manner. The Research Manager will coordinate among research teams across Canada ensuring that all teams are meeting project milestones and interacting with Can-Peat partners in government, industry and environmental not-for-profits. The Research Manager will also orchestrate the activities of Can-Peat’s Advisory Board, organize annual workshops, and oversee Responsibilities:
Project Oversight, Planning and Implementation

• Work closely with the Project Director to assist in ongoing management, implementation and reporting/accountability requirements of Can-Peat research project
• Develop and actively manage project communications, including website, social media channels, quarterly newsletter
• Plan and implement major project meetings/colloquia including the project’s Annual Workshop and Advisory Board meetings
• Understand and adhere to university policies and procedures as they relate to research grants and contracts, financial management, procurement services and human resources
• Develop in-depth understanding of the specific accountabilities associated with the ECCC-CAAF grant for which project management is being provided, and ensure these accountabilities are met
• Provide general problem-solving and oversight with respect to budgetary allocations, submission of deliverables and progress reports, correspondence with external sponsors, project partners to ensure effective performance monitoring of Can-Peat
• Work with Director to attract additional partners of the ongoing research program

Undertake specific communication/dissemination requirements for the project for example:

• Website development and maintenance
• Social media communications
• Reports for public, policy-maker, and business audiences
• Stakeholder/partner workshops
• Teleconferences/webinars
• Coordinating with UW communications for press releases
• Meeting agendas and meeting minutes
• Ensure high-quality deliverables by preparing accurate effective project reports

Assist in developing a sustainability plan for the project:

• Identify potential new funding sources
• Coordinate project team to identify additional partners or enhance collaboration with existing partners
• Build internal integrated planning procedures and project manager capacity by supporting and educating stakeholders on best practices.

Qualifications:

• Completion of an undergraduate degree, and either a research graduate degree or equivalent related experience which provides strong knowledge of a research environment
• Demonstrated experience in project management and administration are essential, as well as budget development. Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects with different groups
• Must have exceptional communication (oral and written), negotiation, consultation, presentation, analytical, leadership and organizational skills
• Strong proficiency with a variety of computer software applications including word processing, spreadsheet, database management and web design software is required
• Expertise in peatland management, carbon/greenhouse gas measurement, climate change policy, or related disciplines

Vaccination Requirement Statement:
Effective May 1, 2022, the University suspended its Vaccination Requirement. Prior to May 1, pursuant to this Requirement, all University employees were required to submit proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 (subject to the University’s obligations under the Human Rights Code to accommodate employees who were unable to receive a vaccination). The University’s Vaccination Requirement website can be found here: https://uwaterloo.ca/coronavirus/return/vaccination-requirement.

The pandemic is ongoing and public health advice continues to evolve. Accordingly, the University reserves the absolute right to reinstate the Vaccination Requirement on short notice, and upon such reinstatement you will be required to comply. You shall also be required to comply with any new health and safety policies/requirements implemented by the University from time to time, including new policies/requirements related to mandatory employee vaccination. As the University may need to reinstate the Requirement on short notice, it will continue to collect and maintain up-to-date information on employee vaccination status. Please submit your Covid-19 vaccine status (QR code) to: https://checkin.uwaterloo.ca/

Failure to comply with the Vaccination Requirement if it is reinstated, including failure to comply with any future amendments to the Vaccination Requirement, or failure to comply with new health and safety policies/requirements implemented by the University, including those related to new mandatory employee vaccination, shall result in discipline up to and including termination of employment.

The requirement to be vaccinated, if reinstated, will be subject to the duty to accommodate pursuant to the Human Rights Code. If you are unable to be vaccinated for reasons related to a ground protected under the Human Rights Code, you may submit a written request for accommodation with an explanation of the reasons and/or any supporting documentation. If you request accommodation, the University may follow up with you for further information if necessary. Equity Statement:
The University of Waterloo is committed to implementing the Calls to Action framed by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. We acknowledge that we live and work on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee peoples. The University of Waterloo is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River.

The University values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students, faculty, and staff. The University regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. The University of Waterloo seeks applicants who embrace our values of equity, anti-racism and inclusion. As such, we encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including applicants who identify as First Nations, Métis and/or Inuk (Inuit), Black, racialized, a person with a disability, women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

The University of Waterloo is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. If you have any application, interview, or workplace accommodation requests, please contact Human Resources at hrhelp@uwaterloo.ca or 519-888-4567, ext. 45935.