Associate Vice-President, International Research

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Reporting directly to the Vice-President, Research and Innovation (VPRI), the incumbent brings the highest standards of professionalism and dedication to achieve maximum quality and productivity in the delivery of an International Research and supports to the University of Ottawa community. The incumbent will play a key role in securing the University’s leadership position within the international research ecosystems. Services include activities to support international research supported thematics by Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) as well as other local, national or international bodies whose aim is to develop international research & collaboration.

As a senior member of the Vice-President, Research and Innovation executive team, the incumbent will play a key leadership role in the strategic development and management of the international Research portfolio. The portfolio serves the University’s mission to be among the leading public research-intensive universities in the world, in support of the University’s strategic objectives.

In close collaboration with the Vice-Provost, International, the AVP IR will enhance and expand the University’s Strategy for International Research activities, identify opportunities and foster international partnerships to increase uOttawa reputation on the international stage and generate new Research revenues.

The incumbent will also be a champion and primary voice in promoting internationally the University’s Research. The incumbent will contribute to thought leadership in Research in a variety of venues such as conferences, advisory and expert panels, workshops, journals and invited speaking engagements.

In close collaboration with the Vice-Provost, International, the AVP IR will provide strategic direction and leadership in the development, implementation and monitoring of an international strategy, as well as policies and processes in the planning, conduct and administration of strategic institutional initiatives.

The incumbent will establish a climate of teamwork within the portfolio of the VPRI as well as faculties by engaging staff and building on their experience and areas of expertise. The incumbent will ensure that protocols and procedures for the management and operation of portfolio activities are consistent with those in place within the OVPRI and other central service units.  In addition, the incumbent will bring to the role superb communications and change management abilities and business acumen combined with a deep respect for academic research and innovation, outstanding competence in building relationships and promoting opportunities.

The Associate Vice-President, International Research, is responsible for the following:

1.       Promoting, developing, and implementing programs and policies aimed at increasing the University’s presence and influence on the international research scene.

2.       Working with the University community to ensure the strategic development of international research partnerships and institutional agreements.

3.       Work in close collaboration with the Vice-Provost, International, to develop and ensure the implementation of an international research action plan that will support the University’s priorities and initiatives over the next three years.

4.       Representing the University of Ottawa and promoting its leadership role with research-relevant bodies at international levels.

5.       Leading a team responsible for delivering and supporting the University’s research internationalization efforts.

6.       Work in close collaboration with the Vice-Provost, Graduate Studies to support international post-graduate student recruitment activities and to help support of international students more broadly.

7.       In collaboration with the Vice-Provost International, lead the organization of high-profile international events, visits by international delegations, and missions abroad to showcase the University Research enterprise.

• Provide senior level advice and support to the VPRI in the development of plans and goals for the VPRI portfolio.
• In consultation with the faculties, provide advice to the VPRI on emerging challenges and opportunities that can lead to changes in strategic priorities and direction the University takes in relation to international research.
• Develop strong, collegial relationships and maintain a network with key external partners and stakeholders to identify and facilitate opportunities for the University to participate in international research.
• Work across the University and affiliated institutes to foster international research.
• Accountable for quickly establishing credibility within the university environment.  The AVP IR must gain input across the organization and ensure individuals feel and are part of the process. Importantly, the AVP will become known for providing sound advice and guidance for international research and collaboration and for furthering the agendas of the various internal stakeholders in the context of a consistent University position.
• Share information on plans and issues encountered by teams in the AVP portfolio with the VPRI executive leadership team as part of maintaining coordination and consistent approaches across all OVPRI units.

• In consultation with the Vice-Provost International and Faculties, develop short and long-term strategic plans for institutional international initiatives, and in accordance with university goals and objectives.
• Provide strategic guidance to the portfolio team to ensure attainment of planned objectives, effective administration and delivery of services, and consistent application of policies and procedures.
• Cultivate strategic research alliances with private and public sector entities.
• Work with communications professionals to promote and encourage the timely coverage of the University’s achievements in international research.

• Set the overall direction and development of strategic planning for portofolion teams.
• Provide leadership and guidance to management team and staff on issues relating to research administration based on expert knowledge of University and sponsor policies and procedures.
• Develop cost-effective and efficient business processes and procedures, ensuring that administrative practices are consistent with established OVPRI portfolio and University norms, and are appropriately communicated to staff.
• Cultivate and nurture positive, productive relationships with internal parties (e.g., OVPRI colleagues, Deans, Vice-Deans, Professors and Faculty administrative staff) and external parties (e.g., representatives of other research institutions and international partners).
• Provide direction and guidance on strategies and tactics for the development of international research agreements.

• Full managerial authority over the staff in the work unit/group.
• Define duties and responsibilities of staff including defining hours of work, the schedules of work, and the methods and techniques of work. 
• Determine work assignments for staff based on understanding of needs, individual skills, project requirements and availability of resources.
• Ensure projects and tasks are completed on schedule and that institutional standards and policies are followed.
• Discuss performance with employees, provide feedback and address performance related issues. Consult with HR and the VPRI when dealing with serious issues that affect employment relationships.
• Guide Faculty staff by providing the necessary directions and training to complete project work, based on knowledge of Faculty procedures and specialized expertise.
• Recommend training courses, seminars and conferences for staff to update and enhance their skills and knowledge.
• Manage conflict between staff members.

• Senior leadership in uOttawa President and VP offices, Faculties and Services: Deans, Vice-Deans, Professors, Research Advisors.
• Senior leadership members from affiliated research hospitals, their research institutes and their researchers.
• OVPRI leadership, management and staff; leaders and staff of other central service offices.

• Extensive network of contacts from government and international research organizations, to explore the development and funding of international research collaborations and partnerships.
• Represents the Vice-President, Research and Innovation and the University of Ottawa on organizations and Boards relevant to international research.
• Serves as a senior University representative in the greeting and hosting of various international delegations in the promotion of research and collaborations.  Provides leadership, input and support of international research initiatives.
• Representatives of research institutions, research partners and sponsors, in Canada and abroad.
• Support and represent the University in international engagements as determined by the VPRI.

• A PhD is required.
• Professional knowledge of French and English.
• Extensive knowledge pf the international research ecosystem.

• Minimum ten (10) years of experience in research, administration and knowledge mobilization in an academic setting.
• Experience with management in a unionized environment. Demonstrated knowledge of university policies and procedures is a must.

• Computer and application literacy; including the usage of artificial intelligence tools. 

• Superior oral and written communication in both French and English, organizational, interpersonal, decision-making and analytical skills.
• Demonstrated effective leadership, motivational and planning abilities.
• Excellent tact, judgment and discretion. Ability to be comfortable, credible and persuasive within academic, industrial, government or business environments; broad experience dealing with academia, business/industry.
• Ability to interpret and evaluate policy and procedural requirements.; ability to initiate, build and nurture international research partnerships.

The position is for a renewable five (5) years term, pending suitable performance.

Salary is with the CA05 scale and commensurate with experience

The University of Ottawa is committed to ensuring equity, diversity, and inclusion in the scholarly and leadership environments of our students, staff, and faculty. Accordingly, we strongly encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples in Canada, visible minorities members (racialized persons), persons with disabilities, women, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with equitable, diverse, and inclusive communities. Candidates who wish to be considered as a member of one or more designated groups are asked to complete the confidential Self-Identification Questionnaire, to be completed at the time of application.

All qualified candidates are invited to apply; however, preference will be given to Canadians and permanent residents. When submitting your application, please indicate if you are legally entitled to work in Canada

The University of Ottawa provides accommodations for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you are invited to proceed in the selection process, please notify us of any accommodations that you require by contacting the Office of the Vice-Provost, Faculty Relations by email at vra.affairesprofessorales@uottawa.ca. Any information you send us will be handled respectfully and in complete confidence.

The University of Ottawa is proud of its 160-year tradition of bilingualism. Through its Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute, the University provides training to staff members and to their spouses in their second official language.

Prior to May 1, 2022, the University required all students, faculty, staff, and visitors (including contractors) to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 as defined in Policy 129 – Covid-19 Vaccination. This policy was suspended effective May 1, 2022 but may be reinstated at any point in the future depending on public health guidelines and the recommendations of experts.