Advisor, Research Personnel

at  Concordia University

Position Number: 50013277 /
Department: Office of the Vice-President, Research and Graduate Studies
Grade: GR12
Campus: Sir George Williams (Downtown)
Salary: $74,676.27 - $89,200.55 per annum
Union/Association/HR Policy: CUPEU
Posting deadline: September 11, 2024
Recognized as Canada’s top university under the age of 50, and one of Montreal’s top Employers, Concordia University is the place to be if you are looking to grow, contribute and innovate in a dynamic and multicultural environment.
Be part of a community that addresses society’s big challenges, supports your personal and professional growth, and makes a real impact in building a more sustainable world.
As a member of our community, you will have access to comprehensive benefits, a defined pension plan and numerous on site well-being facilities such as a state of the art gym and health clinic as well as a variety of educational and cultural opportunities.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in industrial relations or in a field related to the primary responsibilities with four to seven years of pertinent work experience in an advisory capacity, as well as in handling and applying policies and/or collective agreements in an academic or research setting.

• Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) Designation or Canadian Industrial Relations Association (C.I.R.A) is considered an asset.

• Very good spoken and written English (Level 5) and good written and spoken French (Level 4) for the crafting of correspondence as well as the provision and interpretation of detailed information; ability to deal with complex situations in both official languages

• Advanced knowledge of Word (to create, edit, format, and merge documents), Excel (to manage lists, to create complex spreadsheets, input and update information, perform calculations, and manipulate data), and Access (to perform queries). Good knowledge of Outlook (to schedule meetings and share calendars) and PowerPoint (to create presentations)
• Superior organizational skills and ability to multitask; ability to work and collaborate in a team environment; ability to work autonomously based on a profound understanding of decanal preferences
• Strong ability to exercise initiative, discretion, tact, judgment, and diplomacy in all interactions associated with the function of this position. Keen awareness of political and cultural sensitivities required
• Experience with a human resources information system and experience in a unionized environment are considered assets.
• Meticulous attention to detail
• Excellent communication skills

Due to the volume of applications, only selected candidates will be contacted by our Talent Team.
Concordia University is an English-language institution of higher learning at which the primary language of instruction and research is English. Since this position supports academic and administrative functions of the university, proficiency in English and French, as indicated, is required.

TERRITORIAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Concordia University is located on unceded Indigenous lands. The Kanien’kehá:ka Nation is recognized as the custodians of the lands and waters on which we gather today. Tiohtià:ke/Montreal is historically known as a gathering place for many First Nations. Today, it is home to a diverse population of Indigenous and other peoples. We respect the continued connections with the past, present and future in our ongoing relationships with Indigenous and other peoples within the Montreal community.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Advise and guide the research community, the Office of Research, Faculty research administrators, and other administrative units, as appropriate, on administrative processes under the CARE and CREW-RA collective agreements, e.g. position classification and salary, posting and hiring; vacation; training; and termination etc.; provide appropriate guidance and advice related to processes for hiring non-unionized research personnel as well as Mitacs-funded students.
• In collaboration with the relevant unit, provide guidance and information to researchers and administrative units on issues related to research personnel such as post-doctoral and affiliate appointments as well as Research and emeriti professors under the CUFA collective agreement and re-direct to the appropriate unit for any required resolution of outstanding issues.
• Verify, validate and, in collaboration with the Office of the Provost and Human Resources, manage exceptions for CARE, CREW-RA, and non-unionized research personnel contracts processed through FRIS.
• In collaboration with Employee and Labour Relations and Legal Counsel work to pre-empt, respond to, and resolve CARE grievances. Draft responses and document, where appropriate, grievances, complaints, appeals and arbitration dossiers, in consultation with HR, liaise with Researchers and Offices and when appropriate, respond on their behalf.
• Provide training to researchers and related staff on research personnel processes, participate in training sessions and/or workshops conducted by other units.
• Assess and advise researchers on status of Post Doctoral Fellows, Research and emeriti professors and affiliate appointments with respect to funding program requirements and the University’s policies/requirements regarding eligibility to conduct research.
• Coordinate University Research Committee processes and dossiers related to research chairs; prepare and distribute related correspondence.
• Maintain a thorough knowledge of appointments (affiliate appointments, LTAs, ETAs, new hires, Research appointments, etc.) and status changes (Sabbatical and Leaves) to advise OOR and Faculty research administrators as to eligibility for funding applications.
• Support the preparations of relevant collective agreement negotiations and participate in the revision of other policies.
• Respond to requests from senior administrators and departments related to research personnel administrative processes.
• In collaboration with the Manager, VPRII Operations, coordinate the Concordia Undergraduate Student Research Award (CUSRA) program and external agency award programs; liaise with Financial Aid and Awards on payment processes; provide guidance to supervisors and awardees.
• Undertake other duties as required.

• Bachelor’s degree in industrial relations or in a field related to the primary responsibilities with four to seven years of pertinent work experience in an advisory capacity, as well as in handling and applying policies and/or collective agreements in an academic or research setting.

• Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) Designation or Canadian Industrial Relations Association (C.I.R.A) is considered an asset