International Partnership Specialist

at  Western University

ABOUT US

Western International’s mission is to direct and support the University’s international strategy, while acting as a resource to faculties and departments across the Western community.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• Undergraduate Degree in Business, Public Administration, International Relations, Education or related field
• Master’s Degree preferred

Experience:

• 3 years’ experience managing projects in an international education environment
• Experience drafting agreements, contracts and/or other legally-binding documents and facilitating related negotiations
• Cross-cultural and/or international overseas experience is preferred
• Previous experience working with a culturally diverse client base preferred

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• An understanding of the International Education environment in Canada and abroad, particularly within higher education
• Knowledge of best practices for assessing, developing and implementing new business processes and procedures
• An understanding of legal terms and contract language, with the ability to identify and assess risk
• Familiarity with project management tools and resources
• Knowledge of post-secondary programs, protocols and processes related to international education
• Strong attention to detail and organizational ability to manage multiple versions of agreements and ensure all changes/feedback are incorporated in final documents
• Strong client service orientation and commitment to excellence in serving partners and stakeholders
• Cross-cultural knowledge, understanding, and competency with an ability to interact and work effectively with people from different cultures and backgrounds
• Ability to effectively drive and manage change initiatives that align with organizational strategies and/or provide opportunities to increase efficiency
• Ability to collaborate across internal and external boundaries to meet common objectives, improve outcomes and support work beyond one’s own unit
• Compelling and persuasive communication skills to engage individuals and teams inside and outside the University
• Ability to ensure confidentiality and privacy is maintained through the appropriate retention and destruction of information
• Ability to provide solutions and ideas for improvement by using imaginative approaches where constructive thinking and innovation are required
• Ability to understand customer needs and expectations and provide excellent customer service to directly and indirectly satisfy expectations
• Ability to make decisions and recommendations that are clearly linked to the organization’s strategy and goals
• Ability and willingness to stay abreast of technological developments
• A well-defined sense of diplomacy, including solid negotiation and conflict resolution skills
• Ability to quickly re-allocate resources and adjust priorities in response to unexpected events or changing circumstances
• Intermediate computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to search within and outside the formal boundaries of the organization for innovative ways to improve work
• Interpersonal skills to seek out and build relationships with supported units, clients, and other stakeholders to improve service delivery
• Ability to anticipate new trends and identify opportunities to promote the long term goals of the University
• Ability to work independently and effectively as a member of the team to achieve department goals
• Familiarity with University policies and procedures preferred

The International Partnership Specialist provides support for the day-to-day liaison, coordination and implementation of international partnership activities, under the direction of the Director. The role provides subject matter expertise on international academic partnerships in order to facilitate the development of impactful, strategic partnerships across the University. The International Partnership Specialist implements international partnership strategies that will enable Western to achieve its strategic global engagement objectives and is accountable to oversee international partnership functions and processes, and to ensure consistency and best practices are followed. The position will focus on international partnerships with a view to researching, vetting, developing, supporting negotiations and drafting agreements, in collaboration with leaders and support units at Western; reporting on partnership activity; developing briefing materials for inbound and outbound missions; and, managing, implementing and evaluating strategies to increase the number of international partnership agreements opportunities at Western.
The International Partnership Specialist will ensure that agreements with international partners are designed, executed, and evaluated appropriately. The role will provide centralized support, ensuring appropriate resources and controls are in place to manage risks, and will review current processes, identify opportunities, participate in the development of policies and regulations related to partnerships, and make suggestions for the continual improvement of processes for the programs. The International Partnership Specialist will liaise and collaborate with the campus community and international partners to ensure smooth delivery of programs and services in support of strategic partnerships as outlined in Western’s strategic plans.