Job Description / Duties

The Advisor, Student Safety Abroad & Group Study Programs is responsible for the development, evaluation and implementation of protocol, procedure and programs that promote safer and transformative student learning abroad and for managing all aspects of group study programs, including call for programs, program development, budgets and awards, coordination with the teaching faculty member(s), training and coaching of teaching faculty members as needed, design and facilitation of pre-departure and return activity and advising and selection of students. This role will require working evenings and weekends when essential.

Reporting to the Director Go Global, the Advisor, Student Safety Abroad & Group Study Program works directly with students, faculty members and staff in the development and implementation of programs. The incumbent works with the Director, Go Global, toward the achievement of established strategic goals and objectives. Supervises student staff and volunteers on various projects and provides direction specific to Student Safety Abroad and GSP tasks to the Student and International Program Staff.

Responsibilities:

Safety Abroad
• Implements Student Safety Abroad and procedures in accordance with UBC policy.
• Liaises with faculties, departments, programs, student organizations that sponsor out-of-country student programs and advises on managing risk associated with international activities.
• Advises on the safety and learning aspects when planning international learning that may be impacted by particular circumstances (disability, sexual orientation, gender, religion, ethnicity, etc.) and the program location.
• Oversees the planning and coordination, including delivery, of student safety abroad pre-departure sessions and online learning modules.
• Ensures on-going support, including out-of-country assistance, for students participating in university activity abroad.
• Monitors Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade and Health Canada information for changes in risk ratings and as needed monitors media, other government and multilateral agency information as related to safety and risk abroad.
• Plays a key role in the university’s management of and response to emergencies.
• Oversees maintenance of the safety abroad registry and website; ensures training and support to staff/faculty updating program information; promote the use of the database amongst various divisions.
• Identifies areas where new learning support and new modes of learning support may be required and works with the Go Global and faculty-based teams to lead/provide this training.

Group Study Programs
• Develops multiple programs with faculty to shape the student learning experience abroad, designs, implements evaluates programs and writes final program reports.
• Provides training and coaching to faculty members for experiential learning, students’ intercultural development and effective group management. Develops and implements student recruitment and selection strategy and coordinates and participates in adjudicating of student awards.
• Advises on suitability of program options and financial planning, designs and facilitates pre-departure and return sessions, supports students prior, during and post project and liaises and advocates with UBC staff, faculty and partner universities on behalf of students.
• Ensures information about the program is current and positioned to the different audiences and maintains information on financial awards and assistance available through the program.
• Manages information within the Go Global database, GSP program registration, and payments.

Qualifications / Required Skills

Undergraduate degree (Masters Degree preferred) in a related discipline and a minimum of four years related-experience in a post-secondary environment, preferably in a study abroad or international office. Knowledge of current Canadian laws and best practices pertaining to international activities. Experience in: student advising, curriculum development and working with university policy and regulations governing study abroad; budgeting, financial systems and resource coordination. Experience in using web-based interfaces and databases is preferred.

Skills & Abilities
• Ability to work effectively with diverse communities of students and promote inclusion; strong interpersonal skills and intercultural sensitivity; guides intercultural development opportunities.
• Strong service provision and diplomacy skills,
• Ability to prioritize work, deal with multiple demands, and time-sensitive pressure,
• Ability to exercise sound judgement, to deal with matters of extreme sensitivity and confidentiality,
• Proven ability to design and facilitate educational workshops,
• Ability to manage multi-faceted projects with input from a wide range of stakeholders.
• Demonstrated proactive approach to program implementation and problem solving
• Demonstrated commitment to optimization of work efficiency and rationalization of procedures,
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English. Further language abilities an asset.

Additional Information

UBC hires on the basis of merit and is committed to employment equity. All qualified persons are encouraged to apply. We especially welcome applications from members of visible minority groups, women, Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, and others with the skills and knowledge to engage productively with diverse communities. Canadians and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority.

Salary: $56,291.00 - $67,577.00 (Annual)

Contact Information

Please submit a resume and cover letter by May 3, 2013 at UBC e-Recruit www.hr.ubc.ca/careers. The full role description is posted on the site. UBC provides competitive salaries, health benefits, pension plan, and professional development opportunities. Review “What we Offer” on the Career site for details.

Questions, expressions of interest, or applications after May 3 can be directed to Katherine Beaumont, Director, Go Global: International Learning Programs, katherine.beaumont@ubc.ca, 604.822.9613.

Employer Profile

Go Global is a key resource at UBC that develops and facilitates international learning through academic exchange, group study programs, research abroad and other inbound and outbound learning abroad opportunities. Go Global programs offer students transformative, experiential learning opportunities that promote global awareness and meaningful engagement, academic, career and personal development and intercultural cultural understanding. Go Global also administers over $1.4 million in international learning awards and manages the Student Safety Abroad Policy. This position is located at the UBC Campus in Vancouver BC.