Global Partnership & Protocol Officer, VP International Operations

We would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the traditional territories of the people of the Treaty 7 region in Southern Alberta. The City of Calgary is also home to Métis Nation of Alberta, Region III.

Position Overview

VP International Operations is currently seeking a Full-time Regular Global Partnership & Protocol Officer.

The Global Partnership & Protocol Officer reports to the Manager, Global Partnerships, and works directly with the Intercultural and International Affairs Protocol Specialist to support event coordination, incoming delegations and outgoing missions, including logistics and protocol. They will also assist the Global Partnership and Affairs team with agreements as required. They will perform activities requiring a high level of attention to technical detail, protocol, and etiquette, interacting with administration, academic units, and faculty members at UCalgary and around the world. The functions of preparing for visiting delegations and outgoing missions along with communication to stakeholders regarding partnership agreements are closely linked and require careful coordination and attention as well as collaboration with team members. They will work as part of a team providing a holistic approach to the partnerships and protocol area.

Position Description

Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):

Support Delegations, Missions, and Events 

• Communication and logistics:
  • Support and participate in protocol activities as related to global partnerships, delegations, and visits.
  • Work with Team to consult with faculties and administrative units to ensure their interests are represented in missions and visits and coordinate their involvement.
  • Ensure that meetings for incoming delegations and outgoing missions are organized and communicated effectively with both internal and external participants.
  • Prepare materials and documents in a timely manner ensuring accuracy, consistency, a professional image, and completeness of information.
  • Missions, Delegations and Events are planned from start to finish according to the requirements, target audience and objectives.
• Research and reporting:
  • Conduct background research as required in preparation for meetings.
  • Research and compile data for country reports and briefing notes as required.
  • Prepare institutional/organizational reports to brief and provide background to institutional decision makers on historical linkages between UCalgary and a specific institution/organization.
  • In collaboration with Intercultural and International Affairs Protocol Specialist, compile information to prepare cultural protocol documents for events, delegations, and missions.
  • In collaboration with the Team and using data from various reports, create the initial draft for briefing documents.
  • Review existing information and materials with new eyes to critique and offer suggestions and will conduct research and write background reports for new materials.
• Administrative:
  • This position plays a key role in updating projects and assignments in MS Tasks and to ensure that projects are moving forward in a timely manner.
  • Input information delegations, events and missions into calendars, MoveOn and other documentation as required.
  • Create and maintain files, including regular archiving in accordance with protocol within the share drive that support events, delegations, and missions, ensuring a high level of accuracy.
  • Support planning, implementation and evaluation of missions, delegations, and events.
  • Provide administrative support to the Director and Manager for projects as required.

Partnership Management and Agreements 

• Develop and maintain long-term, trustworthy, and productive working relationships with all stakeholders, including University faculty members, University departments, foundations, government departments and agencies, as well as partner institutions. This may require leading meetings with faculty members, global partners or making group presentations to other departments.
• Identify and assess opportunities for collaboration or partnerships for the University with international institutions and agencies, and facilitate the communication, negotiation, development, and maintenance of activities and projects that meet internationalization goals and internal capacity.
• Review and assess requests for new agreements and renewals in accordance with the Global Engagement Plan, and University academic policies and procedures.
• Prepare, coordinate and draft institutional agreements related to partnerships including MOUs, exchanges, and agreements which promote overseas programs and opportunities for designated faculties.

Qualifications / Requirements:

• A university degree in a related discipline.
• 3-5 years of experience in a relevant field.
• Previous experience in international education and/or international relations in academic institutions.
• Experience in project management and the ability to critically think and problem solve.
• Excellent computer skills: Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access); internet/web and email.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong cross-cultural communication skills.
• Previous experience navigating intercultural situations.
• Knowledge of cultural and diplomatic protocol, etiquette, and customs.
• Attention to detail is essential.
• Ability to manage multiple often competing priorities.
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal communication skills.
• Knowledge of University structures, policies, and procedures.
• Experience with drafting legal agreements, contract development and negotiation would be an asset.

Application Deadline:  October 28, 2022

We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.

Additional Information

This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Specialist/Advisor Job Family, Phase 2.

To find out more about management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary and all we have to offer, view our Management and Staff Careers website . 

The University strongly recommends all faculty and staff are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

About the University of Calgary

The University of Calgary is Canada’s leading next-generation university – a living, growing and youthful institution that embraces change and opportunity with a can-do attitude. Located in the nation’s most enterprising city, the university is making tremendous progress on its Eyes High journey to be recognized as one of Canada’s top five research universities, grounded in innovative learning and teaching and fully integrated with the community it both serves and leads. The University of Calgary inspires and supports discovery, creativity and innovation across all disciplines. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca .

The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy in line with the foundational goals of Eyes High , committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.

As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion ([email protected] ) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources ([email protected] ).

We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.