Project Administration (Research) (Grant-funded Opportunity)
Duties and Responsibilities:
Project Overview: Unlocking Sustainable Solutions for Employment and Entrepreneurship: Empowering African Youth Through Indigenous Knowledge
The systematic marginalization of the valuable insights and wisdom of Indigenous communities across Africa have led to missed opportunities for sustainable growth and development. Embracing the enduring wisdom of Indigenous traditions and their forward-thinking applications, this project aims to connect researchers, Indigenous knowledge keepers, and Indigenous youth across Africa to address questions related to youth unemployment and entrepreneurship. This partnership will build on our successful first partnership, which initiated a series of trust-building processes with potential partners, undertook a general mapping of the literature on Indigenous knowledge and entrepreneurship in marginalized communities in Africa, convened an international conference on Indigenous knowledge and youth entrepreneurship, and formed the Africa Indigenous Knowledge Research Network (AIKRN) – a network of university research centers, Indigenous institutions and Indigenous communities and NGOs that currently spans across Benin Republic, Botswana, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, and Uganda (https://africaindigenousresearch.com/)
Through this second partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, we seek to help formalize and further strengthen the Africa Indigenous Knowledge Research Network (AIKRN). By taking a decolonial approach focused on the co-creation of knowledge through direct engagement with communities, this project will help promote the sustainability of the network, reinforce existing initiatives on the application of Indigenous knowledge on sustainable livelihoods, and also help preserve and amplify Indigenous knowledge while identifying promising areas for youth entrepreneurship and employment in various sectors.
Position Overview:
Carleton University’s Institute of African Studies is seeking to generate insights into how Indigenous knowledge can be used to unlock opportunities in entrepreneurship and livelihood in marginalized communities in Africa. This project is guided by the value of facilitating authentic community-based research that encourages the co-creation and co-construction of knowledge with African Indigenous youth, Elders, scholars, and other stakeholders. To accomplish this, we seek applications for the position of Project Administrator (Research) to support the activities of the research initiative. The position will be based in Carleton University and will work closely with the Principal Investigator, to ensure that the project fulfils its mandate and objectives and its commitment to African Indigenous entrepreneurs, community members and organizations. Reporting to the Principal Investigator, the Project Administrator (Research) position is responsible for providing essential administrative support.
Key Accountabilities
Administrative
• represents the unit by serving as its initial interface with stakeholders via email, phone, or in-person.
• provides administrative support to the research initiative.
• coordinates and schedule meetings of the research initiative of the Principal Investigator
• facilitates travel/expense support for the research initiatives of the Principal Investigator
• maintains the general office filing system in both physical and electronic forms.
• writes and formats documents including acknowledgments, reports and/or confidential correspondence in support of the research initiatives of the Principal Investigator.
• contacts and coordinates with other departments on campus and in Africa when required.
• schedules and coordinates meetings and prepare minutes.
Event Coordination
• manages event coordination, such as conferences and workshop in collaboration with other partners in Africa and Canada including preparing a budget, contracting services and ensuring the visibility of the website
• provides support on planning, organizing, and promoting research initiative projects and/or events including the compilation of invitation lists, preparing mailings, personalized letters, compiling RSVPs, preparing name tags, booking venues/meeting rooms, catering orders, coordinates room and equipment booking and assists at events
Qualifications:
The incumbent must possess the following qualifications:
Core Knowledge
• knowledge of the lived experiences of Indigenous community members and organizations
• knowledge of building and maintaining network relationships with stakeholders across public, private, not-for-profit, community service providers, advocacy groups and academic institutions
• excellent multi-tasking, time management, written, verbal and digital communication skills
• office productivity software and databases, internet browsers and search engines, discipline-specific software, enterprise software, and technology devices
• Strong organization and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work accurately, and to problem solve methodological or technical issues that arise during the course of the research.
• ability to interpret and identify key results from research and succinctly summarize findings in plain language in a range of outputs (slide decks, written reports, and other formats) tailored for varied diverse audiences
• Oral and written communication skills to discuss and document research progress.
• Ability to work independently, or in team settings.
• Displays strong initiative, establishing personal goals and taking responsibility for meeting them within defined timeline.
• ability to pay meticulous attention to detail and produce consistently high quality and trustworthy work
• knowledge of the geography and research ecosystem in Africa is an asset
Skills
• excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• strong organization and administrative skills; must have the ability to organize work effectively in a fast-paced office environment, set priorities and meet strict deadlines with minimal supervision.
• accuracy and attention to detail in all aspects of work is essential
• excellent time management skills and the ability to prioritize work.
• ability to act with discretion, tact and diplomacy when dealing with staff, faculty, partners, colleagues, and the public.
• demonstrated experience working in a highly collegial, team environment.
• demonstrated excellence in customer service including experience working in a public service area
Education and Experience:
The above is normally acquired through the completion of:
Experience
• one to two years of relevant administrative experience and project coordination experience
• demonstrated project management experience
Education
• minimum of successful completion of an administrative diploma program or related discipline from a recognized college or post-secondary educational institution or equivalent. Equivalencies will be considered.
HR Note:
Equivalencies will be considered. Applicants are encouraged to provide information which may demonstrate equivalent qualifications. Please note that applicants may be required to complete an employment test as part of the selection process for this position. Those applicants that are selected for an interview will be requested to contact the Human Resource Advisor assigned to this competition as soon as possible to discuss any accommodation requirements. Arrangements will be made to accommodate your request in a timely manner. Carleton University is strongly committed to fostering diversity within its community as a source of excellence, cultural enrichment, and social strength. We welcome those who would contribute to the further diversification of our University including, but not limited to: women; visible minorities; First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples; persons with disabilities; and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expressions.