Research Projects Coordinator

Job Summary:

In accordance with the Mission, Vision and Values, and strategic directions of Provincial Health Services Authority patient and employee safety is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at PHSA, and as such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position.
Reporting to the Leader or designate and working within the context of a research culture and in accordance with established policies and procedures, vision and values of PHSA, the Research Projects Coordinator works in collaboration with senior scientists and Principal Investigators (PI’s) to manage various projects and grants with a PHSA Research Centre or Entity. The Research Projects Coordinator assists in establishing budgets and milestones for various projects and grants and develops strategies to monitor the progress of projects to ensure project objectives and milestones are met. The Research Projects Coordinator also reviews and evaluates project management methods and makes recommendations to improve efficiency. This position utilizes analytical thinking and strong project management skills to accurately evaluate the project as it relates to the Centre or Entity and multiple stakeholders and to coordinate effective implementation of solutions among departments. The Research Projects Coordinator supervises students and orients staff to project management processes and procedures as required.

Duties/Accountabilities:

• Contributes to the development of budgets for research proposals and projects in collaboration with the Leader or designate; monitors expenditures for assigned projects, grants and core activities to ensure that funds are spent as planned and within budget and that project objectives are achieved. Provides updated budget summary/milestone information and prepares written progress reports with the Leader or designate for projects, grants and collaborations.
• Establishes procedures to ensure that objectives for assigned projects, grants and core activities are met. Researches project management methodologies, tools and techniques for application in assigned projects.
• Provides direction and advice throughout the project lifespan at all levels of the Centre/Entity and on multiple projects and programs; participates in initiatives in project management research, methodology, design, planning, implementation, integration, evaluation and ongoing monitoring.
• Identifies, problem solves, and works to remove barriers to successful project completion, with emphasis on resolving issues and facilitating collaborative relationships on assigned projects across departments, collaborators, funding agencies and external stakeholders. Identifies interdependencies between various groups and projects within the Centre/Entity and facilitates communication among task groups.
• Evaluates whether project objectives/milestones are met in consultation with the department heads and leaders and identifies discrepancies for the attention of the Leader or designate. Recommends strategies and develops plans in collaboration with project leaders to resolve project efficiency issues where required.
• Provides work direction to study clerks and other study staff, students, trainees and staff as required. Provides feedback on performance and orients new staff within assigned projects.
• Liaises with grant/core agencies and collaborators on project objectives and scientific issues and refers strategic issues to the Leader as required.

Qualifications:

A level of education, training, and experience equivalent to completion of a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university in Science or Business Administration plus a minimum of three (3) years of recent related experience in project management and/or a research development management role and/or certification as a Project Management Professional.
Broad knowledge of project design, methodologies, developing and managing project strategies, evaluation and monitoring, project management principles, and multiple project interaction and integration. Demonstrated ability to manage multiple resource intense projects within a fast paced environment. Demonstrated organizational, analytical and decision-making skills. Excellent ability to organize work and communicate effectively. Excellent communication skills both verbal and written. Demonstrated computer literacy (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project). Ability to work under pressure of deadlines. Ability to accept responsibility and work independently. Demonstrated ability to exercise initiative and independent judgment in the performance of duties.