International Transition Advisor
University of British Columbia
- Vancouver, BC
- Permanent
- Temps-partiel
International Student Development (ISD) supports international and refugee students at UBC to thrive and facilitates international learning opportunities on campus for all students.The International Transition Advisor develops, implements and evaluates innovative, responsive and professional programs and advising to support and retain World University Service of Canada (WUSC) scholars and other students from international pathways at UBC. The Advisor promotes a welcoming and supportive campus environment so that WUSC and other student refugees can be fully engaged members of the University community and promotes successful resettlement and integration for refugee youth. The Advisor works effectively with students, staff, faculty and community partners to foster student wellbeing, leadership capacity, professional development and engaged learning among program participants over the course of their time at UBC.Organizational StatusUBC is committed to refugee supports and recognizes the deeply interconnected relationships of the world. WUSC’s Student Refugee Program (SRP) combines resettlement with opportunities for higher education and empowers refugee youth to continue their education in a safe and supportive environment at UBC. This role acts as the permanent/ongoing staff member providing oversight to a student-led initiative, ensuring continuity, stability, professional oversight and institutional memory while coordinating multiple stakeholders to provide seamless admission, immigration, transition and integration for this vulnerable student population.Works independently to manage the WUSC Scholars Program including advising and program development. The International Transition Advisor reports to the Program Director, Global Campus Initiatives and works as a member of the ISD team within the division of Student Affairs . The incumbent provides significant leadership and management to volunteers on a number of projects and events.The incumbent takes on leadership roles in cross-functional team projects. The incumbent works collaboratively within Student Affairs; and with the International Student Experience (ISE), faculties, the student government (AMS/GSS), Enrolment Services, other units within the Vice President, Students portfolio, departments across the University as well as the local settlement community.Work PerformedStudent Advising and Support:Provide advising to students with cultural sensitivity and trauma-informed approaches to advising and support students who have experienced trauma or conflict, including providing appropriate referrals to on-campus and off-campus services.Work closely with academic programs to conduct research and analysis on the academic needs of scholars. Providing key insight into the refugee context and building steps to support the student’s overall wellness and academic goals.Develop, deliver and evaluate programming throughout the year to support the transition of students to the UBC community and Greater Vancouver area, including developing programming around key yearly activities and topics such as Orientation, counselling and wellness, career planning, mentorship, and community building.Manage complex student cases, liaising with campus and community partners, build working relationship with WUSC partner schools in the Greater Vancouver area to support students in their resettlement and transition in Canada.Work closely with students and campus partners to identify gaps in support services and to develop leadership and mentorship programming to support student’s long-term career and personal goals.Administration:Provide day-to-day management of the WUSC Program, budget and reporting, as well as act as the primary institutional contact for the World University Services of Canada head office.Work closely with UBC Administration, WUSC Local Committee and UBC Alma Mater Society to ensure program sustainability and increase the awareness of refugee and international development issues in the campus community.Manage the Intent to Sponsor process, ensuring that IRCC and WUSC regulations are maintained, chair the annual admission committee, and provide key insight for complex admissions and placement processes to partners such as UBC Admissions and Faculty.Other duties assigned.Consequence of Error/Judgement
Failure to comply with IRCC regulations in regards to the sponsorship of refugees may result in UBC losing its status as a constituent group of the World University Service of Canada. It may also lead to severe repercussions for refugees, including loss of status as a protected person in Canada. Providing incomplete or inaccurate information to students can have a devastating impact on UBC’s ability to recruit and retain students and severely damage UBC’s international reputation. Inaccurate information given to students may lead to grave consequences, such as depriving students of the chance to enter, remain in, or study in Canada legally. Lack of judgment and persistence in handling student’s personal situations, including broader crisis management issues, may result in significant distress for students. Lack of intercultural sensitivity can also cause serious misunderstanding and/or hardship for students, faculty and staff. Poor management of staff or volunteers may lead to inefficiency, discontentment or grievances.Supervision Received
Working under the direction the Manager, International Student Experience and as an integral member of the International Student Development team, the incumbent acts independently and exercises considerable judgment and innovation in working with students, faculty and staff.Supervision GivenMay supervise professional and student staff directly and manage numerous volunteers on various projects. Responsible for developmental evaluation of professional and student staff. Responsible for on-going mentoring and professional development of student leaders and staff.Minimum Qualifications
Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline. Minimum of three to four years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.- Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own
- Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusionPreferred QualificationsMaster's degree preferred.
Experience working at the post-secondary level directly with students who are new to their country of study.
Experience dealing with issues relating to immigrant youth, international students, or refugee youth.
Experience in program assessment and evaluation.
Overseas work/study experience preferred.
Experience with academic coaching and counseling preferred.
Knowledge of theories of intercultural communication, international development, social justice, cross-cultural counseling and student development preferred.
Experience in international development, public engagement and non-profit organizations is an asset.Excellent intercultural sensitivity, interpersonal skills, tact and diplomacy.Excellent computer skills.Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.Ability to work effectively in teams and to develop effective working relationships with students, faculty, staff and community members.Ability to manage the complexity inherent within a multi-faceted work environment focused on broad outcomes for students.Expertise in designing and delivering educational workshops and managing large events.Knowledge Required
- University services and programs that center on leadership, mentoring, transition and academic support that aid in student success.
- University systems such as the SISC, OAMS to support student advising.
- Undergraduate advising offices as well as graduate program coordinators in order to provide guidance, support and recommendations to Scholars and colleagues.
- Refugee sponsorship models in Canada in order to support the WUSC local committee in meeting their requirements as private sponsors.
- Research and current trends related to the refugee experience, intercultural refugee engagement strategies and best practices in resettlement and integration.
- Settlement sector in Greater Vancouver and the services available in order to provide effective referrals to refugee students based on their status (government assisted, blended or privately sponsored refugees, asylum seekers).
- WUSC and UBC admissions cycles to coordinate and negotiate the admission and relocation of students from their country of asylum to UBC with WUSC, and various campus partners.
- Immigration information related to international students and protected people.
- Available degree programs to support students in accessing academic and co-curricular opportunities.
- Appropriate and effective supports for students from the Global South.
- Trauma-informed approaches to advising and supports available to students who have experienced trauma or conflict.