Flax Fibre to Fabric: An Innovative Transition Design Framework for Sustainable Agriculture Value-Chains is a multidisciplinary, collaborative project, funded from 15 May 2024 to 14 April 2028, that aims to broaden traditional networks of agricultural research partners, mobilizing the social sciences, natural and applied sciences, and humanities. Under the leadership of Professor Jennifer Green (NSCAD University), the primary goal of the research is to develop an operational fibre flax value chain that mitigates GHG emissions, contributes to a net-zero economy, and supports socio-cultural resilience through regional economic development and marketable value-added products.
This project is comprised of five research streams including craft, agronomy, architecture and engineering, economics, and environmental evaluation and life cycle assessment and takes a unique approach to meeting SARI's three research objectives. It will 1) support fundamental and applied research to develop a technical path to a more sustainable and resilient agricultural sector in a net-zero economy; 2) develop metrics to better understand and report on environment and climate impacts of different production systems, specifically establishing metrics for sustainable fibre flax production; and 3) improve methods to transfer science and technology knowledge effectively to the agricultural sector with a view to accelerate change by developing methodologies for knowledge gathering, sharing, and implementation.
Position Summary
This position is funded through a four year, $3.2M SSHRC-NSERC Sustainable Agriculture Research Initiative grant, administered through NSCAD University's Office of Academic Affairs and Research. Working closely with the Applicant, Co-Applicants, and industry partners, the Project Manager (PM) will be responsible for advancing the work of a multidisciplinary research team and will be instrumental in ensuring project success. The PM will liaise with research offices at NSCAD University, Dalhousie University, Acadia University, and the University of Waterloo, and serve as the central point of contact for researchers, facilitating the efforts and activities of faculty members, student research assistants, and industry partners. Responsibilities will encompass coordinating multiple research streams by ensuring that individual streams have clear project plans linked with the overarching project objectives, and establishing and monitoring timelines, milestones, and deliverables. The Project Manager will work with the Applicant and Co-Applicants to coordinate joint meetings, events, and travel among the overarching streams. The PM will manage budgets, analyze expenses, perform reconciliation at monthly intervals, ensure adequate organization of financial documents and carry out financial reporting. They will understand the roles and responsibilities of each team member, support positive group dynamics, and maintain clear lines of communication with all streams of the research team and industry partners. The Project Manager will work under the supervision of the Applicant.
- Interpret and comply with all conditions of the funding agency and participating institutions and ensure project deliverables and outputs are met on time and on budget in an organized manner that can be planned for, managed, and tracked.
- Develop, implement, monitor and update the project work plan using calendars, Gantt charts and RACI matrices shared within and amongst the project team to communicate complex processes and ensure the successful completion of all project components. They will understand the roles and responsibilities of each team member, assist in the delegation of tasks, and assess progress regularly and well in advance of project deadlines.
- Manage the project budget and spending over the grant period. They will oversee and update the budget, confirm incoming and outgoing financial transactions, and reconcile expenses posted to financial management software. Working closely with each Co-Applicant, they will be responsible for ensuring adequate recordkeeping and organization of financial documents at each of the four participating institutions.
- Act as primary point of contact for the Applicant, Co-Applicants, researchers, and industry partners. Coordinate overarching project activities including planning and scheduling regular online and inperson meetings, as well as research events including field days, research trips, conference travel, and stakeholder engagement sessions.
- Create and manage a project communication plan and participate in knowledge dissemination activities including coordinating articles for publication and disseminating knowledge through the project website and social media accounts. Use clear and professional language in all communications, compile notes and minutes and manage the project's communication and online sharing platforms.
- Oversee and meet grant reporting requirements including annual financial reporting and final reports in compliance with the grant awarding agency.
- Be responsible for other duties assigned to support the successful achievement of the project deliverables.
- The Project Manager shall treat all information, data, documents, and materials provided by the research team to which access has been given during this contract's fulfillment as confidential.
A minimum of three years' experience in project management and a master's degree in business, science, humanities, or a related field is required, with demonstrated experience managing multi-disciplinary university research of a similar scope and funding level (Tri-Council). This position is one of high responsibility and includes extensive communication and coordination with researchers, students, industry partners, and the funding agency. The successful candidate will have formal training in project management, demonstrated skill administering a budget and proficiency with project management tools. Proficiency with Microsoft 365, including Microsoft Excel, and Adobe Suite is essential. The PM must possess strong interpersonal aptitude, well-developed organizational and time management skills, and a demonstrated capacity to work with a diverse, multi-disciplinary team. The position requires the ability to work collaboratively, solve problems and think quickly and efficiently. The successful candidate must demonstrate competence to work independently and show an understanding of their responsibility for the project's success. Experience or interest working on sustainability and circular economy projects is an asset.
Applications should be sent via the CareerBeacon website. Applications should include a cover letter and detailed CV.
Deadline for applications: The University will begin considering applicants on September 23rd, 2024 and continue until the position is filled. We appreciate all applicants, however only those selected to move forward in the competition will be contacted. Please note this is a temporary position expected to work approximatly 15-20 hours per week.
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority in this search. NSCAD university encourages applications from Indigenous persons, racially visible persons, persons with a disability, women, and all candidates who would contribute to the diversity of our community.
