Protected Disclosure Advisor, Protected Disclosure and Research Integrity Office

Position Description

Protected Disclosure Advisor (PDA), Protected Disclosure and Research Integrity Office (PDRI)
Location: 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2N 1N4

The Protected Disclosure and Research Integrity Office serves as a centralized resource to all members of the university community and the central point of contact for dealing with protected disclosures and research integrity issues.  A protected disclosure is an allegation, by a member of the university community, of a breach by faculty or staff of a university policy (other than the Research Integrity Policy).

The University of Calgary is accepting applications for an academic appointment as a Protected Disclosure Advisor. This position is located in the Protected Disclosure and Research Integrity Office. The Protected Disclosure Advisor reports to the Senior Protected Disclosure Advisor. This is a full time, limited term (5 years) academic position.

Primary Responsibilities

The Protected Disclosure Advisor’s primary responsibilities include:

1. in consultation with the Senior Protected Disclosure Advisor, responding to protected disclosures in accordance with the:
   • Procedures for Protected Disclosures, and
   • Public Interest Disclosure (Whistleblower Protection) Act (PIDA);
2. consulting with the Senior Protected Disclosure Advisor on complex or high-risk disclosures requiring the involvement of General Counsel and on matters related to policy and procedure
3. collaborating with the Sexual Violence Response Office in responding to disclosures of sexual violence
4. developing and implementing standardized processes and templates in managing investigations, including contacting potential investigators, appointing them, executing related contracts, creating terms of reference, providing instructions on process to investigators, communicating with relevant parties during the various stages of the investigation and following up with appropriate parties in accordance with the related procedure upon receipt of the final report
5. maintaining all records related to protected disclosure investigations, including the final reports resulting from any investigations
6. debriefing with the Senior Protected Disclosure Advisor after each investigation to learn from experience and determine if policies, procedures, practices, templates, instructions to investigators, etc., need to be updated
7. respecting confidentiality, providing summary reports on the protected disclosure files to the Senior Protected Disclosure Advisor when requested
8. collaborating with the Senior Protected Disclosure Advisor to promote understanding of relevant policies and procedures, including the PIDA, Procedure for Protected Disclosures, Code of Conduct and Harassment Policy through educational workshops, websites and other media as appropriate
9. responding to individual requests for educational workshops on matters relating to protected disclosure, tailoring the workshop to the particular unit and constituent group
10. developing and implementing best practices in keeping relevant statistics in relation to investigations and record management in accordance with institutional retention rules
11. staying current on best practices, nationally and internationally, on all policies, procedures, regulations and guidelines influencing issues related to protected disclosures and the PIDA and recommending changes to policies, procedures and practices to ensure the university is one of “best in class”
12. acting as a resource to the Senior Protected Disclosure Advisor in all matters delegated by the Senior Protected Disclosure Advisor.

Complexity

The position is complex in nature, involving sensitive, confidential and diverse issues that can significantly affect an individual’s career or education. The Protected Disclosure Advisor is required to work collaboratively at all levels across the university, to exercise considerable discretion and judgment in dealing with allegations of a wide range of misconduct, making referrals, liaising and consulting with appropriate personnel as required in the circumstances and implementing the university’s policies and procedures on protected disclosures. The Protected Disclosure Advisor must be empathetic and non-judgmental, possess excellent listening and time management skills, and be able to develop creative approaches to resolve difficult situations. The Protected Disclosure Advisor must be able to establish and maintain very effective relationships with all members of the university community.  The Protected Disclosure Advisor needs to be credible, trustworthy, fair and impartial and to be perceived so by all university constituencies at all levels.

Preferred Qualifications/Expertise 

• Graduate degree in social sciences or other relevant education related to counselling, conflict resolution or dispute management
• Minimum 5 years of progressively responsible professional experience in conflict and dispute management
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively (both orally and in writing) with people from diverse backgrounds
• Experience in a university and unionized environment
• Ability to negotiate and resolve difficult situations and build positive relations with colleagues, clients and other stakeholders
• Ability to manage a caseload of sensitive and complex investigations
• Experience handling highly confidential and sensitive information
• Experience in developing and facilitating related training is an asset
• Evidence of excellent oral and written communication skills in English is required

Application deadline: March 30, 2020

Application Details: 

To apply, please submit an application online via the ‘Apply Now’ link. The following should be included:

• Letter of interest which provides an overview of your interest in this position and evidence of your qualifications and expertise
• A curriculum vitae

Applications should be addressed to Shirley Voyna Wilson, Protected Disclosure Advisor.

The University of Calgary’s comprehensive benefits and pension program is designed to promote a productive level of health and well-being to staff members through coverage for health, dental, life insurance, income protection for disability, and retirement income planning. To learn about our comprehensive benefits package please visit: www.ucalgary.ca/hr/academic_benefits_pension. The salary range for this position is $80,800 – $124,481 per annum and will be negotiated based on the candidate’s skills and experience.

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. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. In this connection, at the time of your application, please answer the following question: Are you a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada? (Yes/No)

Additional Information

To view a listing of all available academic opportunities and to find out more about what the University of Calgary has to offer, please visit our Academic Careers website.

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.

About Calgary, Alberta

Calgary is one of the world’s cleanest cities and has been named one of the world’s most livable cities for years. Calgary is a city of leaders – in business, community, philanthropy and volunteerism. Calgarians benefit from a growing number of world-class dining and cultural events and enjoy more days of sunshine per year than any other major Canadian city. Calgary is less than an hour’s drive from the majestic Rocky Mountains and boasts the most extensive urban pathway and bikeway network in North America.