Program Advisor, Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program supports the education of economically disadvantaged African students and refugees/displaced individuals who can help to lead this reform, potentially changing the course of history for Africa.

The Program Advisor develops, implements and evaluates innovative, responsive and professional programs and advising to support Mastercard Foundation Scholars. The Program Advisor promotes a welcoming and supportive campus environment so that Mastercard Foundation Scholars can be fully engaged members of the University community. The Advisor work 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 Status

The Program Advisor reports to the Program Manager, Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. 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, colleagues within faculties, the student government (AMS/GSS), other units within the Vice President, Students' portfolio, as with colleagues across the Mastercard Foundation network.

Work Performed

Responsibilities include:

• Design, develop, deliver and evaluate strategic and comprehensive academic and non-academic programming tailored to support Scholars. Examples of programming include, but are not limited to:
  • Pre-arrival programming to support Scholars prior to arrival to UBC, including creating workshops that engages Alumni to provide pre-arrival content to support incoming students.
  • Orientation programming and work with the Scholars Program Team to deliver relevant transitional programming that provides context around topics such as scholarship funding and knowledge of and access to campus supports
  • Programming to support the mental health and wellness of scholars throughout their studies at UBC.
• Create and maintain a network of off-campus supports that can support scholars’ transition after program completion
• Develop, coordinate, deliver and evaluate pre-arrival programming to support Scholars prior to arrival to UBC, including creating workshops that engages Alumni to provide pre-arrival content to support incoming students.
• Develop, coordinate, deliver and evaluate orientation programming and work with the Scholars Program Team to deliver relevant transitional programming that provides context around topics such as scholarship funding and knowledge of and access to campus supports.
• Create, implement and evaluate programming to support the mental health and wellness of scholars throughout their studies at UBC. Creating and maintaining a network of off-campus supports that can support scholars’ transition after program completion.

• Meet with and advise students on academic and personal transitional topics and providing referral to relevant campus supports to help students navigate their UBC journey.
• Advise and support Mastercard Foundation Scholars over the course of their award at UBC and after graduation. Deliver programs and leverage the capacity of others to do so where a collaborative network of supports will be more appropriate.
• Advise Mastercard Foundation Scholars on an individual and group basis, identifying issues impacting their academic and personal lives. Guide students in determining a resolution or course of action and mediate on their behalf when necessary. Provide respectful, accurate and responsive assistance related to cultural adjustment, leadership and involvement, student life, wellness, career development and academic supports.
• Maintain regular contact with Academic Program Advisors to assist in the management of the Scholar’s academic progress.
• Work effectively with Scholars to develop leadership capacity and foster interactive and engaged learning among program participants.
• Independently or in collaboration with the Experiential Learning Advisor, may assist students in crisis and/or facing complex situations including cultural transition, mental health, family emergencies, accessing health care and insurance, and refer as appropriate.

• Develop, deliver and evaluate programming to amplify Scholars impact stories in collaboration with the Scholars Programming Team.
• Manage social media platforms to curate and amplify impactful programs and student success stories, engaging with future, current and alumni Scholars to foster community and promote program visibility.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Consequence of Error/Judgement
Failure to meet programming and service targets can jeopardize the Mastercard Foundation Program gift and endanger the ability of future Mastercard Foundation Scholars to study at UBC. This can also compromise UBC s ability to secure major gifts in the future. Failure to fully support the Mastercard Foundation Scholars can have a devastating impact on UBC s ability to recruit and retain African students and damage UBC s international reputation. Must exercise tact and diplomacy when interacting with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders including: UBC staff, faculty, students, alumni, internship partners and community organizations. Lack of intercultural sensitivity, tact and diplomacy in handling students personal situations, including crisis management, may result in significant distress for students and an inability for them to reach their study and career goals. Must be attentive to risk management in all situations. Must be aware of the perceived and actual sensitivity of programs and initiatives. Ineffective management of experiential learning opportunities can adversely affect the reputation of the Department and the University.

Supervision Received
The incumbent reports to the Program Manager, Global Campus Initiatives and provides regular updates on activities. The incumbent works with considerable autonomy and work is reviewed based on the achievement of specific goals and objectives. The incumbent must exercise initiative and sound judgment in making decision, planning and executing services and programs.

Supervision Given
May hire, train and supervise support staff, student assistants and/or volunteers.

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 inclusion

Preferred Qualifications

• 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. 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.
• Requires thorough knowledge of university services and programs that center on leadership, mentoring, transition and academic support that aid in student success.
• Requires familiarity with University systems such as the SISC, OAMS to support student advising.
• Requires knowledge of advising consideration and strong connection with graduate program coordinators in order to provide guidance, support and recommendations to Scholars and colleagues.
• Familiarity with immigration information related to international students and protected people.
• Experience in program assessment and evaluation.
• Knowledge of available degree programs to support students in accessing academic and co-curricular opportunities
• Knowledge of appropriate and effective supports for students from the Global South

• Ability to manage complex student cases, follow principles of "need to know" in regards to sensitive, confidential information to support student wellbeing and success

• Some evening and weekend work required.
• Must be able to accommodate flexible hours to attend events, deliver workshops, or provide training on evenings and weekends.
• Excellent cross-cultural sensitivity and intercultural communication skills.
• Excellent critical thinking, analytical, and interpersonal skills. Exceptional presentation and public speaking skills. Excellent judgment and decision-making skills to allow the assessment of needs, available resources and capabilities to resolve issues. Excellent oral and written communication skills in English. Ability to work effectively in teams, take initiative and to develop effective working relationships with students, faculty, staff, employers and other community members.
• 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 inclusion