Term: 15-16 months

The International Employment Specialist works within a collaborative group to support students, employers and the CEE International team in all matters relating to visa and work permit applications and processes. This includes support for students who are outbound to co-op work terms abroad, as well as incoming international students participating in the Co-op program. The International Employment Specialist also contributes to student readiness for their work terms abroad, visa student preparation for work terms in Canada, and generally supports the International team by performing administrative and project-based work as needed.

Advise all students and monitor co-op students through international visa requirements, including Canada, and the necessary documentation requirements/process for co-op

• Develop and maintain visa / work permit knowledge on a “country-by-country” basis
• Provide advice and guidance to students throughout the visa / permit application process
• Provide supporting documentation when necessary
• Develop and maintain relationships with government agencies and officials, visa sponsor agencies and other organizations, as required, to facilitate visa processes and support students

Pre-departure / work term readiness preparation

• Organize and run visa / permit consult sessions for outbound or inbound students, coordinate with visa / permit providers and experts
• Develop and maintain online pre-departure / work term readiness resources

Support the risk management requirements

• Track work permit / visa documentation; review and process documentation to ensure complete & timely submissions for work term credit
• Support students in relation to GAC travel advisories and potential travel restrictions

Advise employers on visa / permit process and outcomes

• Support the co-op staff by providing insight to potential employers regarding co-op recruitment norms relative to the co-op process regarding visas / permits

Provide administrative and logistical support as needed

• Collaborate with and provide cross-functional support to two other International Employment Specialists as needed
• Assist with international report writing, project support, and/or data collection/analysis, as needed
• Support the administration of international scholarships and grants
• Provide support for international projects as needed

• Undergraduate degree in related field (e.g. arts, social studies, business, international trade, education, etc.)
• 3 years of experience minimum in an administrative support position or international education unit, preferably in international environment
• Experience in building relationships with people from different cultures
• Experience in working within a university environment and with Co-operative Education preferred
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Knowledge of visa / permit requirement for key countries, including Canada, is an asset
• Qualification as a Regulated International Student Immigration Advisor (RISIA) is an asset
• Non-judgmental, empathetic and creative approach to working through challenges is required
• Ability to present complex material to a wide variety of audiences
• Ability to learn material and complex processes and work within these structures
• Ability to manage own schedule and balance competing priorities in a fast-paced work environment
• Ability to communicate difficult decisions in a supportive and decisive manner
• Ability to maintain working knowledge of relevant technology, including MS Office Suite, Microsoft Teams, SharePoint
• Proficiency in several languages is an asset

The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is co-ordinated within the Office of Indigenous Relations.

The University values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students, faculty, and staff. The University regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. The University of Waterloo seeks applicants who embrace our values of equity, anti-racism and inclusion.  As such, we encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including applicants who identify as First Nations, Métis and/or Inuk (Inuit), Black, racialized, a person with a disability, women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

The University of Waterloo is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. If you have any application, interview, or workplace accommodation requests, please contact Human Resources at hrhelp@uwaterloo.ca  or 519-888-4567, ext. 45935.