International Project Administrator

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join Harvard University Central Administration?

Harvard University's Central Administration (CADM) is a 5,000+ employee organization that supports the university's overall excellence by understanding and serving the needs of its schools, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and surrounding communities. Through dynamic and collaborative partnerships, CADM provides high-quality and efficient services to the schools to help them achieve their goals.

Reporting to the Associate Director of International Consulting and Operations, this position works as part of a team with all Global Support Services (GSS) members. The International Project Administrator (IPA) supports the organization and helps to mitigate the risks inherent in international operations and HR.

The role requires excellent communication and organizational skills, the ability to build and maintain stakeholder relationships, strong research skills, and the ability to analyze and reframe international laws and policies for our clients. 

At all times, this role will maintain a high-focus customer service approach. 

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Consulting Support:

• Support projects, including the implementation and ongoing operations of new and established Harvard Global entities.
• Support the GSS team with researching trends, new laws and regulations, compliance issues, and best practices on a wide range of global operations matters. Typical subjects include, but are not limited to, audits and financial matters, grants/gifts, international HR and payroll, import and export controls, corporate tax, and project budgeting.
• Create research strategies and routinely identify new resources to address unusual or first-time inquiries about operational pathways and country regulations and customs.
• Solicit input as needed from various Harvard offices such as the Office of the General Counsel, Office of the Controller, Office for Sponsored Programs, Harvard Human Resources, Risk Management and Audit Services, inbound International Office, and others, as well as outside counsel and other internal and external partners.
• Maintain guidelines and develop new guidelines for global compliance.
• Based on client needs and due diligence, support projects with country-specific risk assessments for international operations to help inform client decisions regarding the administration of projects abroad. 

Human Resources:

• Based on client needs, provide HR support with hiring processes, including but not limited to recruitment, onboarding, benefits enrollment, and off-boarding.
• Maintain adequate personnel records based on Harvard Global HR policies and local legal requirements. Support employee tracking and reporting.
• Work closely with the International HR Manager to determine and support clients' needs while ensuring compliance with global employment regulatory requirements. 
• Support monthly payroll and the overall payroll vendor relations and process. 
• Research trends, employment laws and regulations, and best practices to support Harvard Global entities' employment. Maintain a focus on continuous improvement of SOPs, process documents, and guidelines.

Compliance and Operations:

• Oversee and track compliance for Harvard Global entities.
• Support projects, including policy development, best practice guides, business process redesigns, program implementations, RFPs, or others.
• Support annual audits.
• Create reports and briefings for the GSS team members and others.
• Manage vendor relationships as needed.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree and/or at least three years' administrative experience.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Demonstrated written and oral communication skills and strong attention to detail.
• Ability to establish and meet project goals with limited direction.  
• Ability to work collaboratively; a high degree of flexibility is desired.
• Must handle confidential and personal information with discretion.
• Demonstrated organizational skills and ability to track multiple time-sensitive projects simultaneously.  
• Experience in international project administration, particularly in international regulatory compliance.
• Experience in higher education or an international non-governmental organization and global human resources is preferred. 
• Foreign language proficiency is a plus. 

Standard Hours/Schedule:

• 40 hours per week
• 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
• Monday - Friday
• Days Off: Saturday and Sunday

Visa Sponsorship Information: 

• Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position

Pre-Employment Screening:

• Identity, Education, References

Other Information:

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Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 056. Please visit  Harvard's Salary Ranges  to view the corresponding salary range and related information. 

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to: 

• Generous paid time off including parental leave 
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one 
• Retirement plans with university contributions 
• Wellbeing and mental health resources 
• Support for families and caregivers 
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement 
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks 

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page. 

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.