Program Advisor

Please refer to the How to Apply for a Job (for External Candidates) job aid for instructions on how to apply.

If you are an active McGill employee (ie: currently in an active contract or position at McGill University), do not apply through this Career Site. Login to your McGill Workday account and apply to this posting using the Find Jobs report (type Find Jobs in the search bar).

International Student Services

International Student Services (ISS) supports the growth, progress, and success of all international students (including visiting and exchange students) at McGill and aims to ease their transition to a new university, a new home and a new country. They provide a range of services and resources for international students including orientation webinars, immigration advising, health insurance guidance, and social and cultural programming and events.

Position Summary

Under the supervision of the Program Manager of Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, the incumbent is the primary contact for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars and other units at McGill supporting the Program.  To meet the needs of the individual students, the Program Advisor advises, guides and connects Scholars to support resources provided by specialists throughout Student Services and other units of Student Life and Learning (SLL).  The incumbent makes recommendations to the Program Manager that will have a direct impact on improving or modifying the Program; ensures compliance with both University and Mastercard Foundation regulations and practices.  Assist in guiding or facilitating learning opportunities that center on leadership, mentoring, transition support and skills development. 

Primary Responsibilities

Alongside another Program Advisor the incumbent will be responsible for contributing to Scholar Development and Academic Success, Experiential Learning support while contributing to the  Reporting, Assessment for all Mastercard Foundation Scholars. Provides support to Scholars throughout their academic programs by:

• Providing efficient, high-level support to  Scholars at various stages of the student life cycle from program start to graduation.

• Developing and delivering programming to build on skills and competencies based on the Mastercard Foundation Scholars  Scholars Program objectives: Student Development, Leadership and Giving Back.  Developing and delivering workshops or promoting on-campus opportunities on relevant topics such as academic expectations, intercultural communications, identity, engagement, giving back, etc.
• Developing contacts that will help to connect Scholars to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program community and resources via online platforms.
• Maintain program-specific database and participate in the development and submission of reports as required by Mastercard Foundation . 

• Monitoring Scholars’ academic progress to ensure program completion within the timeframe of the Scholarship

• Liaising with Graduate Program Coordinators to ensure Scholars follow program requirements and Advisor recommendations.  Intervenes early to support retention and academic success of the Scholars.
• Partnering with Advisors in the Career Planning Services, other on campus partners and external partner resources for the preparation and delivery of programming to support and enhance experiential learning (internships, professional development opportunities etc.) experiences.

• Expanding networking opportunities to develop internships and post-graduation employment in Africa Developing opportunities to connect Mastercard Foundation  Scholars with other African-related projects within and outside the McGill community.

Other Qualifying Skills and/or Abilities

• Master’s degree, an asset. 
• Experience developing and delivering workshops in Student Development and Identity, Intercultural Communications and Leadership, preferred. 
• International work experience in Africa or in developing countries, an asset. 
• Highly motivated with a demonstrated ability to build constructive and effective relationships with multiple stakeholders.
• Must possess strong networking skills, along with a professional attitude, diplomacy and ability to mobilize others to reach objectives in a team environment.  
• Creative and progressive, problem-solving, analytical thinking.
• Ability to work collegially, deploying both formal and informal authority; good judgment.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a fast-moving, customer-focused environment; ability to provide high-quality service in a timely manner.
• Must be able to function at a high-level of responsiveness and effectiveness within a complex, fast-paced office environment.
• High degree of flexibility and organization to administer multiple initiatives simultaneously, with the ability to prioritize and meet strict deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to achieve long- and short-term goals.
• Tact and discretion with regard to sensitive and confidential information. 
• Proven ability to work autonomously and as a part of a team.
• Demonstrated communication and presentation skills to effectively communicate and interact with various levels of staff and academics as well as to represent the University and the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. 
• Advanced proficiency with computerized applications including presentation, spreadsheet, database and word-processing software.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in both English and French.

Knowledge of French and English: McGill University is an English-language university where day-to-day duties may require English communication both verbally and in writing. The level of English required for this position has been assessed at a level # 4 (Fluent) on a scale of 0-4. 

Bachelor's Degree 3 Years Related Experience /

(MPEX Grade 05) $71,890.00 - $89,860.00 - $107,830.00

Job Profile:

MPEX-SAF2B - Student Services - Professional 2

33.75 (Full time)

Program Manager

2026-12-31

2025-11-13