Senior Advisor Project Risk

 Reference Number : 581 

Status : Permanent - Full-time  

Annual Salary / Hourly Rate : $100000 to $125000

Number of positions to be filled : 1 

Application Deadline : 01/03/2025

Did you know that VIA Rail is carrying out ambitious projects to modernize its services and infrastructure? From our new ultramodern train fleet to ongoing improvement of our infrastructure, we’re building the future of transportation in Canada. Working for VIA Rail is being a part of a collective effort in sustainable mobility. 

The incumbent, in collaboration with other risk advisors, is responsible for developing, implementing and overseeing the risk management program for the project management office supporting both portfolio projects and major programs totaling over $3B in capital expenditures. The person is responsible to manage all project categories of risks by prioritizing across multiple projects, identify and assess risks associated with all phases of projects and develop risk mitigation strategies to ensure project success by maximizing opportunities and minimizing potential negative impacts on project objectives (costs, time, quality and scope). The person is also responsible to assist project managers to fulfill their responsibilities towards risk management, ensure effective communication throughout the program and promote a culture of risk management.

Risk Identification and Analysis

• In collaboration with project managers, identify and analyze inherent risks in project activities, processes, and deliverables throughout all phases of the project and conduct thorough risk assessments to evaluate the likelihood and potential impact on project objectives, scope, timelines, and budgets.

• Perform qualitative and quantitative analyses of costs and schedule-related risks to identify and maintain a safety margin for the program and monitor risk exposures.

• Support and advise risk owners in the development and implementation of risk mitigation strategies and action plans to address identified risks, including preventive and contingency measures, and monitor their effectiveness throughout the project lifecycle.

Monitoring and Governance

• Ensure that risk assessments are conducted at key project milestones, establish key risk indicators (KRIs) and metrics to monitor the status and trends of risks throughout the project lifecycle.

• Prepare and analyze various risk reports, updates and dashboards for project stakeholders. Participate in program governance meetings to track project progress, exerting influence, and providing guidance to other members in problem-solving and decision-making and escalate issues as required.

Project Risk Management Program - Development and compliance

• Develop and continuously improve the project risk management framework and establish relevant infrastructure, systems, tools, protocols, analytical methods, and processes to identify, analyze, quantify, monitor and limit or control project risks.

• Integrate risk management processes, activities, and tools seamlessly into project planning, scheduling, and decision-making processes.

• Develop risk management training materials and conduct risk management training sessions.

Stakeholder Engagement, Oversight and Continuous improvement

•Support the project team by being the subject matter expert for everything related to risk management.

• Promote and maintain a healthy risk management culture and awareness within the Project Management Office. Facilitate knowledge sharing sessions to capture lessons learned from past projects.

• Strengthen collaboration in risk management with key suppliers and contractors.

Qualifications:

• University degree in project management, engineering, sciences, risk management, business administration, or a related field.

• Proven experience (8 to 10 years) in risk management, particularly in major project settings. Project management experience in operations or construction. Certification in risk management, project management and auditor is an asset.

• Strong understanding of applicable governance and risk management standards, risk management and project management principles, methodologies, tools and software.

• Familiarity with risk management methods related to Project Management Institute projects.

• Familiarity with probabilistic cost analysis methods and schedule-related risks (Monte Carlo method).

• Excellent ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing (English and French).

• Ability to assess complex project risks, develop practical mitigation strategies and make effective decisions.

• Ability to work in teams, establish professional relationships, collaborate with diverse stakeholders and influence decision-making.

• Analytical and Communication Skills: Commitment to quality, accuracy, and attention to detail. Systemic approach and competence in effectively analyzing reports.

• Ability to effectively manage time, establish priorities, and meet deadlines. Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.

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At VIA Rail, we are proud to be an employment-equity employer and we strive to form teams that reflect the diversity of Canadian society. We aim to remove barriers to employment accessibility and aspire to provide an inclusive and equitable work environment where everyone is valued, regardless of their identity or differences, to enable them to reach their full potential.

If you need assistance in making the recruitment process or the position you are applying for more accessible, please let us know. Alternate arrangements may be offered to individuals who request them at any stage of the recruitment process. All information received in relation to arrangements will be kept confidential.

Note that we will only contact those who are selected for an interview.

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