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The Senior Investigations Specialist [SIS] reports to the Director, Conflict Management Office (CMO) and serves as the University of Waterloo's senior subject-matter expert responsible for leading and conducting complex and institutionally sensitive investigations within the University of Waterloo community. These investigations involve internal complaints of sexual violence, human rights violations, workplace harassment and discrimination, and other forms of interpersonal conflict involving students, staff, faculty members, and unionized employees.

Exercising a high degree of professional independence and discretion, the SIS is responsible for the end-to-end management of investigations that carry significant legal, reputational, safety, and institutional risks. The role requires the application of advanced investigative expertise, sound judgement, and trauma-informed practice to ensure processes are fair, impartial, and responsive to the needs of all parties, while upholding the integrity of the University's policies and procedures.

The SIS ensures that investigative practices comply with applicable legislation, collective requirements, and institutional and policies, and that they meet principles of procedural fairness and natural justice.



The incumbent is responsible for assessing and managing risk throughout the investigation lifecycle, including determining appropriate investigative scope, methodology, and timelines fand for producing defensible findings and recommendations that may have significant organizational and individual impact.

In addition, the SIS plays a critical advisory role in supporting University leaders in fulfilling institutional due diligence and governance responsibilities. In collaboration with the Director, CMO, the SIS provides procedural guidance, risk-informed advice (including recommendations regarding interim and protective measures), and expert input on appropriate and proportionate investigative pathways, particularly in matters involving heightened vulnerability, power imbalances, or intersecting legal and policy considerations.

Case Management (Client Intake, Jurisdictional Assessment, and Risk Determination)

- Assesses and determines the appropriate institutional response pathway for complaints, including internal investigation, referral to external investigator, and/or referral to other University processes, in collaboration with the Director, CMO.
- Advises internal clients on statutory and regulatory obligations that impact formal investigative processes,



including obligations arising under applicable legislation and University policy frameworks.
- Identifies and facilitates referrals to internal and external resources (e.g. Special Constable Services or other specialized supports) where applicable, to enhance investigative effectiveness, address safety concerns, or ensure a more suitable or proportionate response.
- Assesses jurisdictional and procedural complexity in matters engaging multiple policy regimes, collective agreements, and legislative requirements including but not limited to the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), the Human Rights Code, the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA), and the Criminal Code.
- Identifies matters presenting elevated safety, reputational, legal or institutional risk and provides expert advice on interim and risk mitigation measures, including protective or precautionary actions, to support the University's due diligence obligations.

Pre - Investigation Procedural Assessment and Determination

- Conducts formal prima facie and case assessments to determine whether there is a reasonable basis to proceed with a formal investigation or other institutional process, exercising independent qualified judgement and discretion.
- Undertakes preliminary inquiries with relevant parties and University offices to inform case assessments, clarifying jurisdiction, and identify applicable policy, collective agreement, and legislative considerations.
- Prepares comprehensive prima facie and case assessments reports for internal clients and decision-makers, documenting analysis, finding

📌 Senior Investigation Specialist (London)
🏢 Uwaterloo
📍 London