Business Analyst

20-Jan-2024

Harvard University Information Technology

64816BR

Position Description

This is a fully benefited, full-time Harvard University position that has been funded for 12 months. There is the possibility of renewal, contingent on funding, university priorities and satisfactory job performance.

The Sustainable IT Business Analyst will work with Harvard’s Sustainable IT Committee to advance the priorities in their latest recommendations report. This will involve working with the Committee and relevant stakeholders to strategically advance priorities related to electronic waste, vendor management, and IT-related greenhouse gas emissions. The Business Analyst will report to the two co-chairs of the Sustainable IT Committee – Assistant Director (Office for Sustainability) and the Senior Director of IT Operations (HUIT). They will also need to collaborate with stakeholders from across the University (including Strategic Procurement, Environmental Health & Safety, and Recycling & Waste Management) to deliver on the priority projects detailed below. The ideal candidate works best within a team environment, is a self-starter, is capable of handling multiple projects, and is committed to quickly delivering high-quality services within deadlines.

Perform Business Analysis to drive the following priorities:

Vendor Engagement

• Conduct an environmental scan of specific sustainability-related attributes to consider when choosing and analyzing IT vendors (beginning with a focus on one product type and one service type), and write up an actionable report with recommendations
• Develop assessment considerations for varied IT vendor categories that align with the University’s sustainability priorities, and  vendor engagement guidance to help ensure community members understand how and when to assess vendors sustainability commitments
• Collaborate with procurement professionals to develop a methodology to collect and report out on key sustainability metrics for major IT vendors
• Provide recommendations for a training and training and awareness plan

Electronic Waste (E-waste)

• Manage a multi-stakeholder Request for Qualifications/Information process to assess current vendors and identify new e-waste recycling vendors who are leading on sustainability
• Develop and maintain content for a University-wide e-waste website with tools and resources for the Harvard community, enabling more sustainable practices, and a plan for regular audits of IT vendors for compliance with sustainability standards
• Work with relevant stakeholders to establish a process to annually collect and report relevant e-waste metrics from Harvard’s major recycling vendors

IT-related Greenhouse Gas Emissions

• Scope and manage a project (likely with an external consultant) to gain deeper insight into IT-related greenhouse gas emissions, with a focus on at least one service (e.g., cloud computing) and one product (e.g., laptops)

General

• Produce executive-level communications for different audiences, both internal and external, including, but not limited to, briefings and memos, reports, and presentations
• Collaborate with stakeholders to translate business needs into policies, processes, and tools
• Abide by and follow the Harvard University IT technical standards, policies and Code of Conduct
• Other duties related to the role, as needed.

Basic Qualifications

• Minimum of two years’ post-secondary education or relevant work experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills

The following Additional Qualifications are strongly preferred. If you meet some, but not all, you are still encouraged to apply; we value employees with a willingness to learn.

• Knowledge of sustainability standards and certifications, such as EPEAT or Energy Star
• Experience working;
  • within procurement with a focus on sustainable or green procurement practices
  • in higher education; Harvard experience a plus
  • with data analysis tools and methodologies
• Demonstrated team performance skills and the ability to act as a trusted advisor
• Proven ability to establish and cultivate relationships with colleagues, stakeholders, and suppliers at all levels, and to communicate to technical and non-technical audiences
• Ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines, as well as the ability to work successfully both independently and as part of a team, and to handle multiple projects simultaneously
• Strong communication skills, including the ability to engage with stakeholders to understand their business and operations requirements, and organizational skills
• Possesses excellent critical thinking skills and has a flexible approach to problem solving
• Adaptability to changing environment and priorities

Certificates and Licenses

• Completion of Harvard IT Academy Project Management Foundations course (or external equivalent) preferred
• PMP or other relevant certification and experience preferred, e.g., Scrum Master

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in an office setting

Additional Information

Please provide a cover letter with your application.

Please note:

• Harvard University requires pre-employment reference and background screening.
• We are unable to provide work authorization and/or visa sponsorship.
• This position has a 180-day orientation and review period.

The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up-to-date on CDC-recommended vaccines.

Accessibility:
Harvard University welcomes individuals with disabilities to apply for positions and participate in its programs and activities. If you would like to request an accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact our University Disability Resources Department. 

Work Format Details

HUIT actively supports hybrid work where business needs allow. This position has been designated as a primarily remote position. While this position is primarily remote, travel to campus may be necessary monthly based on business needs and the nature of work. Examples include bi-annual or quarterly Town Halls, critical business meetings or other work events. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States, which currently includes Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, and California (CA for exempt positions only). Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

About Us

More about HUIT:
Harvard University Information Technology (HUIT) is responsible for the strategy, planning, and delivery of information technology across the University.  Our mission is to assure Harvard’s leadership in IT. We strive to make it easier for faculty, students, and staff to teach, research, learn and work through the effective use of information technology.  HUIT’s core values are User Focused, Collaborative, Innovative and Open.

HUIT’s core values are: 

• User-focused
• Collaborative
• Innovative
• Open

About the Harvard Office for Sustainability (OFS):

The complex and interconnected nature of the climate, health and equity challenges facing the planet demand an ever-evolving approach to sustainable development. The University-wide Office for Sustainability (OFS), created in 2008, plays a pivotal role in bringing together staff, faculty, and students to use the campus as a living laboratory for piloting and proving solutions that address intergenerational wellbeing and lead to a fossil fuel-free future. This is an exciting opportunity to join our team of experienced, dedicated, and passionate sustainability professionals working to advance solutions to global and local sustainability challenges, using Harvard’s campus as a testbed for piloting and scaling change at Harvard and beyond.

About the Sustainable IT Committee:
The University’s updated Sustainability Action Plan (launched in May 2023) has a larger focus on climate, health, and equity impacts throughout the value chain of the products and services purchased by Harvard. The Sustainable IT Committee, comprising stakeholders from across Harvard, has defined a clear path forward to make progress on e-waste, vendor engagement, and IT-related greenhouse gas emissions – so it is crucial that we leverage this momentum and focus, and move this forward by creating new resources and processes, piloting innovation, and strategically engaging with some major vendors. The completion of these objectives will help to ensure the University has a common set of policies, procedures, and best practices to help reduce IT-related greenhouse gas emissions and advance sustainability in e-waste and IT vendor engagement more broadly.

IT Academy (designed for IT Staff):
HUIT’s IT Academy aims to enable each IT staff person to grow professionally and become a trusted partner to her or his team. The IT Academy is built on the belief that every IT staff member across the University (including technology employees at each school and campus) can grow in her or his area of expertise as well as building strong people and project management skills. Learn more here: https://itacademy.harvard.edu/

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard’s Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards ) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

Job Function

Information Technology

Department Office Location

USA – MA – Cambridge

Job Code

I0057P IT Project Manager III

Work Format

Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)

Department

Client Services

Union

00 – Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Pre-Employment Screening

Identity

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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