UNIVERSITY OF LINCOLN JOB DESCRIPTION CONTEXT

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1 JOB TITLE DEPARTMENT LOCATION UNIVERSITY OF LINCOLN JOB DESCRIPTION Contracts and Post Award Officer Research & Enterprise Brayford JOB NUMBER RES1003 GRADE 6 DATE October 2014 REPORTS TO TBC CONTEXT We are a university looking to the future where we serve and develop our local, national and international communities by creating purposeful knowledge and research, confident and creative graduates and a dynamic and engaged workforce. Research & Enterprise is an innovative department within the university which works with staff, employers, students and graduates to increase graduate employability and external income generation to underpin our growing research portfolio. This position is an integral part of our research support team, particularly working alongside the Research & Income Generation Support Manager and Income Generation Manager (IP & Contract Research) to support our provision for post-award contracts support. JOB PURPOSE The primary focus of this role will be the provision of post-award contract support, allowing Research & Enterprise to provide an integrated contract development and delivery support service. Working closely with the Research and Income Generation Support Manager this post will provide an interface between College Research Officers and College based support teams to facilitate an integrated pre and post award service ensuring continuity throughout the process. Page 1 of 6

2 KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Contract development and review To act as, where appropriate, the point of contact for the development of collaborative contracts, particularly those where Lincoln is the lead partner, or the agreements are multi-party. Negotiating, drafting and recommending agreements with external customers, including price, balancing commercial and academic interests with acceptable commercial and legal risks to the University. Analysing and interpreting contract terms and conditions, ensuring that contractual terms meet University requirements and advising on their impact and associated risk and liability to staff at all levels. Liaising with relevant colleagues across the university to provide clear, pragmatic advice on the implications of contractual terms, and how to manage the activity in context and ensuring that all aspects of an activity are covered in the contract. Preparing and keeping under review standard contracts and associated legal documents for all aspects research and enterprise activity. Post Award co-ordination To work closely with College Research Officers and College based support teams to identify the focus of post award support resources (e.g. large scale and/or complex projects). In conjunction with College based support teams hold start-up meetings with PIs of complex and/or large research & enterprise projects, including: forecasting budgets, identification of milestones & project deliverables, funder reporting, invoicing requirements and completion of institutional research & enterprise management paperwork. Providing support to the Research and Income Generation Support Manager in the management of relevant systems and process i.e. Je-S, egap, AMS. Data Management & Policy To work closely with the Research & Income Generation Support Manager, ensuring project data is accurately recorded to provide regular management information reports as required. Continuous development and review of existing systems and processes, identifying any areas for improvement and providing recommendations based the findings. Develop and maintain an understanding of key stakeholder contractual requirements and/or policy issues. Develop and maintain an understanding of English contract law. Develop and maintain a good understanding of the University s policies as they relate to research and knowledge exchange. Page 2 of 6

3 Relationship Management To act as the external liaison for contractual negotiations with key stakeholders, including industry partners and other HEIs. Interaction with external customers, as appropriate, to communicate clearly and concisely the points of negotiation. Visiting research funding or collaborating partners as required to assist in successful contract negotiation. Working with academic staff and College Research Officers to ensure an understanding of the aims of the researchers in the context of each contract, and hence that the terms are appropriate. Ensure internal customers (project investigators and their Head of School) are kept regularly informed of the status of contract development / negotiation, and are appropriately involved with the process. In addition to the above, undertake such duties as may reasonably be requested and that are commensurate with the nature and grade of the post. Page 3 of 6

4 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Scope and dimensions of the role This role will support the provision of an efficient, effective, timely, responsive contracts service, comprising reviewing, drafting and negotiating a variety of research and related contracts. The post holder will be negotiating and reviewing a wide range of research, education and consultancy agreements, and providing clear and pragmatic advice to the University after identifying and assessing relevant risks. The post holder will be expected to be a self-starter, with knowledge and expertise in developing contracts and be an effective communicator. As a well organised team player the post holder will have an understanding of Higher Education environment and will play an integral part in the development and delivery of support within the Research and Income Generation Support team. The post holder may also be called upon to support the development of contracts within other departments of the University, particularly with respect to contracts with the University s external suppliers. Internal Key working relationships/networks External Research & Income Generation Support Manager Head of Research Research & Income Generation Support team College Research Support teams Business Development Managers Academic staff at all levels Careers & Employability Team Business start-up & Growth Team Finance department Research funding bodies (e.g. UK Research Councils, European Commission, National charities, Local and National Government bodies) Relevant associations and professional bodies (e.g. Universities UK, Praxis Unico, ARMA, UKRO) Regional, national & international business clients, including SMEs Public sector contracting organisations Other university research offices and academics. Partner organisations including regional, national and international universities Page 4 of 6

5 UNIVERSITY OF LINCOLN PERSON SPECIFICATION JOB TITLE Contracts and Post Award Officer JOB NUMBER RES1003 Selection Criteria Essential (E) or Desirable (D) Where Evidenced Application (A) Interview (I) Presentation (P) References (R) Qualifications: Good honours degree or equivalent E A Degree or relevant qualification in law D A,I Experience: Providing a high quality of administrative support E A, I Experience of working in an HE or related environment E A, I Experience in the drafting and reviewing of contracts E A, I Experience negotiating contracts with external partners (including high value, complex and multi-party) D A, I Knowledge of commercial and contract law D A, I Skills and Knowledge: Knowledge of the HE research & enterprise funding environment D A, I Strong research and commercial acumen D A, I Excellent communication skills: written, verbal, presentation E A, I Negotiation skills and an ability to influence E A, I Ability to effectively engage academic and key stakeholders E A, I Ability to analyse complex information and generate reports E A, I Ability to analyse, interpret and respond effectively to detailed written documentation E A, I Strong IT skills, particularly use of Excel, Access or similar E A, I Competencies and Personal Attributes: Results driven and ability to work under pressure to tight E A, I, P deadlines Innovative and proactive E A, I Highly organised and able to prioritise workload E A, I, R Adaptable and flexible within a team environment E A, I, R Highly accurate and attentive to detail E A, I, R Projects a positive and professional image at all times E A, I, R Business Requirements May be required to work occasional evenings and weekends E A, I Able to travel between sites E A, I Page 5 of 6

6 Essential Requirements are those, without which, a candidate would not be able to do the job. Desirable Requirements are those which would be useful for the post holder to possess and will be considered when more than one applicant meets the essential requirements. Author SM/TM HRBA HA Page 6 of 6