Job Related Information

Transcription

1 Job Related Information This document includes information about the role for which you are applying and the information you will need to provide with your application. 1. Role Details Vacancy reference Job title: Reports to: Senior Manager, Research Development Head of Research and Enterprise Salary: 39,992 to 47,722 Terms and conditions: Academic Related Grade 8 Duration of post: Working hours: Location: Permanent 37 hours Walton Hall, Milton Keynes Closing date: Noon on 13 August 2018 Type of application form accepted: Short application form CV Covering letter detailing how your skills and experience meet the criteria listed in the person specification (maximum 2 sides of A4) Number of referees required: 3 Unit recruitment contact: RAS-Operations@open.ac.uk The Open University, Human Resources, HRG158 Page 1 of 6

2 2. Summary of duties Purpose Statement To lead the Research Development Team and ensure delivery of a suite of services that meet the evolving needs of the Universities academic community, and support the development of high quality research applications. Support research income generation through identification of opportunities, bid development and submission of strategic and/or large research grants and contracts. Business owner of the Universities Award Management System and maintain oversight of other relevant internal and external systems.. Maintain an overview of developments in the internal and external research funding. Maintain and develop partnerships with external funders, strategic collaborators and internal stakeholders. Support the training and development of academics and support staff via the OUs Academic Professional Development Programme, and raise the knowledge of OU staff in relation to external research funding via the R&E workshop programme. Main responsibilities This is not intended as an exhaustive list of duties but as a guide to the main priorities and typical areas of activity of the post-holder. These activities are subject to amendment over time as priorities and requirements evolve and as such it may be amended at any time by the line manager following discussion with the post holder. 1. Lead the Research Development Team: Line manage a team of six staff providing them direction, work load mediation and monitoring progress to deliver the RAS Unit objectives for Research. Review team workload and carry out the annual appraisals of team members. Actively contributes to the development of the R&E Office Plan and objectives, review of activities and effectiveness. 2. Strategic coordination and project management support for the development of complex, large and/or strategic projects. Includes: facilitate formation of internal consortia, provision of advice to ensure bids are developed to a high standard, provision of institutional approval and proactive problem identification and resolution. 3. Proactive relationship management with research funding bodies. Includes: gathering, translating and sharing of knowledge, influencing policy formulation, facilitate mutual understanding of institutional strengths and interests, organising visits/workshops. Represents The Open University at meetings with external funders, collaborators and other stakeholders. Uses recognised support networks, conferences and courses to gather information on opportunities and share best practice (e.g. ARMA, UKRO, IRDN). 4. Liaise with internal stakeholders (academics, Faculty Research Managers, Finance, Legal Services) and external stakeholders where necessary to ensure the development and submission of high quality grant applications and ensure that the support services provided meet needs of research community. 5. Identification of relevant funding opportunities and sharing of knowledge regarding the external landscape. Provides relevant targeted, concise and timely information on funding calls to internal audiences. Oversight of the use of GRCF QR allocation 6. Oversight of the review of funder assessments of grant applications to identifying training requirements of researchers, systematic weaknesses of OU bids and verify success rate data provided by Research Councils. The Open University, Human Resources, HRG158 Page 2 of 6

3 7. Oversee the development and contribute to the delivery of R&E workshop programme. Assist in the assessment of training needs of academics and research managers, formulation of programme and deliver specific sessions. Work with Learning & Teaching Innovation to provide input to the OU Academic Professional Development programme. 8. Has responsibility and provides advice for ensuring the University is complying with all relevant new legislation, such as for example GDPR, Export Control requirements and meeting State Aid rules in relation to research and external bidding 9. Work collaboratively with the Senior Manager Management Information and Systems and others to ensure that research systems, e.g. Awards Management System (WorkTribe) are fit for purpose and support work on enhancements. Have oversight on funders submissions systems and systems used to respond to statutory reporting requirements and other requests for information (e.g. ResearchFish, REF, HEBCIS) 10. Oversee the provision of briefings and contribute to consultations on research matters for the Director RAS and PVC RAS. 11. Deputises for Head of Research and Enterprise as required at relevant internal and external meetings and during periods of absence. 12. Undertakes such other duties as may be required from time-to-time by the Head of Research and Enterprise and the Director of the Research and Academic Strategy, in support of the objectives of the RAS Unit and the University overall. 13. All staff are expected to: undertake any other duties which may reasonably be required take reasonable care of the Health and Safety of themselves and that of any other person who may be affected by your acts or omissions at work demonstrate a strong commitment to the principles and practice of equality and diversity. The Open University, Human Resources, HRG158 Page 3 of 6

4 3. Person specification Requirements (E = Essential/ D = Desirable) Education, qualifications and training Essential: Degree or equivalent professional qualification Desirable Qualification in management, project management or other relevant professional qualification. Knowledge, work and other relevant experience Essential: Substantial experience of research support/administration within an academic or research environment and the implementation and use of electronic systems to manage external bidding and awards. Significant and contemporary knowledge, and application of knowledge, relating to applying for research funding. Contemporary knowledge of UK and international funding opportunities and schemes and the policy context, statutory returns and audit requirements. Good knowledge and understanding of the principles and application of Full Economic Costing (FEC) Good level of knowledge and oversight of current issues in academic research and research administration. Experience of managing a team, including setting objectives, and reviewing performance. Ability to work effectively and proactively on own initiative. Desirable Experience of account manager activities relating to European research funding, liaising with NCP s (National Contact Point) and UKRO (UK Research Office) liaison officer. Experience in identifying and promoting opportunities, developing proposals and managing grants/contracts. Experience of research contract negotiation. Project management experience. Awareness of Intellectual Property matters in relation to research. Awareness of external statutory requirements such as funder s outcomes and outputs requirements, Higher Education Business and Community Interaction (HEBCI) survey and UK REF (Research Excellence Framework) research quality assessment process and its impact on the university. Skills, capabilities and qualities Essential: Excellent problem solving skills including the ability to quickly identify problematic issue in complex matters, provide and implement solutions. The Open University, Human Resources, HRG158 Page 4 of 6

5 Excellent written and oral communication and inter-personal skills on all levels, including the ability to present information clearly on a 1.1 basis and to groups of people. Includes influencing and presenting to groups High levels of numeracy together with the ability to assemble and interpret complex data to provide management information Level of ICT competency commensurate with the requirements of the post in particular with Word, Excel, Access, Outlook and Web. Good organisational skills and the ability to prioritise and manage competing workload and activities and manage individuals and to meet internal and external deadlines. An ability to work on own initiative, on occasion, to very tight deadlines in a diverse and demanding environment and identify and provide solutions to complex situations. Additional Requirements Essential Willingness to travel off campus, including occasionally internationally, and to work outside normal office hours to meet the needs of the role 4. About the unit/department The Research and Academic Strategy Unit (RAS) provides professional support services to Faculties, Institutes and Schools in connection with the University s research, enterprise and knowledge exchange, and academic strategy activities. We work across the portfolio of the PVC (Research & Academic Strategy) Professor Kevin Hetherington and through close collaboration with other services. The Unit is made up of 5 offices: Academic Strategy Planning and Resources Research and Enterprise Research Degrees Graduate School The Research and Enterprise Office is responsible for supporting the University s activities for identifying and accessing external income to support research, enterprise and knowledge exchange activities. 5. How to obtain more information about the role or application process If you would like to discuss the particulars of this role before making an application please contact: gemma.maldar@open.ac.uk If you have any questions regarding the application process please contact Matt Childerhouse on or RAS-Operations@open.ac.uk. 6. The application process and where to send completed applications Please ensure that your application reaches the University by: Post it to: 12 Noon on 13 August 2018 Matt Childerhouse The Open University, Human Resources, HRG158 Page 5 of 6

6 Name/Job title: Department/Unit: Address: Post Code: Or your application to: Operations Manager Research and Academic Strategy The Open University, Room 114, Charles Pinfold Building, Milton Keynes MK7 6AA 7. Selection process and date of interview The interview panel will be chaired by: The other members of the interview panel are: Gemma Maldar, Head of Research and Enterprise TBC The interviews will take place: w/c 27 August 2018 We will let you know as soon as possible after the closing date whether you have been shortlisted for interview. Further details on the selection process will also be sent to shortlisted candidates. Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted. The Open University, Human Resources, HRG158 Page 6 of 6