JOB DESCRIPTION. 4. DEPARTMENT: Research and Knowledge Transfer Office. Executive Dean of Research. Assistant Registrar External Funding Team Leader

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1 JOB DESCRIPTION 1. JOB TITLE: Grants Officer 2. HRMS REFERENCE NUMBER: HRMS/ ROLE CODE: EFORKTO 4. DEPARTMENT: Research and Knowledge Transfer Office 5. ORGANISATION CHART: Executive Dean of Research Assistant Registrar External Funding Team Leader Grants Officers Contracts Co-ordinator Administrative Assistant: Grants and Contracts 6. JOB PURPOSE: To promote, encourage, manage, monitor and support applications to external funding sources from across the University. To provide project management support to ongoing projects. 7. BACKGROUND INFORMATION: The Research and Knowledge Transfer Office is responsible for monitoring and enabling the University of Chester Research and 'Third Stream' (KT) activities. The Office has responsibility for data gathering and returns to funding bodies, for oversight of research governance at the University and for the management and promotion of contract research, consultancy and other KT activities, including KT partnerships. The University has an increasing involvement in applications to EU-funding sources and the development of an increased portfolio of European projects is a current priority.

2 8. WORK PERFORMED AND/OR KEY RESULT AREAS: 8.1 Communicating effectively To explain to staff the application requirements and criteria for submission to external funding schemes. To meet with academic project managers to assist in the preparation of, and to improve the quality of contract and tender proposals. To prepare the written documentation required for project proposals, collecting data, interpreting it into the correct format and investigating into outstanding information in order to complete the proposal. To coordinate the preparation of project proposals in conjunction with academic departments, ensuring that they meet the requirements of the funding agency. To meet with Deans, Heads of Subject, Faculty Management Groups etc. to provide briefings and answer technical questions relating to external Funding sources. 8.2 Leadership and Working Collaboratively To work closely with the Executive Dean of Research and other project staff of the R&KT Office. The role holder may supervise junior administrative staff. 8.3 Liaison and Networking To act as the key point of contact for staff who are proposing an externally funded project and to provide expert advice on requirements, deadlines and project planning to ensure the final project meets the requirements of the funding agency. To liaise as a key contact within the University for external funding agencies to progress applications and deal with queries. To liaise internally with members of the Finance Department to provide a seamless service in relation to grant and contract applications. 8.4 Delivering a High Quality Standard of Service To provide an effective response to requests for assistance with applications from academic staff and external contacts. To organise and support the process of completing and submitting applications. To take a key proactive role in alerting staff to external sources of funding for research and KT activities. To take a key proactive role in contacting academic staff to arrange meetings to assist in the preparation of applications. 8.5 Effective Decision Making To make collaborative decisions with Finance in order to prepare proposals for external grants and contracts according to fec and to adopt an appropriate price for the work. To provide advice and information to academic staff about the best basis for working with partners on grant proposals.

3 8.6 Planning and Organising Self and Others To operate autonomously in planning and organising own work and organising workload to meet external deadlines. To work with those proposing projects to develop project plans, methods and timescales in order to confirm the objectives within the project proposal, and to provide a detailed business plan for the project. To provide advice to faculties and departments on pricing of projects and on how the income may be deployed to provide cover for project staff, to provide other project resources and to distribute profits to department, faculty, and central University funds. To be responsible for monitoring the completion of objectives. To keep financial records relating to grant activities and to prepare appropriate financial reports on projects, in consultation with the finance department. 8.7 Innovation and Improvement (Effective Problem Solving) To work with academic staff to resolve issues and problems related to applications that may threaten the submission deadline. To assist in the completion of RO1 s by explaining the costing requirements and the allocation of income for the correct purpose. 8.8 Analysis and Research To research and publicise new opportunities for staff to apply for external funding. 8.9 Sensory and Physical Demands Standard office equipment Work Environment Office based environment Pastoral Care and Welfare To show a basic sensitivity to colleagues or others in distress Team Development To contribute to the induction of new colleagues as required Other Support To design presentations for the Executive Dean of Research, and other senior staff, to present to a wide range of audiences. To provide support in specialist training sessions run by the Research & Knowledge Transfer Office on issues such as applying for European Funding, registering for European Research Networks or grant application procedures.

4 8.14 Knowledge and Experience See person specification 8.15 General To undertake any other duties commensurate with your grade, and/or hours of work, as may reasonably be required of you. To take responsibility for upholding and complying with the University s Equality and Diversity policies and for behaving in ways that are consistent with fair and equal treatment for all. To comply with all University Health and Safety policies.

5 Job Title: Grants Officer PERSON SPECIFICATION Department: Research and Knowledge Transfer Office Criteria / Method of identification Qualifications: A Degree ECDL Application Application Proven Experience: Substantial administrative experience Experience of a University environment Experience of dealing with customers in a business environment Experience of preparing applications for funding and of following detailed published instructions Delivering academic and service excellence: Attention to detail Ability to learn quickly and to give clear descriptions of procedures and processes. Application Managing self and inspiring others: Good time management skills and a willingness to take the initiative to ensure that work is completed to deadline Well-organised Working together: Confident, pleasant manner Organisational and stakeholder awareness: Able to project a positive image of the University to outside organisations Able to deal confidently and effectively with the full range of University staff Requirements are those, without which, a candidate would not be able to do the job. Applicants who have not clearly demonstrated in their application that they possess the essential requirements will normally be rejected at the shortlisting stage. Requirements are those that would be useful for the post holder to possess and will be considered when more than one applicant meets the essential requirements.

6 UNIVERSITY OF CHESTER TERMS & CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT RESEARCH AND KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER OFFICE GRANTS OFFICER SALARY SCALE University Scale OS6, points 19 22, 22,240-24,289 per annum, payable monthly in arrears. RESIDENCE REQUIREMENT It is a requirement of this post that within 12 months of appointment, the postholder should live within a 30 mile radius or within a one hour travelling time by public transport from the University. HOURS OF WORK 36.5 hours per week Monday Thursday 9.00am 5.30pm Friday 9.00am 4.30pm (less one hour lunch break each day) A flexible approach to work will be required as there may be occasions when it would be necessary for you to work additional hours as dictated by the workload. HOLIDAY ENTITLEMENT 22 days per annum (pro-rata during the commencement and cessation years), rising to 27 days after five years' continuous service. Two extra statutory days per annum during the Christmas period. MEDICAL EXAMINATION Successful candidates will be required to complete an Occupational Health questionnaire, and may be required to undergo a medical examination. ESSENTIAL CERTIFICATES Short-listed candidates will be asked to bring to interview, proof of qualifications as outlined on the Job Description and Person Specification provided. Upon appointment, copies of essential certificates will be required by HRM Services. PENSION SCHEME The University operates two pension schemes for support staff: The default scheme is the Higher Education Defined Contribution Scheme (HEDCS), which is administered by Friends Life. The Cheshire Local Government Pension Scheme, to which the University is an admitted body. All support staff are entitled to participate in one of these schemes. Some staff will be automatically enrolled into a scheme, depending on their age and earnings, but if they do not wish to remain a member of the scheme, they will be entitled to opt out after enrolment.

7 EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES The University has a policy of equal opportunity aimed at treating all applicants for employment fairly. SMOKING POLICY The University operates a No-Smoking policy. PROBATIONARY PERIOD A nine months' probationary period applies to all University posts. CLOSING DATE Candidates should apply for this vacancy via our online recruitment website ( by Thursday 22 nd May 2014 quoting reference number HRMS/13222