EU & International Grants and Contracts Specialist

Job Purpose

To provide high quality research support to academic research staff.

To develop and maintain specialist knowledge of EU funders and targeted other international funders, associated trends, funding opportunities and rules.

To prepare and negotiate contracts to ensure maximum value to the University whilst managing risk and complying with legislation.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1.      To provide comprehensive advice and guidance on funding applications and post award implications, based on strong knowledge of, and relationships with, funding bodies and agencies, including expertise on their rules and strategies, in order to maximise the opportunity for application success and return to the University.

2.      To develop and maintain a central repository of funder information in order to inform the development of successful applications by Principal Investigators.

3.      To review risks and feasibility of projects with College Research Support Managers and escalate issues to relevant approver if required, ensuring appropriate approval is received prior to commitment to the project.

4.        To negotiate and draft agreements and contracts on the most favourable terms for the University, while ensuring risks are fully considered.

5.      To be responsible for the review and submission of EU applications, providing direct support and guidance to Principal Investigators (PI) throughout the application process and ensuring that applications are properly costed and meet the funder’s requirements in order to maximise the likelihood of success.

6.      To liaise with external partners and collaborators on behalf of the PI throughout the application process and negotiation of consortium agreements.

7.      To proactively highlight potential post award issues, liaise with the EU and International Support Co-ordinator to develop agreed solutions, and provide robust hand-over of awards.

8.      To provide advice, briefings, and presentations as and when required in order to support the objectives and targets of the University’s EU Research Strategy.

9.      To proactively disseminate expert knowledge of funders, funding opportunities and associated key management information across the University to ensure funding opportunities are  fully exploited, particularly in areas of University strategic research development and liaise with College/Research Business Development Managers to assess implications and suitability of new funding streams.

10.   To provide specialist training to the University’s academic, research and administrative staff to support the submission of high quality research applications from all areas of the University and to ensure the University maximises recovery of expenditure following successful applications

11.   To proactively identify opportunities to improve administrative systems, processes and procedures in order to improve the management of funding submissions and project delivery.

12.   To contribute to the development of service improvements in relation to research management support by participating in relevant working groups and liaising with staff from across the University to enhance its research performance and reputation.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Knowledge/Qualifications

Essential:

A1 Either: Ability to demonstrate the competencies required to undertake the duties associated with this level of post having acquired the necessary knowledge and skills in a similar or number of different roles. Or: Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 9, (Ordinary Degree, Scottish Vocational Qualification level 4), or equivalent (including professional accreditation with relevant formal training), and experience of personal development in a similar or related role(s).

A2 In depth knowledge of contractual issues including contract law

A3 Detailed knowledge of costing models/systems and applying these in practice

A4 An understanding of financial management.

A5 Knowledge of research management processes

A6 An awareness of the higher education research environment.

A7 Proven knowledge and understanding of typical terms and conditions of grants and contracts

Desirable:

B1 Detailed knowledge of EU funding schemes, their rules and their processes

B2 Detailed knowledge of higher education research processes and environment

Skills

Essential:

C1 Excellent time management skills with an ability to prioritise competing demands

C2 Ability to challenge assumptions and practices.

C3 Resilient and durable, able to maintain momentum in the face of obstacles and setbacks.

C4 Strong organisational skills

C5 Highly developed communication skills and interpersonal skills.

C6 Commercial awareness and a strong understanding of risk management

C7 Strong IT and analytical skills

C8 Finance and accounting skills

C9 Ability to provide advice and guidance in relation to funder requirements.

C10 Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

C11 Ability to work flexibly and adapt to changing environments

Desirable:

D1  Fluency in another European language

Experience

Essential:

E1 Relevant experience with the above qualification

E2 Experience of providing professional advice, drafting and negotiating contracts

E3 Experience of providing high quality advice and guidance on research management

E4 Experience of building relationships with funding bodies or customers.

E5 Experience of costing models to produce high quality and accurate costings.

E6 Experience in delivering a user-focused service that addresses clients’ needs effectively.

E7 Experience of proficiently using relevant IT systems

E8  Experience of budgeting and forecasting

Closing date – 15 November 2022

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 7, £37,474 – £42,155 per annum.

This post is full time and open ended.

Relocation assistance will be provided where appropriate.

As part of Team UofG you will be a member of a world changing, inclusive community, which values ambition, excellence, integrity and curiosity.

As a valued member of our team, you can expect:

1 A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.

2 An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension – pensions handbook https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/payandpensions/pensions/, benefits and discount packages.

3 A flexible approach to working.

4 A commitment to support your health and wellbeing https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/staff/healthwellbeing/.

We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/.

We endorse the principles of Athena Swan https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/athenaswan/ and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.

We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too. Please visit our website https://www.gla.ac.uk/explore/jobs/ for more information.