Contract Establishment Officer (HEO 6)

• Based in the Research and Innovation Services Unit at the Mawson Lakes campus
• Two (2) Full-time, continuing positions
• Commencement Salary: $82,077 per annum (plus 17% superannuation)

About the Role

The Contract Establishment Officer supports the Manager Contracts Establishment to expedite and streamline the review, administration, management and processing of agreements for research at UniSA. The position is responsible for efficiently and effectively preparing, reviewing, negotiating, and arranging execution of research agreements.

The position is responsible for advising UniSA to enable satisfaction of its contractual responsibilities, particularly in relation to requirements of research funders, and that its exposure to risk is minimised by ensuring research contract provisions are consistent with UniSA's policies, standards, applicable legislative framework, and approach to risk management.

About UniSA

The University of South Australia is Australia’s University of Enterprise. Our culture of innovation is anchored around global and national links to academic, research and industry partners. Our graduates are the new urban professionals, global citizens at ease with the world and ready to create and respond to change. Our research is inventive and adventurous and we create new knowledge that is central to global economic and social prosperity.

Research and Innovation Services (RIS) provides support for the management of research, and administers sponsored research projects, along with contract research and consultancy agreements. It is also responsible for ensuring the responsible and ethical conduct of research, and for developing and implementing strategic initiatives to improve the quality of the experience and outcomes for postgraduate research students.

The Contracts Establishment Team provides strategic, legal and operational support to the Director, RIS and RIS senior management to support the core functions of RIS in support of responsible, compliant and ethical conduct of research. The team works closely with researchers and stakeholders in the preparation, review, negotiation, and execution (in accordance with the University’s delegation framework) of various types of research contracts, including both standard form contracts and bespoke research agreements.

Core Responsibilities

• Provide expedient strategic review, interpretation, advice and guidance on research agreements and research funding agreements, legislation and regulations relating to research projects and contract activity including reviewing terms and conditions aligned to the University’s framework
• Manage standard and non-standard research agreements from initial negotiation with external partners to execution and notification, including drafting clauses or agreements to suit the particular needs of a research project where this may be required or to ensure compliance with obligations to a funding body or partner
• Ensure appropriate and full approvals are in place before proceeding to finalisation, including confirming with researchers and other relevant stakeholders that research project level information is complete and correct (e.g., in schedules to agreements), and researchers have a full understanding of the contractual milestones, deliverables, and other obligations
• Proactively liaise with other professional service areas of the University to ensure the efficient, compliant, and effective negotiation and administration of research contracts and briefings to the signatory, and to obtain complex specialist or legal advice where it may be required
• Liaise and negotiate with granting agencies, partner research organisations, industry partners and researchers

• A tertiary law degree or recognised legal, paralegal, or business qualifications and demonstrated relevant experience, training, education, and expertise in legal review and advice, drafting, negotiating, administering, and advising on contracts within the tertiary education or research sector, or in a commercial or government environment
• A good working knowledge of contract law and commercial contracting with demonstrated ability to critique legal documents and provide feedback to key stakeholders such as professional, administrative, legal, and academic staff across the research ecosystem
• Knowledge of research governance, research grant funding opportunities and requirements, application processes and post-award/post-contract management processes
• Demonstrated ability to interpret funding rules and guidelines when managing research grant or research funding related agreements, with an ability understand and identify key risk issues or considerations in the research context
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with experience in drafting or negotiating bespoke research agreements or contractual terms for some of the University’s research funders/partners

Getting a great job working with the best is just the start. UniSA rewards its staff with a wide variety of benefits such as:

• Access to great personal development opportunities
• Generous superannuation contributions of 17%
• Employee assistance and development programs
• Corporate health insurance
• Staff study support

As a University of Enterprise, we offer a dynamic and agile workplace culture, one that embraces challenges and thrives on breaking new ground. Our staff are creative and innovative thinkers, communicating with clarity, conviction and enthusiasm. We embrace diversity and inclusion in a vibrant, engaging environment. Our people are authentic, resilient, and influential, and we deliver results.

How to Apply

For a copy of the position description and to apply, please visit Working at UniSA . The online application form will list the specific selection criteria that you need to address.

Please address your cover letter to Emma Kelvin, Recruitment Consultant. For further information about the position or the recruitment process, please contact UniSA Recruitment Central on +61 8 8302 0482 or via email at [email protected] using job reference number 4097.

Applications close: 11.30pm Sunday 22 May 2022

Applications welcomed from Australian or NZ citizens, Australian permanent residents and those who have the legal right to work in Australia for the term of appointment.

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Applications must be lodged online, please note UniSA does not accept applications via email.

UniSA is committed to developing a diverse workforce and a constructive enterprising culture in which everyone can thrive.

For further support, contact Recruitment Central on +61 8 8302 1700 or email [email protected] and you will receive a response within one working day.

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