The University of the Western Cape (UWC)’s Technology Transfer Office (TTO) sits within the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Innovation portfolio. One of its key functions is the support and management of research and innovation-linked activities, including the management of research-related contracts. As a leading research university, this function plays a critical role in the management of complex sponsored research agreements, as well as the risks associated with these.
  
The UWC TTO is looking for an individual to join our team who has the appropriate knowledge, skills, competencies, and passion to manage the UWC research contract portfolio in the position of Specialist: Research Contracts.

Reporting to the Director of the TTO, the Specialist: Research Contracts is responsible for managing all research-related contracts at UWC: managing the process of review of research-related contracts, ensuring that legal and financial risks related to research contracts are sufficiently mitigated and managed, ensuring research contracts are aligned with the diverse research-related policies and funder requirements, developing and implementing appropriate processes, guidelines, and policies to ensure compliance.

The successful candidate will be responsible for, but not limited to, the following key areas:

• Managing the research contract portfolio and administration process related to research-related contracts.
• Responsible for liaising, advising and assisting UWC support units, senior management, researchers, faculty management and research partners in the management of research contracts.
• Identifying and managing contractual issues such as compliance, conflict-of-interest, financial & reporting requirements.
• Ensuring contract budgets are in line with budget and costing policies and legislation.
• Negotiating and concluding research-related contracts and finalising of complex sponsored research agreements.
• Managing the Due Diligence process requested by external partners/funders on research-related contracts.
• Drafting of opinions and accompanying advice regarding changes in policies, legislation and regulations that may influence the terms and conditions of contracts, in the national and international research and innovation arena.
• Providing expert input and making recommendations on processes, guidelines and policies for research contract management.
• Managing the research-related contract compliance matters that need to implemented/addressed.
• Coordinating the development of course material and training to assist administrators and researchers to understand the internal processes, procedures and policies as it relates to research contracts as well as relevant legislation and local and international compliance requirements.
• Manage and mentor junior staff where relevant.

Minimum Requirements: (Qualification & Experience)   

• A relevant Honours degree or a relevant equivalent qualification at NQF8
• Minimum of 5-6 years of sponsored research administration experience or research contract management or equivalent.

Added Advantage:   

• Professional Qualification in Law or studying towards LLB-NQF8
• 6-8 years in sponsored research administration and research contract management or equivalent

Required competencies: (skills, knowledge, and behavioural attributes)

• Sound knowledge of research-related agreements managed by universities
• Sound knowledge of university research environment, including relevant legislation and policies
• Knowledge of sponsored research contract administration 
• Managerial and project management skills
• Excellent communication skills in English – written and verbal
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Ability to work effectively in a customer-focused service environment