Position Title: Research Contracts & Finance Administrator
Department/Unit: Research Services
Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Posting Number: S73-23
Employee Group: DPMG
Position Type: Regular, On-Going
Employment Type: Full Time
Full-time Equivalency (FTE): 1
Salary: $55,034 - $73,625 per annum
Classification: ADM-05

Provisional Statement
This is a provisional classification. Formal classification procedures will be initiated by the Job Design Unit in approximately six months.

About Dalhousie University
Dalhousie University is Atlantic Canada's leading research-intensive university and a driver of the region's intellectual, social and economic development. Located in the heart of Halifax, Nova Scotia, with an Agricultural Campus in Truro/Bible Hill, Dalhousie is a truly national and international university, with more than half of our almost 21,000 students coming from outside of the province. Our 6,000 faculty and staff foster a vibrant, purpose-driven community, that celebrated 200 years of academic excellence in 2018.

Job Summary
Dalhousie University, under the leadership of the Vice-President Research & Innovation, administers over $214M annually in research funding. As part of the Office of Research Services and reporting to the Manager, Institutional & International Programs, the Research Contracts & Finance Administrator (RCFA) is responsible for facilitating research contracts, grant agreements, amendments and contribution agreements, supports budget review for Institutional and International applications, and provides financial administration for funded projects from the Institutional & International Programs unit. The RCFA maintains expert knowledge and understanding of research funding agency programs and policies and Dalhousie's research policies and procedures in terms of financial administration and agreements.

Key Responsibilities

• Gathers necessary supporting documents for files not reviewed at the pre-award stage, e.g., Investigator Checklist, funding guidelines, budget, scope of work, PI eligibility, etc.
• In consultation with the ORS Legal Advisor, reviews collaborative research agreements between researchers, funding agencies and collaborating institutions, including tracking progress and trouble-shooting agreements and amendments in progress. Review non-legal terms of grant agreements, amendments, contribution agreements and contracts.
• Supports the review of budgets for applications to granting agencies, in particular for large-scale and/or complex funding opportunities. Reviews budget justifications to ensure alignment with the budget files.
• Monitors, reviews and communicates updates and/or changes to process related to compliance to international funding agencies, in particular US Federal agencies, to the Dalhousie research community and central units.
• Tracks and reviews financial cash and in-kind contributions from institutional and partner commitments, including collection of appropriate supporting documentation.
• Provides financial administration support for a subset of funded international projects. Oversees and reviews financial reporting requirements for international funders, including support for audits.

Note
The successful applicant will be eligible for hybrid work (combination of in-person work on campus and remote work) as agreed by all parties based on operational requirements and university guidelines.

Dalhousie's vaccine mandate has been suspended at this time, and employees no longer need to provide proof of full vaccination. However, health and safety risks to our community will continue to be monitored and a vaccine mandate may be reinstated if necessary.

Required Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in business administration or a related field, with approximately five years' experience in financial management and/or contract administration (or equivalent combination of training and experience).
• Above average communication skills are necessary to communicate appropriately in person and by e-mail.
• Ability to work independently and as a team player.
• Excellent judgment, strong organizational, time management and problem-solving skills.
• Tact, sensitivity and diplomacy, and well-developed interpersonal skills for dealing with researchers and various stakeholders.
• Must be able to work under pressure in a deadline-driven, fast-paced, high-volume environment and manage multiple tasks while paying attention to detail.
• Experience interpreting and applying financial and policy information.
• Proficient technological skills in word processing, financial spreadsheets, e-mail, database management, and electronic file transfer.

Assets

• Knowledge of the research funding environment including funding programs, research funding agencies and practices, and functions related to research and research administration.
• Understanding of the University environment.

Job Competencies
The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate proficiency in Dalhousie's core and leadership competencies (https://www.dal.ca/dept/leaders.html), in particular:

• Respect & Inclusion
• Adaptability
• Knowledge & Thinking Skills
• Communication
• Service

Additional Information
Dalhousie University supports a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Our total compensation package includes a defined benefit pension plan, health and dental plans, a health spending account, an employee and family assistance program and a tuition assistance program.

Application Consideration
Applications from current university employees and external candidates are assessed concurrently. Current university employees will be given special consideration.
We sincerely appreciate all applications and note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted directly by the hiring department or Human Resources.

Diversity Statement
Dalhousie University commits to achieving inclusive excellence through continually championing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. The university encourages applications from Indigenous persons (especially Mi'kmaq), persons of Black/African descent (especially African Nova Scotians), and members of other racialized groups, persons with disabilities, women, persons identifying as members of 2SLGBTQ+ communities, and all candidates who would contribute to the diversity of our community. For more information, please visit www.dal.ca/hiringfordiversity.

Posting Detail Information
Number of Vacancies: 1
Open Date: 02/22/2023
Close Date: 03/15/2023
Open Until Filled: No
Quick Link for Direct Access to Posting: https://dal.peopleadmin.ca/postings/12790

Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Documents Needed to Apply
Required Documents

• Résumé / Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Optional Documents

• Cover Letter