Contract Specialist

**Department** Vice-President Research Innovation - Research Services Office

**Salary range** $60,299.77 to $83,456.99

**Hours per week** 35

**Grade** 10

**Posted date** November 7, 2024

**Closing date** November 20, 2024

**Position Type** Full Time - Operating Funded

**Description**

**_This position is a part of the Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA)._**

This position offers a comprehensive benefits package which can be viewed at: Faculty & Staff Benefits.

This competition will be used to fill 2 vacancies.

**Location - **This role is hybrid with a mix of remote and in-person.

**Working at the University of Alberta**

• The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all First Peoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community._

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people — from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. **Learn more**.**

**Working for the Department/Faculty**

As one of the top 5 research universities in Canada, the University of Alberta's research and innovation spans many fields and disciplines. Our researchers’ expertise and strength attract over $600 million annually from various research funders and partners including federal and provincial governments, industry, foundations, and other organizations.

**Position**

We are seeking individuals with expertise across all areas of research, including Health, Natural Sciences, Engineering, Social Sciences and Humanities to join our dynamic, multidisciplinary team. The Contract Specialist(CS) will be responsible for the coordination, facilitation, and reviewing the project proposals, which are complex funding proposals. The CS will coordinate the planning, preparation, and execution of the proposals in consultation with the central units (Facility & Operation, Risk Management, Procurement Services, and many others) to ensure completeness and cohesiveness of the funding proposals, both preaward and post-award. The CS will also be working with the Financial Analyst, to make sure the post-award requirement of projects are fulfilled per the sponsor’s requirement. The CS will plan and facilitate the delivery of education sessions (e.g., information sessions on the sponsor’s requirements and how to address those requirements in the proposal) regarding large, high-value funding projects.

**Duties**

Application development, Negotiating and Processing of Agreements/Awards

• Coordinates the planning, preparation, and execution of the proposals in consultation with the research team to ensure completeness and cohesiveness of the funding proposals, both preaward and post-award
• Develops and delivers programmatic training and process for upcoming institutional calls for proposals
• Ensures negotiations balance the legitimate needs of sponsors with researcher interests and university principles
• Ensures all required collaborating agreements for a research project are in place and the terms and conditions are consistent; ensures that requirements of government-funded programs are met
• Ensures all proposed sub-grants and sub-contracts are identified and completed
• Authorizes the release of funding once the University and sponsor terms and conditions have been met
• Consults with Facilities and Operations on space enhancement budgets, scopes of work and timelines
• Consults with Risk Management and Legal Counsel where sponsor compliance with University policies and procedures is at risk Collaborates with others in the proposals, contracts/agreements to ensure compliance with University and sponsor policies and procedures, including human ethics, animal care and biohazards
• Reviews proposed budgets for completeness and accuracy, advising applicants on errors, discrepancies and sponsor policies; ensures budgets are identified for collaborators and co-applicants Identifies and confirms university cash and in-kind commitments to the proposed project
• Reviews existing funding agreements to ensure the terms and conditions are consistent with the applicable funding program and meet the eligibility requirements
• Collaborates with researchers and faculty-based research staff on innovative ways to address funding challenges presented by particular programs and situations, liaising with others to solve agreements and management issues
• Works collaboratively with researchers to ensure timely submissions of grant and contract proposals
• Liaises with sponso