Contracts Specialist

Job Summary

Under the direction of the ORS Legal Advisor / OCIE Associate Legal Counsel, the Contracts Specialist provides effective and efficient service and support to the Dalhousie research community, with priority attention to Dalhousie researchers engaged in research for the CFREF supported Transforming Climate Action initiative, but including other researchers who are working with ORS and / or OCIE on the development, negotiation and finalization of research contracts.

The Contracts Specialist works closely with the ORS Legal Advisor and OCIE Associate Legal Counsel on all contract matters and takes regular and ongoing direction from them on work tasks and priorities.

Working independently as well as together with the ORS Legal Advisor and OCIE Associate Legal Counsel, the Contracts Specialist helps to address and resolve contract issues in an effort to finalize documents so that the researcher can undertake their research project or initiative.

The Contracts Specialist has expert knowledge and understanding of contract requirements and is expected to become well-versed in Dalhousie’s research and legal policies and procedures.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage, review and negotiate high volume of research contracts.
• Conduct detailed reviews of legal documents / agreements as well as provide comments and advice to the researcher for consideration, and recommend finalized versions for institutional authorization.
• Respond to inquiries and questions from the Dalhousie research community including researchers and administrators on contract matters and issues and update their supervisors on outstanding issues.
• Work within the legal contract online administrative system to ensure all files, correspondence and legal documents are appropriately labelled, stored, tracked and accessible.
• Liaise with Research Accounting, Financial Services, as necessary on contract accounts.
• Assist the ORS Legal Advisor and OCIE Associate Legal Counsel with Dalhousie policies and procedures related to research contracts.

Note

The successful applicant may work in-person on campus, primarily remotely, or perform a hybrid of the two as agreed by all parties based on operational requirements.

Required Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree with at least 5 years related experience in a contracts administration position or related environment.
• Experience negotiating contracts and interpreting legal clauses and clarifying associated risks for researchers.
• Familiarity with contractual, ethical and financial issues, effective negotiation skills, and experience interpreting and applying policy information.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with multiple competing priorities and deadlines with excellent prioritization and time management skills as well as great attention to detail.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Access, Excel, Power Point), video calls, electronic file transfer, internet and email.

Assets

• Related certification, such as a Certificate in Research Administration or Research Management and / or a Clinical Research Contract Professional (CRCP) certification.
• Knowledge of the university research funding environment and research funding organizations including industry.

Additional Information

Dalhousie University supports a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Our total compensation package includes a voluntary RRSP, health and dental plans and an employee and family assistance program.

Application Consideration

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Diversity Statement

Dalhousie University commits to achieving inclusive excellence through continually championing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility.

The university encourages applications from Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island (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 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, and all candidates who would contribute to the diversity of our community.

In accordance with our Employment Equity Policy, preference will be given in hiring processes to candidates who self-identify as members of one or more of the equity-deserving groups listed above.