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Role Description

Job Title:International Research Project Co-ordinator

Grade:5

Category: Support

Job Purpose: Responsible for a portfolio of administrative, co-ordination and liaison duties and functions, developing and managing accurate, up-to-date and fit-for-purpose processes. Additionally, acting as central liaison for an international and university-wide research project, playing a key role in the project management team, central to the high-quality delivery of a large and complex project. Works in close liaison with administrative and academic colleagues in various faculties and support services across the university, the same in all international partners including external employer organisations and also with the research agency of the European Commission.

Responsible to:Project’s Principal Investigator / Manager (Leader: Work Package 1)

Generic Duties and Responsibilities:

In line with the University’s Mission, Corporate Strategy and Leadership Attributes, you will:

  • Support the Project Management Team by coordinating and contributing to the provision of professional expertise and support ensuring that the project provides legally-binding deliverables and high levels of stakeholder satisfaction at a local, national and international level.
  • Organise, plan and prioritise own work activities, and the work of others where appropriate, to contribute to the achievement of project’s deliverables, objectives and targets ensuring professional standards in line with developing policy and process..
  • Seek and respond to feedback by proactively reviewing existing and developing newprocesses, procedures and practices to ensure that the needs and expectations of relevant stakeholders are met.
  • Contribute to the development of a collaborative, collegiate and inclusive culture, by sharing information and good practice with others.
  • Build and maintain effective relationships with others, internally and externally to the University, throughout the project.
  • Develop and maintain a specialist knowledge of research concepts and processes, project management, external funding management and international complexity.
  • Demonstrate a flexible attitude to change which will support the University in meeting existing and future needs in funded research management.
  • Act corporately, promoting the ‘One University’ principle and promoting the Faculty within and outside the University where appropriate. Use cross-cultural experience and resulting relationships to maximise project outcomes.
  • Support and contribute where appropriate to university internal reporting and consultation.
  • Undertake other responsibilities as required.

Specific Responsibilities:

  • Ensure a high quality contribution to the development, planning and delivery of the Global & Entrepreneurial Talent Management 3 project across 5 countries and 14 partners.
  • Ensure a high quality contribution to the same beyond the project beneficiaries / partners.
  • Manage the administration of existing and new processes and procedures relating to mobility management, seconded staff (incoming and outgoing),recruitment and management of project participants, administration of formal project steering committees, advisory board and internal consultation bodies, upkeep of the project records on the ECAS portal (liaising with RBS), supporting international research processes, supporting formal reporting to the funding body (European Commission).
  • Support the Project Manager and Work Package 1 team and partners in the overall management & administration of the project, to include research, gender policy, quality assurance, project planning.
  • Liaise with RBS on the financial management of the fund.
  • Support the Work Package 6 team and partners in the organisation and delivery of Northumbria-based networking and training events.
  • Support Work Package 7 on the development and administration of the highest international research ethics standards.
  • Primary responsibility at Northumbria but will be required to offer support and assistance across the project’s international partners as needed.
  • Undertake international secondments on the project of 30 days duration in Europe and possibly South Korea, fulfilling some of the ‘administration’ secondments committed in the project. Travel internationally for up to a week in order to attend project events and meetings.
  • This Role Description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties and will be subject to periodic review by the line manager and appropriate others in discussion with the post-holder.

Person Specification

School/Service: Business and Law

Job Title: International Research Project Co-ordinator

Grade: 5

E/D
Knowledge
1. / Comprehensive knowledge of the work practices, processes and procedures relevant to the role. / E
2. / Working knowledge of systems, processes and procedures in own area that is required to provide advice and guidance to others. / E
3. / Clear understanding of the standards and regulations set for the conduct and output for the role. / E
4. / Working knowledge of the activities of other areas of the University relevant to the role. / E
Personal Abilities and Skills
5. / Ability to work as an effective team member, in supporting the University Strategy and other activities for the benefit of own area of responsibility and the University as a whole. / E
6. / A positive, inclusive and collegiate approach and the ability to inspire and motivate others, especially in different international cultures. / E
7. / Ability effectively to plan, organise and exploit resources. / E
8. / Ability to develop and maintain good working relationships with colleagues across the University and internationally at all levels and outside of Higher Education. / E
9. / Ability to use initiative to resolve complex problems by applying creativity to identify practical options and devise varied solutions.
10. / Any foreign language skills or international experience. / D
Experience
11. / Experience of planning and organising the activities of self and/or others. / E
12. / Experience of developing and working with relevant specialised processes, systems and procedures. / E
13. / Experience of working independently and dealing with unforeseen problems and circumstances across geographies, timezones and with highly varied cultures and institutions / organisations. / E
14. / Experience of developing and implementing new working methods. / E
15. / Demonstrable success in building good relationships with key internal and external parties. / E
Education
16. / First degree or equivalent, preferably in a discipline relevant to the role or proven relevant professional experience. / E

Legend:

E = EssentialD = Desirable