Contracts Specialist

at  Dalhousie University

JOB SUMMARY

Under the direction of the ORS Legal Advisor, 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 on the development, negotiation and finalization of research contracts. The Contracts Specialist works closely with the ORS Legal Advisor 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, 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.

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.

• 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.