Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

We are currently looking for a Research Operations Advisor to join our team. The successful candidate will work with key stakeholders to ensure smooth post award research operations across the University.  This will involve leading the development, creation and maintenance of effective processes and guidance to support the diverse research operating models, condensing large amounts of information into workable policy advice/guidance for our respective research stakeholder groups and identifying efficiency gaps and potential financial risks in the research contract lifecycle.

Some other responsibilities include:

• Provide expert knowledge across the research operations value chain. 
• Manage stakeholder relationship, advocacy and negotiation within the Faculty and Large-Scale Research Institute Research Services teams
• Develop research risk reporting, monitor, report and escalate as appropriate
• Data/process auditing experience with an eye for detail
• Identify and drive simplification opportunities for Research Support Operations

This is a permanent, fulltime (37.5 hours per week) opportunity, with a salary range of $64,600 - $68,000 depending on qualifications and experience.

For more detailed information, please refer to the Position Description

 Mō tō mātou rōpū | About the team

The Research Operations Centre (ROC) is responsible for post-award contract and financial administration for all public and private good research projects, internal funding projects and consultancy services.

The Operations Advisory team are the first point of contact for providing expert advice and resolution of complex contract and financial queries, as well as ensuring quality assurance and compliance of research contracts.

He kōrero mōu | About you
Our ideal candidate will have demonstrated experience in managing contract compliance, contract deliverables interpretation, financial transactions such as journals, the application of GST and budget reconciliations. You will need to have proven skills in stakeholder management, process improvement, customer service, the ability to identify process improvement opportunities, and potential financial risks, identification of root cause and solving complex problems.

You will be highly motivated, self-managing and exceptionally well organised with strong planning and co-ordination skills and be able to juggle multiple priorities. If you possess a high level of initiative and can bring creativity and new ideas to the role, we want to hear from you.

Nga Pūkenga Motuhake | Essential Skills

• Ability to manage multiple stakeholder relationships and provide resolutions to meet the demands of stakeholders whilst ensuring compliance with contracts and University policies.
• Excellent financial data assessment and analytical skills along with the ability to derive and present insights from data.
• Contract interpretation skills, especially the ability to identify deliverables
• Experience with a large, complex enterprise system (e.g., InfoEd, PeopleSoft Financials, Sentient, CRM, MicroStrategy) would be preferred.

If have experience in administration functions such as the creation of digital forms, website and knowledgebase content management and document management and Lean Six Sigma methodology that would be an advantage.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What we offer

The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s leading university and maintains significant computational, laboratory and analytic facilities. Auckland itself is frequently rated as one of the world’s most liveable cities. 

The University is committed to providing an excellent working environment through:

• Flexible employment practices (including working from home, flexible hours)
• Up to 6.75% company superannuation scheme
• A competitive salary with five weeks’ annual leave

In addition, we also offer career development programmes, discounted car parking, a generous parental leave allowance, childcare and a number of other discounts on internal and external services. 

For more information please visit Staff Benefits

Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland

The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s leading university. We employ more than 5400 academic and professional staff to support over 41,000 students, making us one of NZ’s largest employers.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

Applications must be submitted online, by the closing date of 21st August 2022 to be considered. Please include your cover letter and your CV highlighting how you can meet the skills and experiences detailed above.

Please reach out to Raewyn Knight via [email protected] for a confidential conversation. Please note we are happy to answer your questions, but we do not accept applications by email.

Overseas Applicants

In response to COVID-19 the New Zealand Government imposed travel restrictions but have recently announced a five-step plan for a phased border re-opening. This phased re-opening will take some time and this may alter the nature of the standard interview process for offshore candidates, particularly at the on-site interview stage. To see how this might affect your application and for more information and updates on the border restrictions and phased re-opening, please visit the Immigration New Zealand website or the New Zealand Government's official Covid-19 website.

Equity

The University is committed to meeting its obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi and achieving equity outcomes for staff and students in a safe, inclusive and equitable environment.  For further information on services for Māori, Pacific, women, LGBTQITakatāpui+, people with disabilities, parenting support, flexible work and other equity issues go to www.equity.auckland.ac.nz