UL College of Health Sciences, Office of Sponsored Research Services opens Job Vacancy

Introduction: This position is located within the University of Liberia College of Health Sciences  (ULCHS) Office of Sponsored Research Services (OSRS) in Monrovia, Liberia. The Pre-Award  Officer will report to the Director of Sponsored Research Services. 

The Office of Sponsored Research Services (OSRS) was established within the University of Liberia  College of Health Sciences to support basic, clinical, and translational health research in Liberia by  assisting researchers and health professionals through all phases of the process of identifying  research funding announcements, developing research proposals, and administering research grants  and contracts. 

Mission: Supporting translational, biomedical, and health research and training activities to improve  the health, economic, and social well-being of humanity. 

Vision: To improve healthcare delivery in Liberia through the advancement of health and  biomedical research, teaching, and learning 

Position Summary: The Pre-Award Officer will join the Office of Sponsored Research Services  and will be responsible for pre-award activities. S/he will assist the Director of Sponsored Research  Services in the provision of administrative support, training, and other resources to help researchers  and health professionals administer grants and contracts consistent with the funder’s requirements. 

Specific Responsibilities  

➢ Assists the Director in identifying new avenues for funding and grant opportunities;

➢ Coordinates closely with the Director for Sponsored Research Services and the donor  community to build relationships and partnerships in granteeking; 

➢ Disseminates funding opportunity information to the ULCHS Faculty; 

➢ Works closely with faculty and staff in developing and transforming ideas into grant  proposals; 

➢ Advises and assists faculty and staff in assembling grant proposals from the proposal  phase to the grant being awarded; 

➢ Assists in the preparation of proposals and grant applications, collaborating with internal  and external stakeholders; 

➢ Works with the Director to maintain and develop the research management databases for  all research grant, contract, grant applications and offer for research funding;

➢ Tracks pending awards and deadlines to ensure proposals are submitted on time;

➢ Keeps abreast of the priorities and focus of granting bodies and the details of eligibility  requirements and proactively provides timely notification to ensure compliance with  funding bodies; 

➢ Reviews proposals and contracts for accuracy and conformance with sponsor guidelines;

➢ Provides a smooth transition into the contracting and post-award portion of grant  administration; 

➢ Contributes to the further development of internal systems/procedures to enhance funded  research at the College of Health Sciences, and assist in the provision of   training to the  researchers on the grant process; 

➢ Assists the Director with planning and introduction of new initiatives to stimulate research  at the College; 

➢ Performs other duties as assigned. 

Qualification: Bachelor’s degree or above in a relevant discipline (Health Sciences, Research,  Business Administration) Master’s degree will be an added advantage. 

Required Experience: 4-6 years of professional experience preferably with direct relations to  grants administration; preferably with increasing levels of responsibilities  

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

➢ Knowledge of major health sciences research and development funding agencies and  programs from government and non-government sources; 

➢ Considerable knowledge of the pre-award functions;  

➢ Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills; 

➢ Well-developed communication skills including interpersonal, verbal, and written;

➢ Excellent organizational and time management skills including the ability to manage varied  and conflicting demands to meet deadlines; 

➢ Proficiency in the use of computer software packages and demonstrated aptitude and ability  to develop spreadsheet and power point presentations; 

➢ Be highly proactive, ability to think creatively, work cooperatively and productively in a  ground-breaking organization with faculty and administration. 

All applications must be received by mail to: ULCHSHR@ul.edu.lr 

NOT LATER THAN 5 PM on April 19, 2023