Senior Assistant Officer (post level 12) - (1052) at University of the Free State

Duties and responsibilities:

• Organize all activities of the HSREC office, including meeting administration, administration of all applications received on RIMS, record-keeping and accurate office statistics/metrics.
• Responsible for, participate in and coordinate all the functions of the Research Ethics office and the processes on RIMS for Health Sciences Research Ethics.
• Provide administrative support to the chairperson, executive committee, committee members, reviewers, and researchers during the initial review process and regarding subsequent submissions and documentation.
• Communicate confidentially between reviewers and researchers regarding the HSREC application, review and approval processes.
• Support and ensure regulatory compliance of all documentation and processes of the Health Sciences Research Ethics application, evaluation, approval, monitoring and reporting process.
• Support and assist with audits by regulatory bodies (e.g., NHREC).
• Facilitate the timely maintenance of the HSREC webpage as well as all HSREC documents in line with regulatory and UFS branding policies and procedures.
• Support and coordinate training of HSREC committee members and researchers where required.
• Liaise with the UFS RIMS office regarding system issues.
• Ensure effective financial administration of the HSREC office.
• Assist with the administration of all Research Grants and Contracts as well as the Research Agreement on RIMS for the Faculty of Health Sciences.
• Promote responsible conduct of research.

Inherent Job Requirements:

• A bachelor’s degree or an advanced diploma/BTech degree/ Postgraduate certificate on NQF 7.
• A minimum of two (2) years relevant working experience related to the duties and responsibilities.

Recommendations:

• Postgraduate degree on NQF level 8.
• Training in health sciences research ethics.
• Previous relevant experience at a higher education institution, RIMS or ethics matters.
• Organisational skills.
• Financial management skills.

Competencies
Key Competencies Required:

Results orientated:

• The ability to be reliable, responsible, dependable and to fulfil obligations.
• The ability to deal calmly and effectively with high stress situations.

Strategic thinking:

• The ability to focus on details, work towards perfection, and approach work in a neat and organized manner.
• The ability to carefully analyse information and use logic to address issues and problems at work.

Business acumen:

• The ability to adhere to rules and strictly follow work regulations.
• Advanced Computer skills in MS Word, Excel, and Access

Leading:

• The ability to maintain high levels of personal motivation, energy and enthusiasm.
• The ability to be cooperative with others, display good-natured attitude, and encourage people to work together.
• The ability to work in a team and function under pressure.

Building coalitions:

• The ability to interact with others and establish personal connections with people. 
• The ability to make decisions through consultation, collaboration, and working with close supervision.