Job Description

Title of Position

Officer: Research Ethics

Post Number

8021443

Faculty/Department

University of the Western Cape -> Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research & Innovation -> Research Development & Postgraduate Support

Type of Position

Permanent - Full Time

Length of Contract Period

Location

Main Campus - Bellville, WC ZA (Primary)

Closing Date

6/10/2023

Role Clarification & Key Performance Areas

The University of the Western Cape has emerged in the past 15 years as a leading research-intensive university on the African continent. This has been achieved through a significant growth in the graduation of Masters and Doctoral students and research publication outputs; the establishment of research niche areas including centres and institutes; the hosting of 17 SA Research Chairs; primary hosting of a DST/NRF Centre of Excellence in Food Security; and a comprehensive staff development programme.

The Ethics Officer will have responsibility for all aspects of administration associated with the research ethics and research integrity procedures. The Officer will support and promote good research conduct and practices across the University.

The successful candidate will be responsible for, but not limited to, the following duties:

• Making logistical arrangement for the relevant ethics committee meetings.
• Preparing and distributing the meeting pack prior to each meeting.
• Minute-taking at the meeting.
• Preparation of minutes following the meeting, as well as the coordination of any actions resulting from the meeting.
• Proactively keep track of open queries and requests for approvals. Request additional documentation as required and follow up on outstanding items where amendments re requested by the Chair.
• Advise faculty officers, Deputy Deans and other staff members on REC processes and guidelines.
• Assist the ongoing development of research ethics processes, including the introduction and implementation of new standard operating processes and policies. This will be done by offering training sessions to staff on REC processes and guidelines.
• Making logistical arrangement for other training opportunities outside of UWC, for REC members.
• Support in the preparation of Annual Report to National Health Research Ethics Council;
• Coordinate ongoing monitoring processes for projects throughout the lifecycle of the project. This includes the administering and arranging monitoring and ad hoc reviews of all approved projects.
• Undertake other such duties, commensurate with the role, as required by their Line Manager.
• Coordinate and update information in the University and Office Research Development databases to ensure that all research ethics-related documents and forms are up to date.

Minimum Requirements

Minimum Requirements (Qualification and Experience):

• A relevant National Diploma at an NQF 6 or an equivalent qualification.
• At least 3 - 5 years' relevant experience in a higher education /research institution.
• Experience in administration of a Research Ethics Committee.
• Proficiency in MS Office and Digital Media

Required competencies (skills, knowledge and behavioural attributes):

• An understating of NHREC requirements and standards, guidelines relevant to clinical and research ethics.
• Verbal and written communication skills.
• High level administrative and organisational skills, including demonstrated ability to prioritise a high volume workload, work to deadlines and work independently or as part of a team.
• Demonstrated experience and competence in the preparation of agendas and minutes, and drafting correspondence, discussions papers and reports.
• Evidence of experience in maintaining high levels of organization of documents, minutes and maintain quick turnaround times.
• Ability to work under pressure, take initiatives and meet deadlines.

In your application, you are encouraged to highlight your strengths and also include anything else that you feel may be pertinent to the selection panel. Please attach your covering letter, a detailed curriculum vitae and highest qualification to your online profile. To be considered for this vacancy, you must click on the Apply for this Job link below or apply directly via UWC Careers at https://uwc.hua.hrsmart.com/hr/ats/JobSearch/viewAll. For any queries, please contact the Human Resources Department at +27 21 959 4063/9763/9708/3551/3756 or email: e-recruitment@uwc.ac.za

EQUITY DISCLAIMER: In line with the University's commitment to diversifying its workforce, preference will be given to suitably qualified applicants in line with Employment Targets of the University. The University reserves the right to not make an appointment, make an appointment at a different level, seek additional candidates and may conduct competency assessments.

University of the Western Cape