Research Project Officer – Bpat

HEW level 5

Fixed-term position through to February 2024

Closing date: 30 March 2023 at 11.00pm AEST (R-23591)

About This Opportunity 

The Project Officer supports the delivery of projects by completing a range of activities including coordinating project planning, project communication, stakeholder engagements, project documentation, project deliverables, and other duties as required.

Since 2015 UQ have led and implemented the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) program BPAT (Breeding Program Assessment Tool). These efforts are part of an overall strategy to modernize the public sector breeding programs that are conducted in the CGIAR system so they can produce a continuous stream of improved varieties for small holder farmers in the developing world. The BPAT is a standardized method to assess the performance of these breeding programs. The BPAT is used both as an evaluation scorecard and as the basis for developing improvement plans in collaboration with the Excellence in Breeding Platform (EiB). The tools include pre and on-site surveys that collect large volumes of quantitative and qualitative data, from multiple sources and require storage, processing, interrogation and reporting. 

We are looking for an agile and adaptable Project Officer, with strong coordination and time management skills combined with excellent communication, attention to detail and the ability to deliver outcomes in a time-critical environment. Knowledge of international agricultural humanitarian projects would be highly advantageous.

Key responsibilities will include: 

Project/Administrative Management

Provide planning and monitoring of the project progress.

Work closely with funding body and BPAT project team to assist in delivering project outcomes in a timely manner

Plan and manage BPAT travel for the project team, coordinating schedules and providing regular updates to participating international organisations.

Prepare and ensure timely submission of project reports in accordance with funding body requirements

Develop project risk register, risk management plan, and stakeholder engagement/communication plans as required

Assist in the development of BPAT project SOPs

Manage and develop the project’s physical resources, including purchases and IT

Provide assistance in the development and ongoing management of grant applications including budget, and resource forecasting.

Act as the central point of contact for the BPAT project team and stakeholders.

Develop and maintain the BPAT brand and vision, in conjunction with the project team.

Update the project website as and when required

Produce social media updates across multiple platforms

Coordinate BPAT presence and provide event management support at scientific conferences

Finance

With the support of UQ financial officers:

Monitoring monthly project expenditure against budget and providing financial policy advice where required.

Supporting the preparation of budget plans to meet project activities timely and efficiently.

Assist finance staff to prepare annual budget reports for review.

Ensure compliance with funding body and University financial policies and procedures regarding cost control, cost recovery, advice and reporting

Reconciliation and acquittal of project finances for review and approval

Assisting in processing accounts payable (raising orders, paying invoices, processing claims for reimbursement, and preparing overseas payments and internal service charges) in accordance with relevant University policy and procedures.

Resource and Personnel Management

Manage assessor sub-contractor agreements, reviewing and maintaining details to ensure they are up to date and compliant with UQ standards.

Coordinate and assist with personnel requirements for the project team (including work schedules, leave planning and other contingencies)

This role is subject to The University’s .

About You

Qualifications and training equivalent to an undergraduate degree in business administration, accounting or related field; or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training with subsequent experience.

Sound knowledge and understanding of UQ financial and administrative processes would be highly advantages.

Previous experience working as part of a project team or in a similar role

Ability to interpret and apply policies and procedures

Demonstrated high level of proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook)

Highly developed interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with a range of international and national colleagues and stakeholders by telephone, email and in person.

Commitment to upholding the University’s values, and with the outstanding personal qualities of openness, respectfulness and integrity

Experience in dealing with clients from different cultural backgrounds and a good understanding of cross-cultural issues would be an advantage

An interest in data analysis, including experience using MS Access or other database software and Power BI would be advantageous

An understanding of and commitment to the principles of equity and equal opportunity

Ability to prioritise own workload, work independently and meet deadlines; effective time management and problem solving skills.

What We Can Offer 

This is a Part-time ,  60 % FTE Fixed-term  position through to 28 February 2024  at  HEW 5 . 

The full-time equivalent base salary will be in the range $74,378.89 – $82,842.92 plus super of up to

17%. The total FTE package will be in the range $87,023.30 – $96,926.22 per annum. 

For further information about UQ’s benefits, please visit and review . 

 
Questions? 

To discuss this role please contact

For application queries, please contact stating the job reference number in the subject line. 
 

Want to Apply?  

All applicants must upload the following documents in order for your application to be considered:

Cover letter addressing the ‘About You’ section

Resume 

About the Selection Process  

To satisfy pre-requisite questions and ensure your application can be considered in full, all candidates must apply via the UQ Careers portal by the job closing deadline, or their application will not be accepted. 
 

Other Information  

Work Rights:

If you are a current employee of the University, or hold an unpaid or affiliate appointment with the University, please login to your staff and visit the internal careers board to apply for this opportunity. Please do NOT apply via the external job board.