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Ref no:
RGU05855
Published:
15/02/2023
Closes:
26/03/2023
Location:
RGU Garthdee, AB10 7GJ
Salary:
£43,414 - £51,805 per year
Contract Type:
Permanent, Temporary
Position Type:
Full Time
Hours:
35 hours per week
Work From Home:
Hybrid

Job Summary

Robert Gordon University (RGU) is widely recognised as a distinctive part of Aberdeen and Scotland’s education landscape. Every one of our 1,500 employees makes their own unique and equally important contribution to our success, at every level of our operation.

As a capable, ambitious and energetic Solicitor, you will work as University Solicitor, providing advice on a wide range of legal matters including; contracts, compliance and commercial issues; procurement; governance; data protection (GDPR/ FOI); intellectual property including commercialisation and research; legislative interpretation; internal complaints and appeals procedures and hearings; UKVI (Tier 4); accommodation. Legal input to corporate projects is an important aspect of the role. In addition, you will assist with the commissioning of formal advice from the University’s external legal advisors and other consultants as required.

You will be a qualified Solicitor, with broad based post qualification experience, preferably in an in house setting. You will also be a proactive solution and client focussed professional who enjoys working on and managing a very varied workload. Highly developed interpersonal skills and excellent oral and written communication skills are essential.

This position is full-time (although a minimum of 0.8FTE will be considered) and for a fixed period of 12 months covering maternity leave.

In keeping with RGU's commitment to work/life balance you will have the opportunity to work from home for a portion of the working week and also benefit from a generous pension scheme, 46 days annual leave (including statutory days) an onsite nursery and sports centre, as well as a range of voluntary health and travel benefits. 

Part-time applicants that will require sponsorship may be considered in line with UKVI sponsorship requirements.

For further details please contact Veronica Strachan, University Secretary (v.strachan@rgu.ac.uk).

Salary on first appointment is normally to the bottom of the scale, although in exceptional circumstances an appointment further up the scale may be considered.

Job Description

RESPONSIBLE TO: University Secretary

RESPONSIBLE FOR: Legal Officer

PURPOSE OF POST: To assist the University Executive, Senior Management and Board with the provision of advice on legal, governance, compliance and contractual matters as well as the development of relevant policies and procedures.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES:

Advise the University Executive and Senior Management on legal matters affecting the University, commercial and other contractual matters; the University’s obligations and compliance in relation to statutory and regulatory requirements including: Data Protection, Equalities, Freedom of Information, Intellectual Property, charities and other matters.

Provide legal advice for the University in such matters as: Governance Legislation Contracts Compliance and dealing with regulators Complaints and appeals procedures and hearings

Prepare contracts and advise on or participate in contract negotiation on behalf of the University.

Provide advice and guidance to legal and contracts officers across the University.

Maintain and implement the University Contracts Policy and authorise contracts on behalf of the University.

Develop and maintain a set of template contracts for use by the University in appropriate circumstances.

Advise on matters in relation to student issues including complaints handling and dispute resolution.

Advise the University Executive and Senior Managers on appropriate relevant policy and procedure, and monitor their effectiveness across the University.

Revise and formulate relevant new policies and procedures for approval, as appropriate.

Support and/or participate in a range of committees, working groups and University events as may be required.

Represent the University at relevant external events and to relevant external agencies as appropriate.

Liaise across the University and with outside bodies/consultants on relevant matters.

Carry out such other cognate duties as may be required.

Person Specification

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

Qualifications and Professional Membership

Qualifying Scots Law Degree and PG Diploma in Legal Practice

Membership of The Law Society of Scotland

Knowledge

Demonstrated understanding of the Higher Education environment.

Good understanding of legal issues associated with corporate governance.

Good understanding of commercial business arrangements and related terms.

Understanding of the regulatory framework governing public sector bodies in Scotland eg Freedom of Information, Data Protection, Public Procurement etc. Proven drafting, analytical, policy development and report writing skills.

Knowledge and understanding of charity law.

Experience

Proven post qualifying experience in a relevant legal environment.

Demonstrated capacity to deal with complex legal issues and provide clear legal advice.

Experience of drafting, negotiating and managing contracts.

Experience of formulating policy.

Experience of preparing concise written reports and of providing clear oral advice.

DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS

Knowledge

Thorough knowledge of the legislative, regulatory and constitutional frameworks within which HE institutions operate.

Understanding of issues relating to the management of Intellectual Property Rights.

Experience

Experience of dealing with matters of a sensitive and confidential nature.

Proven experience of working independently and authoritatively without recourse to professional support.

Experience of liaising with clients, particularly senior management, and external advisors

 

Behaviours

Behaviour 1: Communication - Ability to receive, understand and convey information requiring careful explanation and information of a complex or conceptual nature, in a clear and accurate manner

Behaviour 2: Service Delivery - Experience of exploring and adapting a service to meet customers’ expectations and also identifying ways of improving standards 

Behaviour 3: Decision Making - Experience of using own judgement to make decisions, making collaborative decisions with others to reach conclusions and providing advice or information that will influence the decisions of others

Behaviour 4: Initiative and Problem Solving - Experience of resolving new problems where there is a mass of information or diverse, partial and conflicting data with a range of potential suitable options

 

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