Call for Applications
Post(s) of Manager – Post-Award Phase
Research Grants Finance Management (RGFM), Finance Office

The University of Malta is looking for a Manager(s) – Post-Award Phase on an indefinite basis to join the RGFM Team within the Finance Office. This role is suited to experienced professionals with strong expertise in the financial management and administration of externally funded research projects, and a proven track record in operational team supervision, compliance monitoring, and stakeholder coordination.

The successful candidate(s) will provide day-to-day operational leadership and oversight for an assigned portfolio of post-award research projects, ensuring strict compliance with institutional, national, and funder requirements. The role is responsible for directly managing the financial lifecycle of research grants, including eligibility verifications, reporting, audit preparation, and risk mitigation, while actively mentoring and supporting the development of a dedicated team of finance coordinators and executives within the RGFM. An indicative list of duties is available on Page 2.

Essential Qualifications & Skills

• Master’s degree in subjects involving Commerce/ Finance/ Accountancy/ Management/ Economics/ Marketing/ Project funding/European Studies; OR
• Master’s degree in another subject, provided the candidate can demonstrate high suitability and relevant experience for the post

AND

• A minimum of six (6) years’ progressively responsible experience in the financial management, administration, audit or oversight of EU or Maltese competitively funded research projects and programmes within a Higher Education Institution, Research Centre, Funding Authority, or a recognised public audit body specialising in public funds. Experience in a supervisory, coordination or equivalent leadership role is also required.

Skill-sets

• Strong supervisory and team management skills, with the ability to effectively coordinate workloads, motivate staff, and support the development of operational teams.
• Excellent analytical, financial verification, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to spot risks, assess complex project expenditures, and implement compliant solutions.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and a strong aptitude for working with institutional financial systems and centralized funding portals.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with academic staff, funding bodies, auditors, and senior management.
• Strong organisational and portfolio management skills, with the ability to monitor multiple project lifecycles, manage competing deadlines, and ensure timely financial submissions.
• In-depth knowledge of financial compliance, eligibility rules, and reporting requirements governing EU and national externally funded research projects.
• Ability to monitor operational workflows, identify day-to-day training needs within the team, and support initiatives aimed at continuous service improvement.
• Exceptional level of accuracy, attention to detail, and sound professional judgment in managing financial verifications, audit trails, and compliance-related matters.

Salary and benefits
The post(s) carries an initial starting salary of EUR 43,308 together with an allowance of Euro 4,500 and a performance bonus.

While the position(s) are intended to be filled on a full-time basis, consideration may be given to part-time for the successful candidate(s). Any such requests will be addressed and discussed with the selected individual(s) once the position(s) are awarded. Employees working on part-time basis are required to fulfil their duties during the University’s normal office hours.

Benefits offered:

• Continuous Professional Development allowance;
• Communications allowance;
• Financial Responsibility Bonus;
• Health insurance cover;
• Study leave;
• Other applicable benefits under the University of Malta’s Course Fees policy.
• Travel opportunities for training and to represent UM on the assigned project portfolio

Application Procedures

Candidates must upload covering letter, curriculum vitae, certificates (certificates should be submitted preferably in English) outlining their experience and achievements in their current position and names and emails of three referees through this form: https://www.um.edu.mt/hrmd/workatum-general

Applications should be received by Wednesday, 8 July 2026.

 Late applications will not be considered.

Further information

The RGFM Team manages the financial aspects of externally funded research projects throughout their entire lifecycle at the University of Malta.

The Pre-Award team supports academics in the budgetary preparation of research proposals, assisting with over 500 applications annually. The Post-Award team currently oversees the financial management of close to 500 active externally funded projects across diverse fields.

Further information:

https://www.um.edu.mt/services/researchgrants/

Indicative Duties:

• Manage and co-ordinate the day-to-day post-award financial operations for an assigned portfolio of research projects, ensuring effective administration in accordance with institutional, national, and funder requirements.
• Supervise post-award project management activities within the assigned team, ensuring timely delivery, budget compliance, high-quality financial reporting, and strict adherence to applicable regulations.
• Monitor and review project portfolios within the team, ensuring appropriate workload distribution, consistent service delivery, effective resource utilisation, and the timely escalation of risks and issues.
• Supervise, mentor, and support assigned post-award staff, taking responsibility for direct workload allocation, day-to-day performance tracking, and guidance.
• Identify and analyse technical training and development needs within the assigned team, implementing practical initiatives to enhance staff knowledge and service quality.
• Liaise closely with auditors, funding agencies, academic staff, and internal stakeholders to ensure financial and administrative compliance and facilitate smooth project audits and reviews.
• Review and verify that project records, financial reports, and supporting documentation prepared by the team are maintained accurately and submitted within established deadlines.
• Identify and proactively mitigate financial, operational, and compliance risks that may impact project delivery, funding eligibility, or institutional obligations.
• Contribute actively to continuous improvement initiatives and support the implementation of policies, procedures, and best practices related to research grants' financial management.
• Collaborate closely with colleagues across the Pre-Award and Post-Award functions to ensure operational alignment, consistency, and a seamless research grants finance lifecycle.
• Support the Senior Manager in representing the RGFM team in discussions, meetings, and engagements related to research grants financial management and compliance.
• Undertake any other duties as may be delegated by the Senior Manager or Deputy Director for RGFM.

The appointee(s) will not be allowed to engage in any other gainful employment without the permission of the Council; and at such places and during such hours as may be determined by the University authorities.

The Selection Procedures

• The evaluation of qualifications and experience claimed and supported by testimonials and / or certificates (copies to be included with the application)
• Short-Listing of candidates
• An invitation to short-listed candidates to a Selection Board interview

The Selection Process

The selection process will follow the document “Guidelines for Members of Selection Boards in the Recruitment of Administrative, Technical and Industrial Staff”

(https://www.um.edu.mt/hrmd/policiesprocedures).

In accordance with the guidelines, members of the Selection Board will establish the following selection criteria for the selection process:

• Relevant academic qualifications
• Relevant experience and skills
• Aptitude and suitability
• Performance during the interview

The appointment will be subject to a probationary period of one year and to the provisions of the Statutes, Regulations and Bye-Laws of the University of Malta which are now or which may hereafter be in force.

The University of Malta is an Equal Opportunity employer.

Office of the University
Msida, 23 June 2026

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