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

The University of Malta is looking for a Senior Manager(s) – Post-Award Phase on an indefinite basis to join the RGFM Team within the Finance Office. This role(s) is suited to experienced professionals with extensive expertise in the financial management, administration, audit, or oversight of externally funded research projects and programmes, and a strong track record in strategic team leadership, compliance governance, and stakeholder management.

The successful candidate(s) will provide strategic and operational leadership for the post-award financial management of externally funded research projects, ensuring compliance with institutional, national and funder requirements. The role is responsible for overseeing the financial lifecycle of research grants, including financial eligibility, reporting, audit preparedness, risk management and the effective management and development of staff 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 seven (7) 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. Substantial experience in a supervisory, coordination, management or equivalent leadership role with responsibility for staff performance, development and work allocation is also required.

Skill-sets
 

• Strong leadership and people management skills, with the ability to lead, motivate and develop high-performing teams.
• Excellent analytical, financial management and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify risks, assess complex situations and implement effective solutions.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and strong aptitude for working with financial and project management systems.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with academic staff, senior management, funding agencies, auditors and other stakeholders.
• Strong organisational and planning skills, with the ability to oversee multiple project portfolios, manage competing priorities and ensure timely delivery of objectives.
• Sound knowledge of financial compliance, reporting requirements and the administration of externally funded research projects.
• Ability to analyse operational requirements, identify staff training and development needs, and implement initiatives that support continuous improvement and service excellence.
• High level of accuracy, attention to detail and professional judgement in managing financial and compliance-related matters.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively while providing strategic direction and operational oversight across teams.

Salary and benefits

The post(s) carries an initial starting salary of EUR 43,308 together with an allowance of Euro 13,000 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:

• Lead and oversee the University's post-award research grants finance function, ensuring the effective financial management and administration of externally funded projects in accordance with institutional and funder requirements.
• Oversee post-award project management activities across the RGFM Team, ensuring timely delivery, budget compliance, high-quality financial reporting and adherence to applicable regulations.
• Monitor and review project portfolios across teams, ensuring appropriate workload distribution, consistent service delivery, effective resource utilisation and the timely identification of risks and issues.
• Lead, manage and develop post-award staff, including responsibility for performance management, workload allocation, mentoring and professional development.
• Identify, analyse and address training and development needs across the post-award function, and implement initiatives to enhance staff knowledge, technical expertise and service quality.
• Coordinate with auditors, funding agencies, academic staff and internal stakeholders to ensure financial and administrative compliance and facilitate successful audits and reviews.
• Ensure that project records, financial reports and supporting documentation are maintained accurately and submitted within established deadlines.
• Identify and proactively address financial, operational and compliance risks that may impact project delivery, funding eligibility or institutional obligations.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives and contribute to the development, review and implementation of policies, procedures and best practices related to research grants’ financial management.
• Work closely with the Pre-Award Senior Manager to ensure alignment, consistency and effectiveness across the research grants finance lifecycle.
• Represent the University in discussions, meetings and external engagements related to research grants financial management, compliance and post-award administration.
• Undertake any other duties as may be delegated by the 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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