Post of Manager – University Business Linkage (UBL)

VACANCY FOR POST OF MANAGER 

UNIVERSITY BUSINESS LINKAGES (UBL) CELL of University of Jaffna

Applications are invited for the above post on a contract basis from suitably qualified persons up to 29th November 2021.

TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR THE MANAGER – (ON CONTRACT) – UNIVERSITY BUSINESS LINKAGES (UBL) Jaffna

BACKGROUND

The implementation of UGC Circular 10/2016 was started in 2018 with the funds from the Accelerating Higher Education Expansion and Development (AHEAD) Operation. Funds are released based on actions completed according to a scorecard developed by AHEAD Operation.

The Business Linkages Cell of the University of Jaffna is the entity responsible for the following Focal areas of the University Business Linkages promotion.

  • Developing practice and business-oriented student’s projects
  • Organizing training and coaching activities for businesses
  • Implementing (technical) consulting services for businesses
  • Implementing an IP policy at university
  • Promoting Research Cooperation between businesses and the University
  • Promoting strategic alliances with the private sector to develop the research infrastructures and capacities at Universities.

THE OPERATION

The University Business Linkage (UBL) is funded by the Accelerating Higher Education Expansion and Development (AHEAD) Operation of the World Bank Project implemented by the Ministry of Education.

KEY TASKS

Subject to any specific directives given by the Director/UBL Cell, the main duties and responsibilities of the UBL Cell Manager will be to:

  • Manage day-to-day operations of the Business Linkage Cell, University of Jaffna(UJN)
  • Maintain Inventory and Records
  • Identify industry-related problems that can be used to formulate projects with real industrial value.
  • Provide support in filing patent applications to protect IP rights of research conducted by UJN staff and students.
  • Organize industry visits for staff and students of the UJN.
  • Organize presentations on timely topics. (e.g – Technology trends, Modern Management Practices etc) by industry/academia/Civil Society Leaders.
  • Organize training workshops on entrepreneurship and promote entrepreneurship within the UJN.
  • Initiate and execute fundraising activities to ensure the sustainability of the UBL Cell–UJN.
  • Support the UBL Cell Director to monitor and coordinate AHEAD activities under the overall implementation of UGC Circular 10/2016, and any subsequent updates, at the University.
  • Assist the UBL Cell Director to complete Phase 4 of the UBL Cell scorecard to the OMST in a timely manner.
  • Assist the UBL Cell Director to develop an overview of what are the R&D and innovation projects at the university which have potential commercialization value. Identify the faculty members and senior students who are involved and their disciplines.
  • Support the UBL Cell Director to build a network of entrepreneurs, investors, small and large businesses which can work with the University researchers.
  • Coordinate the actions related to strengthening the knowledge of Intellectual Property (IP) among academics and students.
  • Facilitate the commercializing of research and innovation outcomes of the University.
  • Assist the UBL Cell Director to report the physical, procurement and financial progress and the performance indicators of the UBL Scorecard to the Operations and Monitoring Support Team (OMST) and Operational Technical Secretariat (OTS).
  • Liaise regularly and closely with the OMST and OTS to ensure smooth functioning of the UBL Jaffna.
  • Assist the OTS, Deputy Director/Procurement and Senior Administrative Officer in the Procurement activities of the UBL Cell in the following areas.
    • In carrying out  Procurement of Goods, Works, Services & Consultancy Services particularly preparation and updating of procurement plans, implementation of the procurement process in terms of Government and World Bank Guidelines with the approval of the  Deputy Director / Procurement.
    • Maintaining records, assisting the conduction of procurement reviews & furnishing reports as required.
    • Assist the Director/ UBL Cell, Deputy Director/Finance and Senior Administrative Officer in the Management of Financial Activities in Financial Areas.
      1. Proper utilization of funds released to the OTS for the UBL Cell by the OMST with the approval of the Deputy Director /Finance.
      2. Maintaining the proper financial records for all UBL Cell expenses.
      3. Submission of accurate, analytical and timely financial reports and other reports as stipulated by the OMST in respect of UBL Jaffna, in strict compliance with all financial regulations with the approval of the Deputy Director /Finance.
  • Maintaining an efficient filing system & records.
  • Maintaining and updating administrative files with necessary confidentiality where required.
  • Monthly update the Procurement Expenditure Plan (PEP) on the progress of UBL Cell with the consultation of Director /UBL Cell.
  • Ensure timely reporting of physical, procurement and financial progress as well as KPIs of the UBL Cell to the Director/ UBL Cell.
  • Any other relevant duties assigned by the Director / UBL Cell, Director/OTS, Deputy Director/Procurement, Deputy Director/ Finance and Senior Administrative Officer of the OTS.

METHOD OF RECRUITMENT

By Interview

The UBL Cell Manager is appointed on a full-time basis.

Initially, the appointment will be made for 12 months and maybe renewed based on performance and need.

REMUNERATION

A Monthly payment of LKR 63,250/= (All  inclusive  CLA, EPF and ETF)  will be paid.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCES

  • A Bachelor Degree in Management, Science, Engineering, Information Technology, Agriculture, Commerce and Marketing from a University recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC).
  • Technical knowledge on following is highly preferred
    • MS Office Package Tools
    • Internet browsing and efficient handling of e-mail
    • Graphic Designing and Video Editing Fundamentals
    • YouTube Channel Maintenance
    • Website maintenance and WordPress
  • Working Experience in the Innovation ecosystem, Marketing Field or industry of more than five years in an Executive Position is highly desirable.

GENERAL CONDITIONS

  • Should be a Citizen of Sri Lanka
  • Age – Not more than 45 years on the date of closing of 29.11.2021

PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCIES REQUIRED

  • Ability to lead and manage  Office of the UBL-Cell
  • High level of proficiency in written and spoken English.
  • Proven ability to handle activities related to Finance and Procurement in the University in accordance with the World Bank Guidelines.
  • Ability to function effectively in a team environment inspiring trust and cooperation of other team members.
  • High level of IT literacy, especially in Word Processing, Spreadsheets, video editing and the internet.
  • Ability to communicate effectively orally in English, Sinhala , Tamil and ability to communicate in English with the World Bank, Ministry of City planning, Water Supply and Higher Education, UGC, OMST and others.
  • Knowledge in statistics and computational methods
  • Proven analytical skills
  • Ability to interact with Senior Academic and Administrative staff in the university and the commercial partners.

HOW TO APPLY:

Applicants who are interested in the above post are requested to submit their application through E-mail to otsjobs@univ.jfn.ac.lk in the prescribed form available on the University of Jaffna website www.jfn.ac.lk along with scanned copies of the certificates. Originals should be submitted at the interview.  The date for the interview will be notified to the eligible candidates through E-mail.

Application Form

 

Note:  Applicants in the Service of Government, Corporations and Statutory Board can submit their application directly.  When they present for the interview they should bring a hard copy forwarded through the Head of Institution concerned.

 

Registrar,
University of Jaffna.