Becker Friedman Institute - Development Innovation Lab
About the Department
Founded and led by Nobel laureate and Faculty Director, Professor Michael Kremer, the Development Innovation Lab (DIL) is an affiliate of the Development Economics Center at the University of Chicago. Formally inaugurated in the spring of 2022, DIL brings researchers of various fields together with governments, firms and non-profits to use the tools of economics to identify, test, refine and scale innovations with the potential to benefit millions of people in low- and middle-income countries.The Becker Friedman Institute for Economics (BFI) works with the Chicago Economics community to turn its evidence-based research into real-world impact. BFI takes a unique approach to bridging the divide between academic researchers and decision-makers in the business community and government by translating and packaging the rigorous work of the Chicago Economics community into accessible formats, and proactively sharing those findings with relevant decision-makers and thought leaders around the globe. BFI is a collaborative platform serving the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, the Kenneth C. Griffin Department of Economics, the Harris School of Public Policy, and the Law School. For more information visit https://bfi.uchicago.edu.
Job Summary
The Administration Associate supports routine grant management, research administration, and operations activities relating to the management of DIL research and organization management. This role will support a broad spectrum of tasks related to the organization's grant and financial management.
Responsibilities
- Handles award notifications for outgoing awards and oversee the process of funds transfers.
- Maintains processes for efficient grant management of outgoing awards.
- Maintains records and process transactions within grant management systems and correspond with external program stakeholders and awardees.
- Creatively solves unorthodox grant and research management questions as they arise.
- Supports efforts to coordinate with research and administrative staff on pre-award proposal submissions and grant modifications.
- Assists, as needed, with financial duties in coordination with the Associate Director of Finance, including: preparing and submitting financial transactions through university systems (e.g., BuySite, GEMS, etc.); assisting staff with university systems (e.g., Workday, AURA, etc.).
- Prepare special reports and summaries, assists in managing daily operation of the office, and may assist in developing administrative goals and policies.
- Coordinates special projects as directed by the leader. Prepares write ups for recommendations for operational and administrative problems. Prepares financial and/or administrative reports.
- Performs other related work as needed.
Minimum Qualifications
Education:
Minimum requirements include vocational training, apprenticeships or the equivalent experience in related field (not typically required to have a four-year degree).
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Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
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Certifications:
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Preferred Qualifications
Education:
- High School Diploma.
- Associate degree in finance, accounting or related discipline.
Technical Skills or Knowledge:
- Strong oral and written communication skills.
- Ability to stay organized on multiple projects simultaneously.
- Curiosity and interest in climate change, biosecurity (including pandemic preparedness).
- Project management skills: Ability to plan tasks for teams, monitor progress, make corrections to plans.
- Team player with good problem-solving and time management skills.
- Excellent interpersonal skills as well as written and oral communication skills.
- Work under pressure and meet deadlines.
Preferred Competencies
- Project management skills: Ability to plan tasks for teams, monitor progress, make corrections to plans.
- Contracting and grant management experience.
- Team player with good problem solving and time management skills.
- Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
- Strategic thinking and analytical skills.
- Great organizational skills.
- Ability to ensure compliance
Working Conditions
- Perform tasks mostly indoors in an office setting.
- Work independently for periods of eight (8) hours or more.
Application Documents
- Resume/CV (required)
- Cover Letter (required)
- Three Professional References Contact Information (required)
When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.
Job Family
Administration & Management
Role Impact
Individual Contributor
FLSA Status
Non-Exempt
Pay Frequency
Biweekly
Scheduled Weekly Hours
37.5
Benefits Eligible
Yes
Drug Test Required
No
Health Screen Required
No
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
No
Posting Statement
Employees must comply with the University's COVID-19 vaccination requirements. More information about the requirements can be found on the University of Chicago Vaccination GoForward.
The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.
Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.
We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.
All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.
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