Compliance & Contracts Manager at ROYAL UNITED SERVICES INSTITUTE in London

• Reports to: Inhouse solicitor
• Department: Finance and Legal
• Salary range: £30,000 -£33,000 per annum (pro-rated from £50,000-£55,000)
• Location: London
• Contract: Permanent
• Hours: Part-Time, 09:00 -17:30, 3 days/0.6 FTE
• About RUSI

The Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), based in London, Brussels and Nairobi, is the UK’s leading independent think tank engaged in cutting edge research in defence and security. Its mission is to inform, influence and enhance public debate on a safer and more stable world. RUSI is a research-led institute, producing independent, practical and innovative analysis to address today’s complex challenges.

About the role

This is a part-time role based on three working days per week, with at least one of those days working from RUSI offices.

The Institute is looking to appoint a legally qualified or legally trained professional to become it's Compliance and Contracts Manager. This person will ensure compliance with the increasingly demanding requirements of funders, regulators and others, as well as work with the Inhouse solicitor on reviewing and preparing contracts. The role is part of the Legal and Compliance team, reporting to the Inhouse Solicitor with a dotted line to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO). The person appointed would be expected to have professional and legal experience in the management of risk/compliance and drafting of contracts.

Key tasks

• To ensure compliance across RUSI with regulatory /statutory requirements and Charity Commission guidance e.g. on data protection, bribery and corruption, and conflict of interest, as well as compliance with requirements imposed on RUSI by its various funders e.g. around Duty of Care for RUSI’s contractors and modern slavery. The role also includes supporting Admin in relation to due diligence carried out on RUSI’s subcontractors, as and when required.
• To work with the In-House solicitor in reviewing, drafting and amending contracts that RUSI receives and needs to provide to subcontractors.
• To support the CFO in the management of risk at RUSI on a day-to-day basis.Responsibilities/Skills

Compliance

• Write new policies and procedures as new requirements arise and keep existing ones up to date, in line with legal and funder requirements.
• Proactively identify new areas where RUSI needs to be compliant, raise with the CFO and Inhouse Solicitor and undertake the work (such as drafting a new policy or procedure due to a change in the law) to ensure RUSI is compliant.
• Work with the Business Development team to ensure that RUSI has in place all policies and procedures across the Institute that are required by funders on various projects, and monitor compliance with those policies and procedures.
• Maintain a central record of compliance requirements across the RUSI portfolio of projects.
• Assist the CFO in keeping up to date with all Charity Commission guidance on RUSI’s operations and ensure compliance.
• Work with the Inhouse solicitor and the CFO to ensure that RUSI complies with all other statutory or regulatory requirements.
• Support the Data Protection Officer when requested on data protection matters and provide practical advice to ensure adequate compliance with data protection regulations.
• Review RUSI’s due diligence procedures relating to suppliers and subcontractors and advise on any necessary changes. Review any concerns raised in relation to due diligence paperwork or sanctions checks completed, to advise on next steps and escalate appropriately.
• Respond to due diligence requests received by RUSI from external funders or partners.
• Ensure adherence to any policies and procedures through communication with staff or consultants and deliver training sessions on new policies as appropriate.Contracts
• Draft or review agreements related to research projects, based on template agreements. Respond to queries from subcontractors/consultants and draft amendments to those agreements, in consultation with the Inhouse Solicitor. Ensure that agreements with RUSI’s subcontractors cover – where applicable – all the obligations undertaken in the main contract by RUSI and follow previously agreed terms. Notify Admin that the agreement is ready to sign.
• Carry out an initial review of contracts or legal documents that RUSI receives, including funding agreements, framework agreements, NDAs, MOUs, collaboration and teaming agreements and work with the Inhouse Solicitor to deal with any areas of risk in those contracts that need negotiating, in order to progress signing.Risk
• Support the CFO as required to ensure that the relevant aspects of the risk register are updated.
• Track compliance and legal risk within the organisation, and work with appropriate level team members to minimise the risks identified.
• Attend Audit & Risk Committee meetings as and when requested by the CFO, in order to update members on the risks that the Institute faces and the mitigations in place.The above list of duties is not exhaustive. The post holder will be required to undertake such duties that may reasonably be expected within the scope and grade of the role.

Person Specification

Essential skills and experience

• Proven track record in a risk and compliance and/or legal/contract management role. Either a qualified Solicitor, Barrister or legal executive with previous relevant experience, or 3 years of contract and risk/compliance experience.
• Experience in drafting, negotiating and amending contracts.
• A working knowledge of requirements including data protection, bribery and corruption and conflict of interest.
• Exceptionally organised, reliable and self-motivated, with the ability to maintain accuracy and attention to detail when dealing with substantial volumes of similar documentation.
• Proven ability to initiate ideas and implement new processes.
• Self-starter with an ability to take ownership and drive projects. Able to operate with autonomy when required.
• A curious and agile mind, able to engage on a wide range of issues and acquire new knowledge. The role holder must be innovative and adaptable in their approach.
• A flair for building relationships and willingness to proactively engage with stakeholders across the organisation to gather information and influence outcomes.
• Highly organized and able to provide accurate and timely advice.
• Adopt a solution-orientated and risk-analysis approach.
• Excellent skills using Word and Excel.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills including the ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders and ability to present complex information and demonstrating strong literacy skills.Desirable skills and experience
• Previous experience of working in the not-for-profit sector.
• Previous experience of working in a think tank.Benefits
• 25 days annual leave (rising with service)
• Additional days off during Christmas - RUSI Christmas closure days
• Generous pension contributions at 6% employer contribution
• Access to 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
• Season ticket loan
• Free access to RUSI's world leading programme of events and conferences, research materials and library
• Trained Mental Health First Aiders
• *Enhanced sick pay
• *Enhanced maternity and paternity leave*Depending on length of service

Our expectations

We expect all staff to abide by and promote our RUSI’s Vision and Values and Equal Opportunities Statement

Application Process

To apply, please click on the apply button and follow the instructions to submit your CV and cover letter. Please submit your CV and any supporting writing as one document.

Your cover letter should be no longer than 1 page, explaining your interest in the role and any significant relevant skills and/or experience.

The closing date for applications is Monday 2nd November.

Shortlisted candidates might be invited to complete a task as part of the recruitment process.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and the closing date brought forward if needed. Early application is encouraged.

Equal Opportunity and Values

At RUSI you will be appreciated and valued. Our stakeholders, transactions, and projects are international and diverse, so we work hard to create inclusive teams that support our efforts and each other. We are committed in promoting equality and diversity in our workforce and make it as diverse as the communities we serve. Our recruitment data helps us monitor the effectiveness of our recruitment practices in order that we can continue to improve on creating a more diverse workforce.

We’re aware that the questionnaire may not capture the rich complexities of our backgrounds and identities, so we apologise if these are not best described. Please note that this data will be kept confidential and separated from your job application. If you are uncomfortable sharing, choose "Prefer not to say" or skip the questions entirely.

If you have any questions, please contact recruitment@rusi.org

Pay: £30,000.00-£32,000.00 per year

Application question(s):

• Are you legally qualified, or do you have at least three years of relevant experience in this type of role?
• What is your current notice period?
• Do you have the right to work in the UK?
• What are your salary expectations for this role?

Work Location: In person