#SETUW Job Overview South East Technological University (SETU) is the major provider of higher education in the South East region of Ireland, with 18,000 students and 1,800 staff, and is one of Ireland's highest performing higher educating institutions when it comes to research and innovation. SETU is renowned for the quality of its education and research, and is focused on the translation of its research for economic and societal benefit, delivering transformative impact for the region. In response to the University's continued growth and the increasing complexity of its legal and regulatory environment, an opportunity has arisen for a Paralegal Officer to join the Governance Unit to support the University Legal Counsel in the delivery of legal services to the University across a wide range of areas, including research, academic, administrative and commercial matters. The Paralegal Officer role will manage a varied case load of legal matters, including contract review and negotiation as well as wider governance and regulatory issues, ensuring compliance with University policies, funder and legislative requirements. Although the successful candidate will work closely with the University Legal Counsel in the performance of their duties, they are expected to demonstrate a sufficient level of autonomy in the management of their own workload, taking ownership of matters to their satisfactory conclusion. Key Responsibilities/Duties Provide high quality paralegal and administrative support to the University Legal Counsel on a diverse legal portfolio including contract review and negotiation, regulatory matters, dispute resolution, student and academic matters; managing a varied caseload in a timely and efficient matter. Draft, review and negotiate a range of legal agreements, including but not limited to research related contracts, MOUs, EU Consortium Agreements, grant agreements (national and international), collaboration agreements, consultancy agreements, service level agreements, commercial contracts, donor agreements and sub-contracts, and other related documents. Support the Office of Research, Innovation and Impact and other stakeholders with effective and timely contract management to meet funder and other stakeholder deadlines, aligning legal processes to support the University's research objectives under TU RISE while ensuring legal and regulatory compliance.. Ensure contracts comply with University policies, any funder terms and conditions, and relevant legislation, escalating complex issues as needed. Provide legal support and assistance on corporate governance and commercial matters, employment related matters, internal student cases, academic and disciplinary matters, legislative interpretation, regulatory compliance and dispute resolution (assisting in case management and preparation as needed). Collaborate with research, academic and professional services stakeholders to obtain and evaluate necessary background and context on each matter. Assess any related risk factor such as financial, reputational and ethical issues and provide an initial analysis before escalating as needed. Coordinate with other internal functions, as appropriate, to ensure that decisions, actions, and responses align with expected compliance standards and appropriate legislation. Assist in the resolution of legal queries and contribute to the development of internal policies, procedures and templates. Conduct legal research, on request, on emerging legal issues (eg. in Data Protection, Export Controls, State Aid and Artificial Intelligence) and contribute to the legal awareness of staff, where appropriate. Assist the university and University Legal Counsel in the support of all other legal matters that may arise. Represent the university as appropriate at meetings, national fora as appropriate. Such other duties as may arise from time to time that fall within the general remit of the post.