Applications are, invited from appropriately qualified candidates for the above position based in Nairobi Kenya. The position holder will report to the Vice Provost, AKU, East Africa and will be expected to lead and manage a wide spectrum of post-award management and delivery of donor contracts in the areas of program development and execution. The position holder will be, expected to demonstrate the ability to successfully, manage a significantly big grant portfolio in terms of numbers as well as value conducted at national and international levels.
Requirements
Master’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA)
International certification in Research Administration would be a plus. Certifications should be relevant (clinical trials, research administration, financial management, research law, leadership etc).
International degree in the field of Research Administration is desirable;
10 years plus relevant experience in the field of Research and Grants Administration with any Healthcare Institution / University in Pakistan;
Experience of managing extramural/intramural funded research grants and working with donor agencies would be an added advantage;
Responsibilities
Strategic planning of resources pertaining to research and grants administration (post award)
Provide strategic and operational management support post award of grant that may include grants administration, regulatory affairs, human resources, financial management, research and field operations, relationship building;
Spearhead the optimization of available resources for a greater cost saving on the research grants through adaptation of modernized tools and techniques;
Active support for program monitoring for performance as required by the Terms and conditions of the award
Grants Management
Lead the diversified portfolio of current grants for the University, but is not limited to, correspondence with the granting agencies, tracking and delivering narrative and financial reports and operations of research projects;
Liaise with Donors’ in collaboration with other stakeholders
Facilitate researchers towards development of Research Proposals, finalizing contents and procedural formalities (non-technical) and ensuring timely submission;
Provide guidance to academic and programme personnel as required to avoid contractual/legal improprieties
Support in Grants’ reporting
Research Administration
Oversee research administration of various extramural and intramural research grants as per the international practices and standards of granting agencies;
Lead the research administration team by providing continuous feedback for the improvement of the systems and ensuring compliance of University and granting agency’s standards;
Research and resolve issues that may arise during contract performance, including deviations, stoppages, disputes, implementation problems, defaults, cost overruns, unacceptable performance, and payment problems
Maintain records of grant related agreements (MOU, grant award letters etc), working with legal team
Develop and maintain data in a Grant Information System
Strategic Relationship Building
Build strategic relationships with relevant stakeholders at national and international level which includes local, federal and national government representatives; community stakeholders; international granting agencies and research administration societies;
Represent, advocate, and promote departmental research in relevant AKU forum;
Advocate on behalf of research faculty with AKU Support Departments and Research Office when needed to solve research-related issues;
Capacity Building
Responsible for orientation of senior level staff on grant compliance and reporting guidelines, including preparation of technical reports;
Create awareness on procedures, and compliance requirements for obtaining national research permits and reporting;
Provide University-level start-up service and facilitation to researchers in other Departments for pre-award, contracting and post-award grants management;
Job Requirements
Required education
: Post-graduate education
Required relevant work experience
: 10 years
Required languages:
English (Spoken: fluent | Written: fluent)
