Associate, Research Office

Associate, Research Office

Entity: Aga Khan University

Location: Karachi, Pakistan

Introduction:

Aga Khan University (AKU), a private, self-governing international university chartered in Pakistan in 1983, is a role model for academic, research and service programmes in health and higher education in the developing world. The University currently has teaching sites in Pakistan, East Africa, the United Kingdom and Afghanistan, and is a major component of Aga Khan Development Network.

The Research Office is the central coordination entity which supports the overall vision of the University to conduct research that contributes to the global body of knowledge and advances public policy in response to the real needs of communities and people in the developing world.

As an equal opportunity employer, AKU believes in promoting a diverse and inclusive culture and is committed to adopt appropriate standards for safeguarding and promoting a respectful relationship with and between diverse workforce of its faculty, staff, trainees, volunteers, beneficiaries, wider communities, and other stakeholders with whom it works, including children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees/trainees and partners to share this commitment.

Aga Khan University invites applications for the position of Associate in the Research Office.

Responsibilities:

You will be responsible to:

• Administer and maintain the Grants Management System, including user access, system audits, vendor coordination, and system enhancements
• Support the ORIC self-assessment process, coordinating with Principal Investigators, Grant Administrators, and stakeholders to collect, verify, and upload documentation to the HEC ORIC portal.
• Manage procurement, inventory, payment processing, and general administrative operations of the Research Office, ensuring accurate records and timely processing.
• Liaise with IT, Finance, Procurement, and other internal departments to resolve system or operational issues and ensure smooth workflows.
• Provide administrative and logistical support for Research Office events, workshops, and meetings, including backup support to colleagues as needed.
• Prepare and submit periodic reports and assist in reviewing records and systems to ensure compliance, accuracy, and audit readiness.

Requirements:

You should have:

• Preferably a Master’s degree in a relevant field or equivalent qualification from a recognized institution.
• At least 3 years of relevant experience in research administration, ORIC functions, grants management, or a related area.
• Experience supporting ORIC self-assessment processes, including coordination with Principal Investigators and submission of documentation to the HEC ORIC portal.
• Experience in administering or supporting a Grants Management System, including user access management, handling system queries, vendor coordination, and system enhancements.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills to effectively engage with internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong computer proficiency, including MS Office and database systems
• Excellent organizational and prioritization skills with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently as a self-starter while collaborating effectively with colleagues at all levels

Comprehensive employment reference checks will be conducted.