Purpose of the Role:
The Institutional Research Assistant provides essential administrative and operational support to the Office of Institutional Research. This role is designed to assist in the effective execution of institutional research and reporting functions, particularly those related to internal and external data submissions, documentation, stakeholder surveys, and performance monitoring. The role supports the University by ensuring the timely preparation, validation, and organisation of data and reports, enabling informed decision-making and compliance with regulatory requirements.
Main Tasks and Responsibilities:
Internal & External Reporting
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Assist in collecting, formatting, and validating institutional data from various academic and administrative departments.
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Support the preparation of standard reports, regulatory submissions, and ad-hoc data requests by compiling documentation and organising content.
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Help maintain reporting calendars, data dictionaries, and template files to support reporting cycles to KHDA, CAA, CHEDS, and other bodies.
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Coordinate internal workflows required for data verification and submission, including follow-ups and quality checks.
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Conduct preliminary desk research and assist in compiling environmental data and benchmarking information to support institutional reports.
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Support the preparation of simple data summaries, charts, and basic visualisations under the supervision of the Institutional Research Analyst.
Additional Responsibilities:
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Provide administrative support in the production of reports and presentations related to timetabling, attendance, and stakeholder engagement.
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Assist in the distribution, monitoring, and data entry of student, staff, and alumni feedback surveys.
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Maintain internal databases, records, and filing systems for institutional research activities.
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Support internal and external audit readiness by organising supporting documents and maintaining version control.
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Uphold university protocols related to data protection, confidentiality, and ethical research practices.
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Undertake training and skills development opportunities to build knowledge of institutional research practices and tools.
Requirements
Qualifications Required:
1. Education
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A Bachelor’s degree in Education, Statistics, Business Administration, Social Sciences, or a related field.
Evidence: Copy of degree certificate and transcripts.
2. Professional Experience
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Up to 1 year of experience in an administrative or data-related role, preferably in an educational or research setting.
Evidence: Employment records, work portfolio, academic projects.
3. Technical Skills
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Proficiency in Excel, Power BI, or Tableau, Word, and other MS Office applications.
Evidence: Work samples and training certifications.
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Exposure to data entry, file organisation, or survey tools is an advantage.
Evidence: Project reports, tool usage in academic or work settings.
Disposition:
1. Detail-Oriented and Responsible
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Ability to manage routine tasks accurately and follow up on administrative procedures.
Evidence: Examples of data analysis projects, references from previous roles, performance on assessment tasks.
2. Supportive and Collaborative
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Willingness to work under supervision and contribute to a team-oriented environment.
Evidence: Project feedback, Employer feedback.
3. Enthusiastic Learner
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Demonstrates an eagerness to acquire new skills related to research, data analysis, and institutional operations.
Evidence: Records of training & certification, references from previous roles.
Knowledge, Skills, and Experience:
1. Administrative and Reporting Coordination
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Familiarity with handling documents, spreadsheets, and report templates in an organised manner.
Evidence: Evidence: Portfolio of reports, project summaries.
2. Data Collection and Survey Support
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Basic understanding of collecting and compiling data through forms, templates, or surveys.
Evidence: Experience in compliance reporting, training certificates.
3. Confidentiality and Data Protection
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Awareness of the importance of protecting sensitive information and following ethical guidelines.
Evidence: Interview discussion.
4. Communication and Presentation Support
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Ability to summarise data, prepare basic charts, and support the formatting of reports.
Evidence: Previous report sample, performance on assessment tasks.
The intent of this job description is to provide a representation of the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the total of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.