Manager, Research Office

Manager, Research Office

Entity: Aga Khan University
Location: Karachi

Introduction

Aga Khan University (AKU), a private, self-governing international university chartered in 1983, is a global leader in health sciences education and research in the developing world. With campuses and teaching sites across Pakistan, East Africa, the United Kingdom, and Afghanistan, AKU is a key component of the Aga Khan Development Network.

The Research Office serves as the central coordinating entity that supports the University’s vision to conduct impactful research, ensure compliance with institutional and funder requirements, and strengthen research governance and grant management systems.

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 Manager, Research Office.

Responsibilities

Reporting to the Senior Manager, the Manager, Research Office will provide operational oversight to support grant administration activities, ensure efficient coordination with stakeholders, and facilitate the smooth functioning of grant-related processes and institutional initiatives.

Specifically, you will be responsible to:

• Oversee research funding processes and ensure timely institutional approvals in compliance with internal policies and funder requirements.
• Review and coordinate research agreements and contracts with relevant departments to ensure accuracy, compliance, and efficient processing.
• Provide operational leadership and administrative oversight of ORIC functions, including university–industry engagement, self-assessments, and submission of the annual ORIC scorecard.
• Lead and supervise the team, ensuring effective coordination, timely document review, and smooth issue resolution with researchers and stakeholders.
• Oversee administration of the Grants Management System (GMS), ensuring accurate and up-to-date grant information and reliable reporting.
• Analyze funder compliance requirements and conduct due diligence reviews of funders and sub-recipients.
• Chair relevant committees and stakeholder forums, facilitating governance, organized discussions, and timely decision-making.
• Oversee development of dashboards and analytics for proposal and grant tracking, and prepare high-quality reports and official communications for senior leadership.
• Manage multiple projects and priorities to ensure timely completion of assignments and smooth departmental operations.

Requirements

You should have:

• A Master’s degree in Administration, Management, or a related field from a recognized institution.
• At least 5-7 years of relevant experience in research administration, grants management, contracts, or a related field.
• Experience in managing grants and contracts, including stakeholder coordination and negotiation.
• Strong understanding of grant administration processes and compliance frameworks.
• Proficiency in Management Information Systems (MIS), data analysis, and Power BI.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English (mandatory).
• Strong leadership, interpersonal, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities effectively with strong analytical and critical thinking abilities.

Comprehensive employment reference checks will be conducted.