Research and Advocacy Specialist

"We are hiring for one of our client's roles"

Overview:

We are seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Research and Advocacy Specialist to support key initiatives for our client. This role will play a central part in ensuring efficient grant management and supporting advocacy efforts aimed at influencing health policy and improving access to care for people with Multiple Sclerosis. The ideal candidate has a strong understanding of the clinical research ecosystem, research grant management, excellent writing, organization and analytical skills.

Key Responsibilities:

Grant Cycle Management

• Administrative management of the research grant cycle process by ensuring seamless flow of the application stage to research awarding.
• Reviewing and monitoring progress on society funded research and ensuring funded research meets ethical requirements, milestones and budget utilization.
• Developing grant agreements, reports and communication materials related to funded research projects.
• Manage communication and liaising with the various stakeholders such as the researchers, scientific reviewers and relevant IRBs or regulatory bodies.

Research and Content Development

• Conduct literature search on topics related to MS, including treatment, health systems, policy trends, and burden of disease.
• Analyse and interpret datasets collected through surveys and development of manuscripts for publication in peer reviewed journals.
• Prepare internal and external reports, publications, and materials tailored to various stakeholders.

Advocacy and Stakeholder Engagement

• Support the organization and execution of advocacy events, webinars, and roundtables. Assist in preparing concept notes, event briefs, and post event reports for internal and external dissemination.
• Monitor research, policy and regulatory developments relevant to MS in the UAE, regionally and globally.
• Develop research-based content including policy briefs, op-eds, fact sheets, presentations, and scientific backgrounders for use across the organization.

Project Coordination & Support

• Support on key research and advocacy projects, such as MS Registry, access to care and other related initiatives.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align project timelines, deliverables, and stakeholder communications.
• Track progress and ensure documentation and reporting requirements are met across projects.

Qualifications and experience:

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in public health, clinical research, pharmacy, or a healthcare related field.
• 3–5 years of relevant experience in research, or advocacy.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to synthesize complex information clearly and concisely.
• Good understanding of the UAE healthcare system and clinical research ecosystem (good clinical practice, Institutional Review Board (IRB) requirements.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; experience writing for both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); experience with data tools or visualization software is a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and meet tight deadlines.
• Experience in health research, patient advocacy, or NGO sector is preferred.