Job Description / Responsibility

To coordinate and manage LBS externally funded research. Implement proactive administrative and operational strategies aimed at securing funding for the institutions research projects and advising on regulations and policies on research funding and also provide leadership to the Research Assistants (MSAs) and the entire research group

Leadership:

Provide adequate leadership to the MSAs to achieve their target in the first two years of their career with LBS

Provide supervision, guidance and support to direct reports

Manage the performance of Research Assistants

Research Skill:

Evidence of scholarship in research. Must have published at least 5 papers in a peer review journal.

Grant Proposal Skill:

Identify prospective funding sources, new funding initiatives and support for current research projects.

Manage application for external research grant including proposal development, budgeting, completion of proposal forms, progress report submission, expenditure reconciliation, research compliance requirements, subcontracts, renewals, exit and sponsors term and conditions.

Liaising with funding bodies on their procedures, regulations, terms and condition to ensure these are adhered to in a timely and accurate manner.

Others:

Maintain liaison and effective communication and build beneficial relationship with individuals and organizations at various levels across the research community.

Provide technical support to the Research Director in strategic planning and implementation of policies and procedures to promote research activities in the faculty.

Identify prospective participants and coordinate development of faculty interdisciplinary research teams and proposals.

Develop and facilitate workshops, meetings or conferences that enhance research funding opportunities and profile.

Prepare substantive administrative reports and documents. Manage varying voluminous caseload of complex assignments and projects from multiple sponsors requiring deadlines and timely submissions.

Represent the unit in committees and relevant university meetings.

Oversee that institutions research outputs and academic publications are on the university website, ensuring accuracy and quality.

Any other specific or ad hoc duty to be assigned by line manager from time to time.

Key Performance Indicators:-

Number of new research funding and grant opportunities secured

Rate of rejection of research proposals based on non-adherence to donor criteria.

Feedback from customers internal and external

Valuation of relationships established with donor agencies

Level of awareness on the institutions research profile and capabilities within the academic and research community.

Accuracy in budgeting and efficiency in financial management of research projects

Efficiency in managing the LBS case catalogue and ECCH case registration process

Educational Requirements

Good First and Master’s Degree in any Social and Management Science related disciplines.

An MBA is an added advantage.

Experience Requirements

At least 5 years in an administrative position with at least 3 years in the supervisory level.

Experience gained in Higher Education or reputable organization with an interest in funding research projects will be an advantage.

Additional Job Requirements

Planning and Organizational skills and initiative

Good Interpersonal skills

Excellent time management skills

Excellent oral and written communication skills

High integrity, reliability and confidentiality

Supervisory skills

Flexibility and ability to work under pressure

Attention to details

Knowledge of Budgeting and project management

Knowledge of research grant administration

Knowledge of contract administration

Knowledge of proposal writing

Working knowledge of MS office

Experience in policy drafting

Experience in operations of research funding and donor agencies

Secretarial skills

Public Relations skills