The Aga Khan Health Service, Pakistan (AKHS, P) is seeking an experienced and dynamic Manager Research to join its Donor-Funded Program team. This is a countrywide role, responsible to oversee comprehensive study management, encompassing team recruitment, meticulous planning, and ensuring the timely and ethical conduct of research protocols. The Manager Research will also be accountable for maintaining strong stakeholder relationships, ensuring budgetary compliance, and optimizing resource utilization, all while upholding data integrity and adhering strictly to donor and organizational policies. Additionally, the incumbent will provide regular progress reports to the Head of Research, Principal Investigators and proactively address any challenges to guarantee the successful completion of research studies. 

Key Responsibilities

• Provide overall leadership and oversight of study progress and execution to ensure timely and high-quality outcomes.
• Lead the recruitment, management, and supervision of study teams to maintain optimal performance and accountability.
• Develop comprehensive and detailed study execution plans, closely managing all activities and deliverables to guarantee completion on schedule, within scope, and in strict adherence to study protocols and ethical research principles.
• Optimize the allocation and utilization of resources across multiple studies and ongoing programs within GBC to maximize efficiency and impact.
• Proactively identify and resolve challenges, updating execution plans and strategic approaches as necessary to accommodate delays, obstacles, or unforeseen issues.
• Ensure all necessary ethical approvals are obtained and maintained, securing timely renewals from relevant ethical review boards throughout the study lifecycle.
• Foster effective stakeholder engagement and communication, including with government representatives, AKDN colleagues, and study partners, to support collaborative success.
• Keep the Principal Investigator and research team fully informed of study progress, milestones, and any emerging issues.
• Uphold the highest standards of integrity, confidentiality, and ethical conduct in all aspects of project execution, including data management, data sharing, consent procedures, and protocol compliance by all staff.
• Manage study budgets and expenditures rigorously, ensuring alignment with policies of AKU, AKHS, and donor requirements.
• Establish and maintain robust mechanisms and processes to guarantee full compliance with all donor policies and regulations.
• Function as a key senior member of the research team, actively contributing to the planning and execution of the study to achieve research objectives effectively.

Qualification & Experience

• Preferably Master’s degree from a reputable institution, preferably in project management, management, international development, social sciences, public health, health policy, or related field.
• At least five years of project management experience in a public health or development program. Experience with implementing research projects would be a plus.

Knowledge, Skills, Ability and Traits Required

• Proven track record in successfully executing externally funded projects, preferably those supported by international donors.
• Demonstrated expertise in ensuring full compliance with grant terms, conditions, and reporting requirements.
• Ability to consistently meet tight deadlines while maintaining accuracy and quality of work.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, fostering effective communication and collaboration with diverse partners.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with a proven ability to work well within multidisciplinary teams.
• Essential financial acumen combined with general administrative competencies.
• A demonstrated commitment to continuous learning and staying updated on the latest developments in the field.
• Proficient in utilizing datasets to identify, analyze, and forecast patterns and trends, supporting data-driven decision making.
• Proven proficiency in English, both written and verbal.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Office applications, with particular emphasis on MS Excel.
• Highly organized, with a strong ability to deliver results within strict, time-bound deadline.

Only shortlisted candidates will be called for test/interview. AKHS, P is an equal opportunity employer, and women are encouraged to apply.

AKHS is committed to reducing our impact on climate and the environment and have set ourselves the goal of striving for net-zero carbon operations by 2030. All staff are expected to take part in making this a reality. The Manager Research accompanied by his/her Line Manager is expected to identify and understand which aspects of his/her work have most impact on the environment, and define tasks, work, and personal goals within his/her work plan to reduce these impacts and bring AKHS closer to net zero.