Introduction:
The Outreach and Research Programme of the Department of Paediatrics and Child Health operates ten community-based field sites across Pakistan, including four in Karachi. The program focuses on research aimed at improving women's and child health. The department also houses a Nutritional Research Laboratory and an Infectious Disease Research Laboratory, supporting various research projects. With a powerful reputation both nationally and internationally, the department is recognized for its impactful contributions to healthcare research.
As an equal opportunity employer, Aga Khan University (AKU) is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive culture. AKU is committed to safeguarding and promoting respectful relationships across its workforce, including faculty, staff, trainees, volunteers, beneficiaries, and other stakeholders. This commitment extends to vulnerable populations, including children and adults, and requires all employees, trainees, and partners to uphold these standards.
Responsibilities:
This position involves managing all administrative functions of the department’s research portfolio, requiring strong decision-making and critical thinking skills. The role also entails travel to remote field sites within and outside Karachi to provide oversight and ensure compliance.You will be responsible for:
- leading the operational functions of the department in collaboration with principal investigators and facilitating Human Resources in managing the full employee lifecycle
- planning and conducting audits at field sites to ensure compliance with university policies, granting agency requirements, and international best practices
- developing strategies to enhance operational efficiency and align processes with university policies
- designing and implementing training modules for onboarding new staff and other professional development needs based on analysis and consultation
- strengthening the capacity of research support staff to meet departmental goals effectively
- coordinating with outsourced contractors to ensure compliance with university and granting agency policies for workforce management
- establishing and monitoring controls to ensure the timely processing of salary payments for outsourced staff in collaboration with the Finance Department
- overseeing the transition of the employee database to an online system for streamlined operations.
Requirements:
You should possess:
- a Master’s degree in Business Administration or a related field
- 7–8 years of relevant experience, preferably in research within healthcare institutions or universities
- exceptional communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex ideas clearly and present data effectively to diverse audiences
- resilience and the ability to perform under pressure and meet strict deadlines
- proven ability to work collaboratively in multi-disciplinary teams, whether as a leader, facilitator, or team member
- strong multitasking abilities and work under pressure
- willingness to travel extensively and work in rural or community field sites
Note: Comprehensive employment reference checks will be conducted.
