Research Administrative Officer at Africa International University

Job Summary:  

The Research Administrative Officer provides essential administrative and logistical support to the Registrar Research, Innovation and Community Engagement, ensuring the efficient operation of the research office. The role supports the university’s research agenda by coordinating research activities, managing grants and funded programs, and facilitating stakeholder engagement. Key responsibilities include overseeing proposal submissions, supporting project implementation, ensuring compliance with research policies, and contributing to performance monitoring and reporting in alignment with donor and institutional objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Identify and map funding opportunities from local and international donors.
• Write and coordinate submission of competitive research and innovation grant proposals in a timely manner.
• Track proposal progress and manage submission schedules.
• Supervise and track implementation of internal and external research projects.
• Maintain institutional donor and research partner database.
• Manage communications with funding agencies, partners, and other stakeholders.
• Prepare reports for internal and external research audits, including donor feedback loops.
• Serve as the key administrative support to the Research Registrar, including managing calendars, travel arrangements, and meeting logistics.
• Coordinate research meetings, workshops and conferences.
• Assist in drafting reports, memos, minutes and official correspondence on behalf of the Research Registrar.
• Maintain an organized filing system for research records, documentation, and communications.
• Liaise with academic departments, administrative units, and external partners on behalf of the Research Registrar.
• Handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
• Provide logistical support for research committee meetings and ensure follow-up on action items.

Qualifications:

• A Master’s degree in research administration, Project Management, Social Sciences, Public Administration, or a related field. 
• A Doctoral degree or professional training in research administration or policy is an added advantage.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of relevant administrative or research coordination experience, preferably in an academic, research institution or a Non-Governmental Organization.

Key Skills and Competencies:

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to interact with researchers, administrators, and external partners.
• Knowledge of research governance, grants management, and academic protocols.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• High level of discretion and professionalism in handling sensitive information.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks and work effectively under pressure while fostering positive relationships with staff, students, and the broader community, with minimal supervision.
• Proficiency in office software (MS Office Suite, Google Workspace).
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively across diverse teams.
• Capacity to anticipate the needs of senior leadership and act proactively.
• A committed born-again evangelical Christian.