Job Purpose

The Associate Head of Research Appointments is a key leadership role in the Academic Appointments Department. This position oversees the hiring, appointment, and ongoing management of research staff and Postdoctoral Associates, ensuring that the institution has a strong and diverse pool of talent to support its research objectives.

Functional Key Responsibilities:

1. 1- Recruitment and Selection :
   • Facilitate the recruitment of Postdoctoral Associates and Research Staff in consultation with the Principal Investigator.
   • Liaise with Post Award and Research Office to ensure appropriate funding is available for new research staff appointments, renewals, project code changes.
2. 2- Appointment Management :
   • Oversee the appointment process, including the issuance of offer letters and curate orientation/onboarding procedures.
   • Assist Postdoctoral Associates and Research Staff with onboarding and orientation, providing information about benefits, policies, and resources.
3. 3- Team Development:
   • Oversee team development and performance, providing guidance and support to foster a positive and productive work environment.
   • Supervise and mentor team members, promoting collaboration and knowledge sharing to achieve team goals.
4. 4- Data Management:
   • Maintain accurate records and databases across multiple IT systems, understanding how those systems relate to each other and reconciling data across systems.
   • Define and implement proactive methods to identify and address data issues such as missing data and discrepancies.
   • Utilizes data analysis to identify trends, anticipate needs, and provide informed insights to guide decision-making and actions.

Operational Key Responsibilities:

1. 1- Institutional Strategy:
   • Ensure the implementation of plans to reach seamless operations that facilitate the achievement of the University strategic objectives.
   • Collect data and develop reports to the management and recommend operational improvements which support planning, decision making and continuous improvement.
2. 2- Financial & Organizational Management:
   • Contribute to accurate demand planning by analyzing and providing section data and information to inform accurate forecasting of resource requirements.
   • Model and promote cross-collaboration between MBZUAI departments and sections.
   • Lead on business change and continuous improvement by identifying opportunities and new requirements including improvements in IT- and AI- enabled processes, data reporting, and analytics.
   • Implement section policies, contributing to the development of operational procedures and guidelines to put them into effect.

Academic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business or human resources, or a related discipline, or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Professional Experience

• Minimum of eight (8) years of work experience providing comprehensive client-focused HR services in the Higher Education sector.
• Demonstrates initiative to identify and solve problems and improve processes.
• Strong project management skills, demonstrating the ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously and prioritize among competing demands.
• Strong reporting and analytical skills; able to design reporting strategies and prepare accurate reports to address stakeholder needs.
• Superb attention to detail; takes initiative to identify and resolve data discrepancies.
• Excellent judgment, discretion, and critical thinking skills in handling complex, confidential, or nuanced matters – Excellent communication skills (written, oral, and listening) across all levels.
• Demonstrates growth mindset, curiosity, and self-motivated learning.
• Strong change management skills; able to influence, implement, and adapt/respond to change as necessary. – Holistic thinker, able to understand a case (e.g., a specific recruitment or personnel file) in its context and apply case-based reasoning to the resolution of problems and questions.
• Demonstrated ability to navigate a complex organizational environment and establish collaborative relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Knowledge of UAE labor law – Strong knowledge of Microsoft suite, Interfolio and HRIS experience either with ADERP or a similar system.