DESCRIPTION

Job Purpose

The Program Manager at Khalifa University plays a crucial role supporting the Principal Investigator for the ASPIRE (Virtual) Research Institute for Sustainability (VRI), which comprises eight thematic topics. Responsibilities include ensuring timely research objectives, milestones, and deliverables, managing complex financial reports, preparing progress reports, interacting with collaborating partners, and communicating outcomes to stakeholders. This customer-centric role demands exceptional project management skills, effective communication with stakeholders, and fostering strong relationships. Strong communication skills are essential for establishing industry partnerships, fostering collaboration, and facilitating technology transfer agreements.

Key Roles & Responsibilities

Operational Responsibilities

• Directly Support VRI Principal Investigator
• Develop and implement comprehensive project plans, including objectives, milestones, deliverables, timelines, resources, and budgetary requirements.
• Coordinate project activities, ensuring adherence to project scope, deadlines, and quality standards.
• Identify project risks and develop mitigation strategies to minimize potential issues.
• Facilitate effective communication and collaboration between project stakeholders, team members, and external vendors or clients.
• Prepare presentation materials for VRI Principal Investigator and the Joint Research Management Committee that highlights status of the VRI project.
• Escalate any delays or issues preventing project success to Management and/or other parties as required.
• Monitor project progress, identify deviations from the plan, and take corrective actions as necessary to keep the project on track.
• Conduct regular project status meetings, take meeting notes
• Assist Principal Investigator to provide updates to stakeholders and address any concerns or questions.
• Track project expenses and manage the project budget, ensuring optimal resource allocation.
• Evaluate project outcomes against established goals and deliverables, ensuring that project objectives are met.
• Assist Principal Investigator to prepare and present comprehensive project reports to management, highlighting key metrics, accomplishments, and areas for improvement.
• Foster a positive and productive team environment, promoting teamwork, motivation, and professional growth among project team members.
• Adhere to the University and Sponsor information security and confidentiality policies and procedures, and report breaches or other security risks accordingly
• Coordinate with other departments to facilitate the accomplishment of tasks and responsibilities, as and when needed.
• Assist with post-award support to VRI Program, including assistance with financial management and reconciliation of project accounts.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including researchers, administrators, finance, and funding bodies to support effective post-award service delivery.
• Ensure data is accurately entered into relevant finance and research systems.
• Work with theme leads and department administration to ensure accurate allocation and accounting for research staff and students.
• Track and log approval requests for travel, expense reimbursements, research visitors and payment requests.
• Adhere to the University's information security and confidentiality policies and procedures, and report breaches or other security risks accordingly
• Coordinate with other departments to facilitate the accomplishment of tasks and responsibilities, as and when needed
• Perform any other tasks assigned by the VRI Principal Investigator.

QUALIFICATIONS

Qualifications & Experience

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field with strong project management experience. Master’s Degree preferred.
• Others: Proficiency in project management software and tools. PMP certification or equivalent is desirable but not required.

Required Experience

• Expats: A minimum of 12 years of relevant experience.
• UAE Nationals: A minimum of 8 years of relevant experience

Should you require further assistance or if you face any issue with the online application, please feel to contact the Recruitment Team (recruitmentteam@ku.ac.ae).