Application Open:
Full-Time
Job Purpose:
We are seeking a detail-oriented and results-driven Strategic Project Management Specialist to support the planning, execution, and monitoring of high-impact strategic initiatives across the organization. This role will cover a broad range of responsibilities with the Research Office at MBZUAI, from ensuring the strategic alignment of research projects, their development, submission and execution to managing stakeholder expectations and engagement for sponsored projects.
Key Responsibilities:
Coordinate and manage cross-functional strategic projects from initiation to completion. The strategic project management specialist will directly contribute to strategic oversight, advice and direction on programme and project management and ensure programmes and projects contribute to strategic objectives and targets.
Strategic Alignment:
- Support in the development and execution of frameworks and governance of strategic program initiatives and strategic project.
- Ensure alignment of programs and projects’ outcomes with organizational goals and strategic direction.
- Analyze business data and market trends to support strategic decision-making.
- Work with the strategic management team to define project scope, objectives, timelines, and success criteria.
Project Planning and Execution:
- Design and implement comprehensive project plans that include timelines, milestones, and performance KPIs for all strategic initiatives.
- Support in establishing and monitoring key performance indicators to ensure operational excellence in delivering program and project intended objectives and to enable the realization of the intended outcomes.
- Ensure the maintenance and implementation of effective monitoring and evaluation systems for all strategic program and project initiatives providing support and advice portfolio leads and teams to facilitate quality delivery.
- Develop and establish resource tracking system and online tools, to ensure effective planning, forecasting and tracking of delivery the whole institution.
Project Portfolio Management:
- Monitor and manage project interdependencies and resource allocation across all strategic projects and initiatives.
- Develops, tracks and maintains dependencies and provides advice to management to ensure quality of delivery throughout the project lifecycle.
- Ensures all projects submit and regularly update specific milestones and targets for the duration of projects’ life-cycles, and track progress.
- Facilitate regular project meetings, preparing status updates, reports, and dashboards for stakeholders.
Compliance and Risk Management:
- Apply best practices in risk management, change control, and stakeholder communication.
- Monitor project progress and performance, proactively identifying risks and resolving issues.
- Identifies, and anticipates in a timely manner, potential risks and issues and advises mitigating measures.
- Prepare reports for executive leadership, highlighting progress, risks, and strategic fit.
Academic Qualifications:
Essential
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Business Administration, Public Administration, Higher Education, or related discipline).
Preferred
- Master’s degree or higher in a relevant field such as business administration, finance, public administration, or a related discipline.
Professional Experience:
- At least two years’ experience supporting research administration in a higher education or research institution setting.
- Skilled in project management methodologies, strategic planning, cross-functional collaboration, and data-driven decision-making.
- Proficiency in quantitative and qualitative data analysis, analytics, and reporting.
- Strong relationship management skills, with the ability to work independently and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
- Proven track record of successful relationship management with diverse stakeholders, both internal and external.
- Demonstrable knowledge and understanding of continuous quality improvement.
- Experience managing meeting logistics and administration, and hosting organization visitors.
- Proven record of managing complex projects, meeting deadlines, and achieving results.