Assistant Director for Research Management

About Ashesi University:

Our vision is a flourishing Africa whose leaders make ethical decisions in the best interests of their communities, and where innovation drives economic, cultural and social growth. We educate leaders who will make this vision a reality, and we collaborate with other institutions to multiply this work.

Joining Ashesi means becoming part of a vibrant community dedicated to excellence, innovation, and a transformed Africa. We provide opportunities for everyone to do their most meaningful work, through cross-functional collaboration in an environment that encourages intellectual and personal growth.

If you're seeking an environment that values diverse contributions, supports professional development, and enables you to work with purpose, come join our team

About the Department 

The Office of Research and Innovation advances Ashesi University’s vision to transform Africa by building a globally respected, Africa-centred research and innovation ecosystem. It promotes rigorous, ethically grounded, and impact-driven research that addresses real-world challenges and translates knowledge into application, enterprise, and inclusive socio-economic transformation. At the core of its work is the Ashesi Program of Innovation, Research, and Entrepreneurship (ASPIRE!), the university’s platform for integrating research, innovation, and enterprise while providing research management and administrative support across all grant and sponsored programs, and related compliance.   The Office of Research and Innovation aligns faculty and student inquiry with thematic clusters that guide research priorities and foster transdisciplinary collaboration across STEM, the humanities, social sciences, and law. Through ASPIRE!, it also deepens the university’s academic and industry partnerships, ensuring research remains aligned with Africa’s development priorities. 

About the Role

The Assistant Director for Research Management will serve as the University’s central point of accountability for research administration, sponsored programs, and research compliance. The role provides strategic and operational leadership across the full grant lifecycle from opportunity identification and proposal development to post-award management, compliance, and financial oversight.

In addition, the Assistant Director will work closely with the Assistant Director for Research Development to support research development, thematic priorities, and pathways to impact. Together, the Research Management and Research Development functions ensure a seamless transition from research concept to funded project to accountable delivery, strengthening research quality, compliance, reporting, donor confidence, and institutional impact.

Reports to: Dean of Research and Innovation

Key Responsibilities

Leadership, Strategy, and People Management

1. Provide leadership and strategic direction for research management and administration the Office of Research & Innovation.
2. Line-manage, supervise and lead the recruitment of research management staff as needed, ensuring clear roles, performance expectations, and professional development.
3. Coordinate workplans across the team to ensure efficient coverage of the full research grant lifecycle.

Operations and Research Administration Oversight

1. Oversee grant opportunity scouting and pipeline management.
2. Work in tandem with Principal Investigators to provide strategic oversight for proposal development, budgeting, internal reviews, and approvals.
3. Oversee grant opportunities, guiding Principal Investigators on eligibility, compliance, and administrative and regulatory requirements, coordinating submission materials, and ensuring proper oversight during award execution and post-award management.
4. Ensure sound financial management of grants through close coordination with the central Finance Office.
5. Review and work with Principal Investigators on approvals for financial reports, funder submissions, and audit responses for review by the Dean of Research ahead of external submission.
6. Serve as the administrative liaison with funders, donors, internal stakeholders, and partners on grant management, compliance, and contractual matters.
7. Lead the development, documentation, and continuous improvement of research administration policies, systems, and standard operating procedures.

Support Towards Research Development

1. Work closely with the Assistant Director for Research Development, to align research development priorities with administrative and compliance frameworks.
2. Support a seamless transition from concept development to proposal submission and grant execution, ensuring all operational and research administration requirements are in place.
3. Ensure operational excellence and a strong culture of compliance, providing oversight for research programs and initiatives while maintaining donor confidence through transparent reporting and effective stewardship.
4. Contribute to performance goal setting, monitoring, and reporting related to research funding, outputs (including publications), and impact.

Institutional Coordination and Risk Management

1. Liaise with internal units (Finance, Legal, Operations, Human Resources, Communications, and Academic Departments) to ensure coordinated research delivery.
2. Build and sustain a culture of compliance, accountability, and operational excellence, strengthening donor confidence through transparent reporting and effective grant stewardship.
3. Oversee program implementation, quality assurance, and risk management for funded projects, identifying, escalating, and mitigating risks related to sponsored programs and research activities.

Qualifications and Experience

1. Advanced degree (master’s or PhD preferred) in a relevant field.
2. At least 8 years of demonstrated experience in research administration, grants management, or sponsored programs, preferably in a higher education or research-intensive setting.
3. Strong knowledge of pre-award and post-award processes, funder compliance, and financial oversight of grants.
4. Experience working with international donors, foundations, or development partners is key.
5. Strong leadership, coordination, and stakeholder engagement skills.
6. Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Key Competencies

1. Strategic and systems thinker
2. Strong organizational and project management skills
3. High attention to detail and compliance
4. Ability to work across academic, administrative, and external partner contexts
5. Commitment to research integrity, quality, and impact.

What We Offer:
Our success is driven by our people, which is why we offer a comprehensive compensation package.
Compensation at Ashesi is regularly reviewed against industry benchmarks, and total compensation includes health insurance, retirement benefits, and paid leave, which are designed to support the holistic well-being of our staff.
We also invest in continuous learning, development and research opportunities, allowing our teams to grow with the university and achieve meaningful impact.

Application Process:

Screening of applicants will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Kindly note that only shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview and may also be asked to conduct an academic seminar, research talk, teaching simulation or practical assessment.

Commitment to Diversity:

Ashesi is dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive staff and faculty. We encourage applications from candidates who will enrich and contribute to the cultural and academic diversity of our university.

Disability Confident: 

Ashesi University is committed to taking positive steps to employ, keep and develop the abilities of staff with disabilities.

Ashesi University is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to building faculty and staff committed to excellence and equity and encourages applications from people who value same.

Join us in shaping the future of Africa’s leadership.