Research and Data Specialist

University of Dubai; Dubai Emirate; On-site; AED 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Dubai seeks a policy research professional to enable evidence-based decisions through rigorous research, data analysis, benchmarking studies, and policy assessments.

The role conducts qualitative and quantitative research, develops reports and briefs, and engages stakeholders to inform reforms in fast-paced environments across academia, public, and private sectors. Arabic fluency is preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Public Policy, Data Analytics, Economics, Business, Statistics, Supply Chain, or related field.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in relevant settings.
• Experience in academia, public sector, or private sector; fast-paced environments such as consulting or logistics/trade preferred.
• Strong research methodology, data visualization, and reporting skills.
• Fluency in Arabic preferred; ability to leverage AI to automate data analysis and reporting.

Responsibilities

• Conduct qualitative and quantitative research to support policy development and reform initiatives.
• Perform benchmarking studies and comparative analyses.
• Collect, clean, validate, and analyze research and operational data.
• Prepare research reports, policy briefs, presentations, and analytical summaries.
• Conduct impact assessments and evaluation studies.
• Support stakeholder consultations and engagement activities.
• Support the development of materials and facilitation of workshops, roundtables, and engagement events.
• Collect and consolidate participant feedback and stakeholder inputs.
• Maintain research databases and knowledge repositories.
• Support publication and dissemination of research findings.

Skills

Research methods

Data visualization

Excel analytics

Report writing

Stakeholder communication

Arabic fluency

AI for data analysis

Academic publications

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Public Policy, Data Analytics, Economics, Business, Statistics, Supply Chain, or related field

Tools

AI tools

Data visualization tools

Excel

Statistical software

Job description

Job Purpose

Support evidence-based decision-making through research, data analysis, benchmarking studies, and policy assessments.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct qualitative and quantitative research to support policy development and reform initiatives.
• Perform benchmarking studies and comparative analyses.
• Collect, clean, validate, and analyze research and operational data.
• Prepare research reports, policy briefs, presentations, and analytical summaries.
• Conduct impact assessments and evaluation studies.
• Support stakeholder consultations and engagement activities.
• Support the development of materials and facilitation of workshops, roundtables, and engagement events.
• Collect and consolidate participant feedback and stakeholder inputs.
• Maintain research databases and knowledge repositories.
• Support publication and dissemination of research findings.

Performance Criteria

• Quality and accuracy of research outputs.
• Timeliness of project deliverables.
• Effectiveness of data analysis and reporting.
• Stakeholder engagement support.
• Contribution to policy recommendations and decision-making processes.

Preferred Qualifications

• Education:
  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Public Policy, Data Analytics, Economics, Business, Statistics, Supply Chain, or a related field.
• Experience:
  • Minimum 2 years of experience
  • Experience in academia, the public sector, and/or the private sector, preferably in fast-paced environments such as consulting or with a key player in the logistics or trade industry.
• Competencies:
  • Research methodology and analytical skills.
  • Data visualization and reporting.
  • Advanced Excel and data analytics tools.
  • Report writing and presentation development.
  • Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
  • Fluency in Arabic preferred.
  • Proficiency in leveraging AI to automate and enhance the efficiency of data analysis, research, and other related tasks.
  • Previous experience with academic publication process preferred.