Opportunities

Research Manager Position at CIPIT.

About the Role

The job holder will be responsible for implementation, coordination, evaluation, communication and management of research at CIPIT. They will oversee the execution of the basic investigative tasks for the research projects and contribute to the ongoing management, progress evaluation, and information dissemination relating to the projects.

Reporting to: Director, Centre for Intellectual Property and Information Technology Law, Strathmore University.

Duties

• Manage research projects from start to finish, including planning timelines, coordinating field activities, overseeing budget implementation, and ensuring ethical and regulatory compliance.

• Establish/ improve on existing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and ensure all research activities follow established SOPs.

• Work with the project team to align research priorities, departmental goals, and project activities with the Centre’s overall strategy and mandate.

• Build and maintain partnerships with industry, government, academia, and development agencies to expand the reach and impact of research.

• Identify new research opportunities, grants, and collaborations that align with the Centre’s strategic direction.

• Assist research staff with drafting and reviewing relevant sections of manuscripts, grant proposals, and conference submissions, and facilitate the submission of study results.

• Attend and contribute to internal and external research meetings, dissemination events, conferences, and workshops.

• Provide quality assurance across all research outputs by reviewing deliverables, monitoring progress, and offering feedback to team members.

• Work with project teams to prepare donor reports, coordinate donor update meetings, and maintain strong communication channels with partners and stakeholders.

• Oversee ethical compliance processes and promote responsible practices in all research partnerships and field activities.

• Manage the development, peer review process, and annual publication of the CIPIT academic journal.

• Encourage continuous professional development within the team and help integrate emerging methodologies, tools, and perspectives into research practice.

• Analyse project risks, anticipate challenges, and implement mitigation strategies to ensure smooth project delivery.

• Coordinate knowledge-sharing events, such as roundtables and conferences, to strengthen the Centre’s research culture.

• Support the development of institutional research strategies, agendas, and thematic areas.

• Help keep the team focused on the Centre’s overall strategy and mandate, and support the Director in spotting new opportunities that align with the research goals.

• Lead monitoring and evaluation activities, including team appraisals and setting KPIs.

• Support the Director in providing leadership and oversight to the team.

Qualification and Experience

• PhD or Master’s in Law.

• Demonstrated extensive experience in research of not less than 3 years. Where a Master’s candidate will be considered, this is a mandatory requirement.

• Strong track record of peer-reviewed publications

• Strong interest and working knowledge in Intellectual Property, Artificial Intelligence policy and ethics, Data Governance, and Cyber Law and digital rights.

• Demonstrated ability to engage with the legal and policy implications of emerging technologies and their impact on governance, innovation, and human rights in Africa.

Personal attributes and skills

• Ability to prioritise multiple tasks, to effectively manage overlapping duties, and to meet deadlines. 

• Strong organisational, time management, coordination, and facilitation skills.

• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills as well as the ability to work in a team environment.

• Demonstrated ability to network and forge new relationships with industry partners.

• Ability to work independently, adapt rapidly to change, and demonstrate flexibility and initiative.

• Ability to adapt protocols as needed (within guidelines).

• Strong computer skills and experience using qualitative and quantitative analysis software and with MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Access).

• Advanced written and verbal skills in English

How to Apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit a detailed and up-to-date resume/CV, along with a comprehensive list of publications (including links where available), to cipit@strathmore.edu, citing “Research Manager Position” in the subject line. Applications should clearly demonstrate relevant experience, research expertise, and engagement with CIPIT’s thematic areas. Deadline for application is 31 March 2026.