Research Manager

About the role

The Research Manager will drive strategic insight and data‑led storytelling across business growth, urban planning, and innovation initiatives for MiZa, an innovation‑driven neighbourhood in Abu Dhabi. This role blends rigorous research capabilities with creative presentation skills to influence investment decisions and innovation strategies.

Key responsibilities

• Lead cross‑disciplinary research on business support programmes, industry trends, national initiatives, and urban planning best practices.
• Analyse global and regional trends in entrepreneurship, technology, and innovation district development.
• Conduct benchmarking, case studies, and policy analysis to identify global best practices and success metrics.
• Synthesize quantitative and qualitative data into evidence‑based recommendations and new ideas for MiZa.
• Translate research outputs into high‑impact visual formats, including dashboards, maps, and infographics using Power BI, Tableau, and PowerPoint.
• Design and build automated, interactive dashboards tracking business performance, innovation outputs, and urban development indicators.
• Develop board‑ready presentations and reports for senior decision‑makers, CAPEX decks, and government‑level partner briefings.
• Collaborate with economists, strategists, architects, and innovation consultants to ensure depth and alignment of research.
• Set organisational standards for research, data visualization, and storytelling.
• Steer fellows, residents, and other contributors on their projects for MiZa.

Required profile

• Degree‑level education or equivalent qualification in a relevant field.
• Minimum 6 years experience in applied research, strategy, or analytics within business growth, innovation, customer experience, or urban innovation contexts.
• Strong analytical skills with hands‑on proficiency in data management, visualization, and interpretation.
• Experience producing dashboards, presentations, and reports for government, investment, or corporate audiences.
• Deep expertise with Microsoft PowerPoint for executive‑level storytelling and design.
• Excellent English writing and presentation skills.
• Desirable experience in consulting, think tanks, or government innovation/economic development.
• Knowledge of spatial and people‑movement analytics, urban design, or economic development frameworks.
• Familiarity with Abu Dhabi, UAE, and GCC innovation and diversification agendas.
• Advanced skills in analytical tools such as Excel, SPSS, or GIS software.

Required skills

• Microsoft PowerPoint
• Power BI
• Tableau
• Data Management
• Visual Design
• Data Visualization
• Data Modeling
• DAX
• Excel
• SPSS
• GIS