Research Manager

About the role

MiZa, an innovation-driven neighbourhood in Abu Dhabi, is looking for a Research Manager who combines rigorous research and analytical depth with the ability to turn complex datasets into board-level narratives and decision-support tools. The role supports senior leadership, department heads and external stakeholders with research analyses, visual dashboards and presentation materials that shape investment and innovation decisions.

Key responsibilities

• Lead cross-disciplinary research on business support programmes, target industry trends, national programmes, and urban planning and placemaking best practice.
• Analyse global and regional trends in entrepreneurship, technology and innovation neighbourhood development, and conduct benchmarking, case studies and policy analysis.
• Synthesise quantitative and qualitative data into evidence-based recommendations and new ideas for MiZa.
• Build dashboards, maps and infographics in Power BI, Tableau and PowerPoint; automate dashboards tracking business performance, innovation outputs and urban development indicators.
• Produce board-ready presentations, CAPEX/investment decks, government-level partner presentations and strategy briefings.
• Work with economists, strategists, architects and innovation consultants, and liaise with data providers, government agencies and think tanks.
• Set organisational standards for research and data visualization, and steer fellows, residents and others on their projects.

Required profile

• Degree-level education or other suitable qualification in a relevant topic.
• At least 6 years' experience in applied research, strategy or analytics in business growth, innovation, customer experience or urban innovation contexts.
• Strong analytical skills, with hands-on data visualization and interpretation.
• Experience producing dashboards, presentations and reports for government, investment or corporate audiences.
• Excellent English writing and presentation skills.
• Desirable: consulting, think tank or government experience; knowledge of spatial analytics, urban design or economic development frameworks; familiarity with the Abu Dhabi, UAE and GCC innovation agenda.

Required skills

• Data visualization and reporting with Power BI, Tableau and Microsoft PowerPoint (essential)
• Advanced Excel, SPSS or GIS software (desirable)
• Project management and stakeholder engagement