Quality Assurance And Compliance Lead

The Quality Assurance & Compliance (QA&C) Lead at UoM Dubai ensures that the university’s academic and administrative operations comply with local and international regulatory standards. This role is crucial for maintaining accreditation, licensure, and continuous quality improvement, aligning UoM Dubai with the University of Manchester's global academic standards while meeting UAE-specific regulatory requirements. Acting as the primary liaison with regulatory bodies such as the CAA and KHDA, the Lead oversees accreditation submissions, quality audits, and compliance monitoring. They employ a data-driven approach to assess KPIs, student feedback, and quality assurance metrics, collaborating with academic and administrative teams to drive strategic improvements. Beyond compliance, the role fosters a culture of continuous improvement by enhancing operational effectiveness, supporting institutional objectives, and training staff on quality assurance processes. Representing UoM Dubai in regulatory meetings and industry conferences, the QA&C Lead safeguards academic integrity, operational excellence, and student experience through high-quality education and services. This position requires a strategic mindset, a proactive approach to continuous improvement, and a commitment to upholding the University’s objectives. The position is based at The University of Manchester- Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Key Responsibilities

1. Ensure compliance with local laws and regulations.
2. Contribute to the continuous improvement of QA&C policies and procedures, aligning them with the University’s overall business objectives.
3. Develop, review, and update local quality assurance plans, processes, and documentation to ensure full compliance with regulatory requirements.
4. Encourage a culture of accountability and continuous improvement through evaluations, feedback, and review outcomes to enhance operations and student experiences.
5. Oversee submissions for substantive changes and maintain communication with local accrediting and international regulatory authorities e.g. CAA, MoHESR, KHDA to ensure timely submission of required documentation and information.
6. Use insights from data analysis to develop actionable recommendations to drive continuous improvement, enhance service quality, and increase overall operational effectiveness.
7. Prepare and maintain comprehensive reports on quality metrics and progress for UoM Dubai management and senior leadership as well as regulatory bodies.
8. Engage in projects by identifying opportunities, generating solutions, and monitoring efficiency.
9. Keep up to date with current local regulations and global trends in quality assurance within higher education.
10. Represent the University at a range of official events, workshops, and training sessions organized by regulatory bodies, strategic talent partners, corporate partners, and other relevant organizations.

Essential Knowledge, Skills and Experience

1. Professional Experience: Prior experience in quality assurance, compliance, or educational administration, typically ranging from 2 to 5 years in a CAA accredited institution.
2. Higher Education Experience: Familiarity with the higher education sector, particularly in roles that involve accreditation and quality improvement in the United Arab Emirates.
3. Quality Assurance Frameworks: Strong understanding of national and international compliance and quality assurance standards in higher education, including familiarity with CAA, MoHESR and KHDA regulations.
4. Accreditation Processes: Knowledge of accreditation and compliance requirements and processes, including experience with self-study reports and site visits.
5. Educational Assessment: Familiarity with various assessment methods and educational evaluation practices.
6. Data Analysis: Understanding of data collection and analysis methods, including data analysis and reporting and the ability to interpret and present findings effectively.
7. Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills for effective interaction with stakeholders.
8. Project Management: Experience in managing projects and coordinating activities related to quality assurance.

The person appointed should also possess:

• The ability to work well in a team as well as with regulators, staff, Academics, and students.
• Ability to deal tactfully and sensitively with confidential information, and awareness of implications of the Data Protection Act / GDPR.
• Strong communication skills.
• Excellent organization and time management skills.
• Self-motivated with a positive ‘can do’ attitude and the ability to manage own workload.
• The ability to propose, assess and identify solutions to challenges.
• A commitment to ongoing personal and professional development.
• Attention to detail and strong technical skills.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills focused on systems and programmes.

Educational Qualifications

1. Bachelor's Degree: A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in education, management, quality assurance, or a related field is often required.

Desired Knowledge and Certifications

1. Quality Assurance Certifications: Relevant certifications such as Certified Quality Auditor (CQA), Certified Quality Improvement Associate (CQIA), or similar credentials can enhance qualifications.
2. Accreditation Training: Courses or certifications related to accreditation processes (e.g., from professional bodies in higher education) are beneficial.
3. Regulatory Standards: Knowledge of relevant national and international quality assurance standards and regulations including but not limited to CAA Standards, AACSB, AMBA, Equis.

We are specifically seeking candidates with relevant experience in quality assurance and compliance within higher education, particularly those who have worked in universities accredited by the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA) / Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research – UAE.