CEIRD drives Zimbabwe’s innovation and industrialization through research, technology development, and sustainable techno-jobs creation.
Established by the CEIRD Act [25:34] of 2021, CEIRD is Zimbabwe’s national institution driving innovation and industrialisation.
The institution bridges public and private sectors to advance heritage-based innovation, promote research and technology development, foster academia-industry partnerships, and create sustainable techno-jobs for Zimbabwe’s future.
Job Summary
- Employer: ceird
- Job Type: Full-time
- Location: Harare, Zimbabwe
- Category: Innovation Management
- Closing Date: 2026-10-04
Key Responsibilities
- Identify and promote innovation opportunities through research, surveys and stakeholder engagements.
- Facilitate partnerships with universities, innovation hubs, industry partners and other stakeholders.
- Coordinate the identification, incubation and development of promising start-ups and innovative projects.
- Develop and implement frameworks, policies and systems that foster innovation and entrepreneurship.
- Manage databases of innovation projects, resources, intellectual property, alumni and stakeholders.
- Design and deliver capacity-building programmes, workshops and mentorship initiatives.
- Monitor, evaluate and report on innovation projects, partnerships and incubation programmes.
- Lead intellectual property processes, including IP policies, due diligence, documentation and registration.
- Ensure compliance with intellectual property laws, regulations and institutional policies.
- Provide strategic advice and regular reports to management.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Innovation Management, Entrepreneurship or equivalent.
- Master’s degree is an added advantage.
- Excellent analytical, research and problem-solving skills.
- Minimum three years of relevant experience in innovation management, research commercialization, project incubation, intellectual property management or a related field.
- Project management and organizational skills.
- Stakeholder engagement, networking and relationship management skills.
- Strong negotiation and partnership development skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
- High level of integrity, professionalism and attention to detail.
How to Apply
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications or certifications do I need to become an Innovation Facilitation Specialist at CEIRD in Zimbabwe?
Most employers require a bachelor's degree in business, engineering, or social sciences, with postgraduate qualifications in innovation management being advantageous. Certifications in design thinking, agile methodologies, or innovation facilitation from recognized institutions strengthen your profile. Practical experience in project management or entrepreneurship is highly valued in Zimbabwe's innovation ecosystem.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of an Innovation Facilitation Specialist?
You will design and run workshops, hackathons, and ideation sessions for startups, SMEs, and corporate clients. Daily tasks include stakeholder engagement, mentoring innovators, documenting innovation processes, and reporting on program outcomes to funders. You may also scout for promising innovations and connect entrepreneurs with investors or technical assistance.
How does the work culture and employer expectations differ for innovation roles in Zimbabwe compared to regional standards?
Zimbabwean employers emphasize relationship-building and community trust, so networking and personal credibility matter significantly. Expect hybrid work arrangements with frequent field visits to innovation hubs in Harare, Bulawayo, or secondary cities. Flexibility is common, but deliverables-driven accountability is strict due to donor funding dependencies.
What career progression paths are realistic for an Innovation Facilitation Specialist in Zimbabwe?
With 3-5 years of experience, you can advance to Innovation Manager, Program Director, or Head of Ecosystem Development roles within hubs or international development organizations. Some specialists transition into entrepreneurship consulting, venture capital advisory, or policy advisory positions with government ministries. Regional mobility to Zambia, Kenya, or South Africa becomes feasible with proven track records.
What benefits should I expect when working as an Innovation Facilitation Specialist in Zimbabwe?
Standard packages typically include medical aid coverage, pension contributions through NSSA or private schemes, and annual leave of 20-25 days. Some innovation hubs offer performance bonuses tied to program targets, professional development allowances, and flexible remote work options. Benefits vary considerably between donor-funded organizations, private sector employers, and government-linked institutions.
How do I apply for this role and what do Zimbabwean employers specifically look for in candidates?
Submit applications through the organization's website or email, including a tailored CV highlighting facilitation experience and a cover letter demonstrating knowledge of Zimbabwe's innovation landscape. Employers prioritize candidates with proven stakeholder engagement skills, digital literacy, and tangible outcomes from previous innovation programs. Strong references from Zimbabwe's entrepreneurship ecosystem and demonstrated adaptability to resource-constrained environments significantly improve your chances.
