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 are typically required for an Innovation Facilitation Specialist role in Zimbabwe?
Most employers prefer a bachelor's degree in business, engineering, or a related field, with postgraduate qualifications in innovation management or design thinking being advantageous. Professional certifications such as Certified Innovation Professional (CIP) or training from recognized institutions like the African Innovation Foundation add significant value. Practical experience in project management or facilitation workshops is often equally important to formal credentials.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of an Innovation Facilitation Specialist?
Daily tasks include designing and leading innovation workshops, coaching teams through design thinking processes, and mapping stakeholder ecosystems to identify collaboration opportunities. You will also document innovation outcomes, manage idea pipelines, and report on progress to senior leadership. Regular travel to partner organizations and field sites is common, especially when working with rural or distributed teams.
How does workplace culture in Zimbabwe affect this role, and what expectations should I prepare for?
Zimbabwean workplaces value respect for hierarchy and relationship-building before task execution, so patience in stakeholder engagement is essential. Punctuality is appreciated, though flexibility around infrastructure challenges like power outages is expected. Demonstrating cultural sensitivity, local language proficiency, and community-connectedness strengthens your effectiveness as a facilitator.
What career progression paths exist for Innovation Facilitation Specialists in Zimbabwe?
With experience, you can advance to Senior Innovation Manager, Head of Innovation, or Director of Strategy roles within organizations. Some specialists transition into consulting or establish their own innovation advisory firms serving NGOs, government, and private sector clients. International exposure through regional African innovation networks or global fellowship programs can accelerate advancement.
What benefits are typically offered for full-time innovation roles with organizations like ceird in Zimbabwe?
Standard packages usually include annual leave of 21-30 days, limited medical aid coverage, and participation in pension schemes such as NSSA or private alternatives. Professional development allowances for training and conference attendance are increasingly common in the innovation sector. Remote work flexibility and performance bonuses may be offered depending on organizational policy and funding structure.
How should I apply for an Innovation Facilitation Specialist position, and what do Zimbabwean employers prioritize in candidates?
Submit a tailored CV highlighting facilitation experience, innovation project outcomes, and stakeholder engagement skills through email or the organization's specified portal. Employers prioritize demonstrated ability to deliver tangible results in resource-constrained environments, strong written and verbal communication, and networks within Zimbabwe's innovation ecosystem. Including a portfolio of facilitated workshops or innovation case studies significantly strengthens your application.
