Innovation Officer-Potraz

JOB DESCRIPTION

Applications are invited from suitably qualified and experienced Zimbabwean citizens to fill the vacant position of Innovation Officer.

JOB PURPOSE

This position has the responsibility of managing the day-to-day coordination of all activities of the Innovation drive, including competition design and execution, fund beneficiary relationship management, and coordination of the Innovation drive service delivery.

The position reports to the USF Projects Manager.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Innovations Officer’s core responsibilities will involve coordinating all aspects of the Innovation Drive, including:

• Coordinating the development of youth-led initiatives and develop contractual packages to fund them.
• Designing and executing credible national competitions for the selection of beneficiaries for the various programs of the Innovation drive.
• Developing and maintaining relationships with beneficiaries of the Innovation drive and other external stakeholders.
• Maintaining the innovation portfolio, including funded projects, application for funding and related documents.
• Facilitating collaboration between POTRAZ, innovators, their mentors, and other stakeholders.
• Maintaining administrative processes and systems for the Innovation Drive.
• Regularly writing about the Innovation Drive for internal and external audiences to raise awareness and connect POTRAZ with interesting resources, projects and experts.
• Developing effective communications materials for advocacy and outreach, including writing regularly on the Innovation Drive website and social media pages.
• Conducting environmental scanning to identify emerging innovation trends.
• Proactively scouting for new innovative ideas, opportunities, and partnerships.
• Working with POTRAZ management to stimulate innovative thinking within the ICT sector.
• Exploring other modalities through which POTRAZ can expand its approaches to innovation (e.g., through labs, public challenges, crowd-sourcing etc.)
• Documenting tested innovation projects and processes at POTRAZ and ensuring effective sharing and generation of knowledge around the Innovation Drive.
• Supporting the development of innovation tools and techniques to build POTRAZ’s culture and capacity to innovate.
• Coordinating project monitoring and evaluation of funded projects and assisting in the evaluation of the Innovation Drive.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• BSc Computer Science and Business Studies, Computer Science, Information.
• Project Management Certification or equivalent.
• At least 5 years of relevant work experience building out and managing successful innovation programs.

Characteristics and Skills

• Self-motivated and self-starter with excellent attitude.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and ability to manage external relations.
• Strong understanding of different technical requirements of youth-led innovation programs.
• Knowledge of grant application mechanisms, implementation, and funding.
• Strong project management skills.
• Strong skills in coordinating a large portfolio of diverse youth-led initiatives and national programs.
• High level conceptual and analytical skills.
• Unquestionable integrity.

REMUNERATION: An appropriate package will be negotiated with the successful candidate.