Job Description
Job Title: Manager, Knowledge Economy & Innovation
Ref No: KoTDA/HR77/2024
Grade: 3
Terms of Service 5 Year Contract, Renewable Subject to Satisfactory Performance
Department Business Development & Innovation
Job Purpose The Manager, Knowledge Economy & Innovation is responsible for leading
initiatives to foster innovation, commercialization of innovation and the
advancement of a vibrant Knowledge economy at Konza Technopolis,
develop and manage knowledge assets, and drive strategic partnerships to
ensure Konza Technopolis becomes a competitive contributor to the country’s
efforts towards a knowledge-based economy – Africa’s Silicon Savannah.
Reporting
Mechanism
The Manager, Knowledge Economy & Innovation reports to the Chief
Manager, Business Development & Innovation
Duty Station Konza Technopolis
Job Specification Duties and Responsibilities
i. Oversee the execution of the knowledge economy and innovation
strategy at konza Technopolis.
ii. Develop a robust innovation pipeline and innovation Ecosystem with
both physical and virtual presence that that leads to scaling
startups, new knowledge, and talent development. Lead the
development of a platform for the launch of businesses, products,
and Knowledge assets at Konza Technopolis
iii. Support the establishment of institutes to promote research and
development and innovation such as research institutes, Knowledge
hubs and centers promoting research and development and
commercialization of innovation at Konza Technopolis
iv. Establish a centre for knowledge economy and innovation for
collaboration between industry players, education institutions, R&D
centers, private sector, VC’s, Innovation ecosystem developers and
government agencies at Konza Technopolis.
v. Setup and operationalise Konza technology transfer and
commercialization office.
vi. Establish a foundation/ fund for supporting innovations and startups.
vii. Develop and implement business strategies to determine innovative
solutions to attract investment in Knowledge-Economy.
viii. Establish and nurture strategic partnerships with industry
stakeholders, research institutions, startups, and innovation ecosystem
developers to create a vibrant innovation ecosystem.
ix. Facilitate collaboration and knowledge sharing to drive the cocreation efforts for innovation purposes.
x. Develop an ecosystem development Programme with selected
global, regional and local innovation hubs and institutions towards
the advancement of the Silicon Savannah innovation ecosystem.
xi. Identify models to attract development and the hosting of esolutions in Konza
xii. Lead the development of proposals for funding based on the
identified innovation strategy and work with partners to access
financial and technical support.
xiii. Collaborate with teams across the organization to identify
innovation opportunities and facilitate the implementation of
innovative solutions that can be scaled. Foster a culture of innovation
and continuous improvement at Konza Technopolis
xiv. Manage projects related to innovation initiatives from conception to
implementation. Ensure projects are delivered on time, within
budget, and meet quality standards.
Person Specification For appointment to this grade a candidate must have: -
i. A minimum period of ten (10) years relevant work experience, three
(3) years of which should be in a management position
ii. Master’s degree in marketing, Economics, Communications, ICT,
Education, Business Administration (MBA), Project Management,
Innovation Management or similar qualifications from a recognized
institution;
iii. Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Economics, Communications, ICT,
Education, Business Administration (MBA), Project Management,
Sciences, Engineering, Innovation Management, or its equivalent
qualifications from a recognized institution.
iv. Professional qualification in marketing, business development or
other relevant qualification;
v. Membership to a relevant professional body;
vi. Management course from a recognized institution.
vii. Shown merit and ability as reflected in work performance and
results; and
viii. Proficient in computer applications