Innovations Lead - DEPP Lab at African Development Solutions (Adeso)

DEPP LAB PROJECT

The DEPP Lab project is a 22 months project being implemented by the AIM-DEPP Lab consortium whose objective is to increase preparedness and resilience of disaster-prone communities in Garissa and Marsabit counties of Kenya by drawing on their deep knowledge of pastoralist.

The consortium will undertake activities to meet the objective by utilizing the consortium members’ in house experience in managing labs and proven innovation methodology as well as experience in disaster management. The project will build up communities’ capacities to identify and evaluate the risks related to natural disasters and innovative mitigation measures to address these gaps.

The consortium will identify and reinforce existing disaster coping mechanisms and refine new contingency measures emerging from the target communities. The consortium will also ensure participation of rural communities at the village level rather than focus on urban issues, as innovation labs need to.

POSITION SUMMARY

The DEPP Innovations Lead will play a crucial role in driving innovation through the establishment, management and evolution of a comprehensive innovation process. S/he will cultivate an environment of innovation within the consortium as well as the innovation labs. The Innovations Lead will support the Innovations Managers to establish an innovations process that will be flexible as well as efficient and effective. S/he will support the Innovations Managers to identify and link key partnerships and opportunities to the innovators in order to enrich the innovations process and promote sustainability. S/he will also leverage best practices and learning and incorporate new ideas where relevant in the design and implementation of the DEPP Labs innovation process.

This position requires the demonstrated ability of leadership and to facilitate in driving the innovations process and cementing and documenting innovation culture in newly established labs.

This is an excellent opportunity for a dynamic individual to contribute to and be part of an innovative program of very vibrant humanitarian, Fintech and information management agencies that offers real and sustainable solutions to vulnerable communities and which seeks to reach out to more Kenyans.

POSITION PURPOSE

The position is based in Nairobi, and reports to the Project Director.

Program Responsibilities include:-

• Provide leadership for the innovation process
• Lead on promoting a culture and environment of innovation
• Give critical input on learning and best practices of the Lab

SPECIFIC ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide day-to-day leadership of the Innovation Managers, obtaining resources, overseeing task completion; and reporting progress, achievements and challenges to the Head of the Lab.
• Establish and promote a culture of innovation.
• Closely work with the Innovation Managers to monitor and oversee the innovations process.
• Support the Innovations Managers to identify opportunities to link innovators with similar successful innovators/start-ups/investors to assist them in following the innovations process which may also lead to scaling.
• Evaluate external R&D partners, emerging technology trends and business models for application and incorporation into innovation programs.
• Monitor and review the idea database and innovations process.
• Support Innovations Managers to share best practices and lessons learned in the innovations process.
• Assist with evaluating all ideas against established criteria to determine if appropriate for Labs.
• Assist Project Director and Innovations Manager to ensure the innovation process is managed efficiently and effectively.
• Assist Innovations Managers by choreographing incubation of best ideas.
• Any other duties as required within the level and authority of this position.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Proven leadership and Innovation Management skills
• Graduate degree, preferably in computer science, marketing, communications or journalism or equivalent – essential
• A minimum of 4-years innovations management experience - essential
• Passion for innovation and its incorporation in all domains.
• Strong team-working and relationship building skills.
• Ability to be proactive and promote the Lab.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strong organization and project management skills
• Relevant experience in development and humanitarian context is desirable.
• Must have excellent written, spoken and analytical skills in English.
• Spoken Kiswahili skill desirable.
• Experience in documentation, reporting and learning required.
• Knowledge of working with or handling innovation labs will be an asset.
• Ability to multi-task and effectively handle stressful situations.
• Proficiency in web and computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, power point, etc.