Innovations Manager - 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 Manager will be expected to support innovators in the target communities. The Innovations Manager will assist in ideation and prototype process of innovations and their suitability for development by the Labs. The Innovations Manager will enable and promote a culture of innovation in the labs. S/he will leverage best practices and learning, incorporate new ideas and assimilate with DEPP Labs innovation processes.

This position requires the demonstrated ability to facilitate and document the innovations process 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 Garissa, and reports to the Innovations Lead at the headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya.

Program Responsibilities include:-

• Establish and facilitate the innovation process
• Promote a culture and environment of innovation
• Document learning and best practices of the Lab
• SPECIFIC ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• Organize ideation events; manage scheduling, materials, facilities and documentation.
• Establish and promote a culture of innovation.
• Closely work with the innovators and their products to leverage partnerships and identify opportunities for ideation.
• Manage the idea database to ensure all ideas are captured and documented.
• Assist with evaluating all ideas against established criteria to determine if appropriate for Labs.
• Ensure the innovation process is managed efficiently and effectively.
• Regularly document and share best practices and lessons learned from the innovation process in order to assist innovators to improve their current and future innovations.
• Any other duties as required within the level and authority of this position.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Graduate degree in computer science, marketing, communications, journalism or equivalent – essential
• A minimum of 3-years innovations management experience - essential
• Passion for innovation and its incorporation in all domains.
• Proven innovation management skills.
• 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 computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, power point, etc.