Innovation Manager at TechnoServe Kenya

Position Description:

• TechnoServe seeks an Innovation Manager to lead workstream two in designing, developing and deploying prototypes in the Fruits &Vegetables value chains leading to potential viable concepts to redirect fresh fruit and vegetables to low income consumers in urban, peri-urban and rural areas by understanding the needs, behaviors, and preferences of end-users throughout the design process.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conduct in-depth design research to understand the needs, behaviors, and preferences of low income consumers in urban, peri-urban and rural areas as the user of fresh redirected fruits and vegetables.
• Facilitate brainstorming sessions and collaborative workshops to generate creative ideas.
• Prototyping and Testing: Oversee the development of prototypes and testing processes to evaluate the feasibility and viability of innovative ideas before full-scale implementation.
• Identify opportunities, guide creative ideation, manage the development of new concepts, ensure successful implementation and bring to market successfully.
• Risk Management: Assess and manage risks associated with innovation projects, considering both potential benefits and challenges.
• Technology Scouting: Stay informed about emerging technologies and trends that could impact the horticulture industry, and explore opportunities for their integration into the program.
• Support in knowledge management through a) designing frameworks for programme output mapping and its alignment to objectives; b) documenting findings, and outcomes through structure reports/ programme briefs for dissemination among internal and external stakeholders; and c) supporting communications unit in dissemination outcomes through videos, webinars and on website for stakeholders.
• Networking and Partnerships: Build relationships with external partners, startups, research institutions, and other organizations to enhance access to external knowledge and potential collaboration opportunities.
• Intellectual Property Management: Manage the organization's intellectual property portfolio, including patents, trademarks, and copyrights, to protect innovative ideas and technologies.

Required Skills, Knowledge, Experience and Abilities:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in a relevant field (e.g.Behavioral Science, Human Centered Design Thinking, Business Administration or another relevant field)
• A minimum of 7 years of relevant professional experience in solution designing, expertise in implementing human-centered designing/behavioral science strategies during programme design and implementation.
• Proficiency in design tools such as Sketch, Adobe XD, Figma, or similar.
• Progressively responsible relevant experience, including experience in agricultural value chains. Alternatively, strong preference for candidates with experience in management consulting, finance or technology.
• Demonstrated experience working in or engaging with the private sector in Kenya.
• Proven ability and experience working and collaborating with teams will be an added advantage
• Experience in knowledge management w.r.t writing project reports, and designing presentations for dissemination of findings to stakeholders.