Principal Officer, Innovation, Technology Development and Acquisition at East African Community (EAC)

REF: EAC/HR/2022-23/16

Duties and responsibilities:

1. Lead the development, coordination & execution of a regional innovation strategy including formulation of mechanisms for the identification, promotion and growth of special talents in Science and Technology with particular emphasis on the youth and gender parity;
2. Facilitate and drive innovation outcomes with emphasis on projects that may include patentable and/or game changing solutions to solve regional development challenges as well as coordinating with other innovation groups outside the region;
3. Identify opportunities for partnerships & drive development of those relationships (joint ventures, strategic partnerships, innovation accelerators, etc.);
4. Identify and leverage opportunities for technological development and acquisition;
5. Coordinate the design of programs/projects for the promotion, use and development of indigenous knowledge and leverage the potential of applicable research;
6. Evaluate and recommend relevant new/emerging technologies and facilitate their dissemination and adoption;
7. Formulate and facilitate the implementation of programs to promote regional science, technology and innovation centres and parks in the Community;
8. Ensure that innovative technology solutions are communicated and demonstrated through relevant mechanisms including conferences, exhibitions and other fora;
9. Work with relevant partners to develop mechanisms for management of intellectual property in the Community;
10. Participate in preparation of Progress reports, work plans and budgets for the Commission.
11. Perform other related duties assigned by the Deputy Executive Secretary, Programme Development.

Qualifications and experience:

• Advanced degree (at least Masters Level) in a relevant field of Science and Technology. Other relevant qualifications related to Project management and/or business management will be an advantage.
• 10+ years’ experience in Science and Technology field, science policy and/or scientific research with at least 5 years at a senior level;
• Experience in program/project planning and management and in developing project proposals;
• Knowledge of EAC partner states science, technology and innovation strengths and capabilities is a plus.

Skills and competencies:

1. Ability to manage multiple projects and tasks with the ability to meet stated deadlines,
2. Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to develop a wide range of high-level contacts within academia, industry, government and civil society;
3. Must possess analytical and problem solving skills,
4. Self-starter with excellent organizational skills and a proven ability to work independently with little guidance and oversight in a fast-paced environment;
5. Excellent writing and oral communication skills, able to produce clear, concise reports, and to present complex concepts to non-expert audiences;
6. Reliable, positive and effective team player with a track record working in multi-disciplinary teams and delivering results through collaboration;
7. Demonstrated enthusiasm for science, emerging technologies and the internationalization of science;
8. Advanced skills in computer software applications.