JOB VACANCY AT EAST AFRICAN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY COMMISSION

Employer:  EAST AFRICAN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY COMMISSION
Position: Senior Officer for Partnership and Commercialization
Education: Masters
Mode of application: Email or in hand
Deadline: 6 April 2018
 
SENIOR OFFICER FOR PARTNERSHIP AND COMMERCIALIZATION (REF: EAC/EASTECO/HR/03-07-17)
Grade: P2
Organ/Institution: East African Science and Technology Commission
Department: Programmes
Reports to: Principal Officer (Partnership, Outreach and Commercialization)

JOB DESCRIPTION
Main Purpose of the Job:
To support the development of science and technology partnerships and assist in the development of commercial opportunities for research, technology and expertise as well as commercialization of intellectual property generated at Research and Development Institutions in the Community. The job holder will work with partners to create innovative market test strategies and to develop new opportunities for market introduction, and manage relationships with STI partners.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Cultivate and maintain partnerships in among STI partners while also developing policies that allow partnerships to thrive;
• In collaboration with relevant STI stakeholders, develop and implement strategies for strategic partnerships/collaborations for effective promotion and development of STI in the Community;
• Develop and implement innovative strategies for engaging non state actors including global/regional corporation, philanthropic foundations and civil society organizations to help meet EASTECO objectives;
• Champion and manage new projects to create stronger partnerships including public–private partnerships, university-R&D centers-industry linkages in furtherance of EASTECO objectives;
• Develop and implement intellectual property management and commercialization strategies incl. standards setting and harmonization;
• Assist in the development of commercial opportunities for research, technology and expertise including the development and negotiation of Research and Development agreements between research institutions and industry/companies/other organizations, as well as funding opportunities;
• Foster an entrepreneurial culture and build partnerships between research, business and government communities;
• Facilitate and coordinate the commercialization of intellectual property generated at research institutions to realize the potential impact of research in the region by embedding commercialization support into different stages of research, impact and innovation cycles
• Facilitate the identification and evaluation of technologies with commercial applications, and provides central support to regional research and innovation activities across the various stakeholders including academia, research institutions and industry;
• Develop and coordinate Technology Transfer programmes and projects for wealth creation;
• Assist in the formulation of programmes and projects to promote the inculcation of a science and technology culture in the Partner States.

Qualifications and Experience 

A Master’s Degree in one or more of the following fields Engineering, Physical Science, Business Administration and Development Economics. Other relevant qualifications related to Partnership Development will be an advantage. Should have demonstrable competencies in technology-related project management and business development.

• 8 years’ experience in technology and Intellectual Property related business development and commercialization and working with private sector, with 3 years’ experience in implementing the innovation process in a research intensive
• Experience in partnership development, collaborative research and technology commercialization/transfer highly desirable;

Skills and Competencies:

• Expert Strategic planning and organization skills;
• Good Administrative and Organizational skills;
• Good Partnership mobilization skills;
• Good analytical and communication skills;
• Good interpersonal skills and ability to work in a multi-cultural/diverse environment;
• Proficiency in computer applications and report writing;
• Ability to thrive in a fast paced environment;
• Proficiency in the English language;
• High energy, enthusiasm and initiative.

Duration of Contract:
Five (5) years, renewable once.
Age Limit:
The candidate must not be more than 55 years old.

Eligibility:
Candidates are invited from all EAC Partner States.
Applicants should not be more than 55 years as retirement age at the EAC is 60 years.

Terms and conditions of service:
The successful candidate will serve on contract for a period of five (5) years renewable once upon satisfactory performance.

Fringe benefits:
A comprehensive remuneration package commensurate with Professional qualifications and
Diplomatic status of the post will be offered to the suitable applicant.

How to apply:
The interested candidates who meet the above criteria may submit their applications either electronically or in hard copy but not both to the address below, comprising the following:
All applications should be submitted to the address below not later than, Friday, 6th April 2018, 05:00 PM East African Time.

Letter of motivation, with the job reference
Comprehensive Curriculum Vitae;
Copy of the biodata page of passport/ID;
Certified Copies of degree/certificates;
Professional testimonials;
Daytime telephone contact;
Names and contact addresses (with telephone and emails) of 3 referees.
To:
The Executive Secretary
EASTECO Secretariat
KIGALI, RWANDA
Email: info@easteco.org
 
All potential applicants are advised to visit the EAC and EASTECO websites: www.eac.int and www.easteco.org for details of these positions including the required qualifications, duties and responsibilities.

The EAC is an equal opportunity employer. Female candidates are encouraged to apply. EASTECO Secretariat shall only respond to shortlisted candidates.

All invitations for interviews will be done in writing.

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