Require an Innovation lead in Gweru, Zimbabwe

-Coordinate and support innovation initiatives in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) field. -Promote emerging ICT innovations and contribute to building a strong culture of disruptive and technology driven innovation within Midlands State University. -Provide technical guidance on ICT product development, software development, systems development, digital platforms, automation and related research and development activities.

-Engage proactively with academic departments, researchers, students, industry players and community stakeholders to identify ICT based innovations and intellectual property with potential for commercial exploitation. -Identify appropriate pathways for the protection, development, scaling, and commercialisation of Midlands State University’s ICT related intellectual property.

-Facilitate the identification of suitable industry and community partners for joint development, piloting, adoption and commercialisation of ICT innovations. -Support the development of prototypes, minimum viable products, digital systems, and technology-based solutions emerging from the University’s innovation ecosystem.

-Provide technical advice to the Innovation Manager on potential ICT investments, collaborations, partnerships, contracts and commercialisation opportunities. -Provide incubation support, mentorship and technical guidance to innovators working on ICT-related projects. -Assist in the preparation of project proposals, business cases, innovation briefs, concept notes and commercialisation plans for ICT innovations.

-Monitor trends in emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, software engineering, cybersecurity, fintech, data analytics, cloud computing, Internet of Things, blockchain and other relevant digital technologies. -Prepare monthly reports, project progress reports, technical briefs, and any other reports required by the Innovation Manager.

-Perform any other duties as may be assigned by the Innovation Manager.

Requirements

-A Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Systems, Telecommunications, Computer Engineering or any other relevant ICT-related field. -At least two years’ relevant experience in research and development, ICT innovation, software development, systems development, technology commercialisation, digital transformation or a related field.

-A Master’s degree or studying towards a Master’s Degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Systems, Innovation Management, or any other relevant field will be an added advantage. The ideal candidate should have: -Strong technical knowledge of ICT systems, software development, and emerging digital technologies.

-A sound understanding of innovation ecosystems, research commercialisation, intellectual property development and technology transfer. -Ability to identify commercially viable ICT innovations and support their development into market-ready products or services. -Strong analytical, problem-solving, organisational, and project management skills.

-Excellent communication, report writing, presentation and stakeholder engagement skills. -Ability to work effectively with students, researchers, academic departments, industry partners and community stakeholders. -Entrepreneurial thinking and the ability to support technology-based start-ups, spin-offs and commercialisation initiatives.

-High levels of professionalism, creativity, initiative, integrity and attention to detail.