Department: Delivery unit

Reporting To: National Innovation Ecosystem Development Senior Advisor (Ministry of Innovation & Technology)

Organization strategic goals summary

The Ministry of Innovation and Technology is implementing the Science Technology and Innovation Policy, the Digital Transformation Strategy, and the Ministry’s 10-year Strategic Plan. Therefore there should be a vibrant team of advisors and experts that can work under the delivery unit. The Delivery Unit will help line departments achieve outcomes for initiatives that the Leadership deems “mission critical” or top priority. It is established to pressure line departments into tangible actions. The purpose of the Delivery Unit is to inject urgency into the pace of change in delivery to seek significant results in weeks and months, not years. The staff will collect and analyze data to determine what goals the line departments are trying to achieve, whether the activities currently underway meet their goals, and how implementation may need to change to achieve the intended goals.

Employment Duration: 2 years

JOB SUMMARY:

An innovation ecosystem specialist is a professional who works to create and support an environment that fosters innovation. This can involve a variety of activities, such as identifying and connecting with potential innovators, providing resources and support, and promoting innovation within an organization or community.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Job Responsibility #1: Planning and Management

• Planning: The innovation ecosystem specialist may be responsible for developing a strategic plan for the innovation ecosystem. This plan should outline the goals of the ecosystem, the resources that will be needed, and the strategies that will be used to achieve the goals.
• Management: The innovation ecosystem specialist may be responsible for overseeing the implementation of the strategic plan. This may involve managing a team of staff, working with partners, and coordinating activities.
• Representation: The innovation ecosystem specialist may be responsible for representing the innovation ecosystem to the public. This may involve giving presentations, writing articles, and participating in events.
• Assessing and analyzing information related to innovation ecosystem development

Job Responsibility #2: Staff Management and development

• Arrange a follow-up discussion with specialists under the national innovation ecosystem development senior advisor.
• Coordinate, Coach and mentor interns in MInT

Job Responsibility #3 Monitoring, Evaluation, Networking

• Monitoring: The innovation ecosystem specialist may be responsible for monitoring the progress of the innovation ecosystem. This may involve tracking metrics such as the number of startups, the amount of funding, and the number of patents.
• Evaluation: The innovation ecosystem specialist may be responsible for evaluating the effectiveness of the innovation ecosystem. This may involve assessing the progress towards the goals of the ecosystem, identifying areas for improvement, and making recommendations for change.
• Networking: The innovation ecosystem specialist may be responsible for networking with other innovation ecosystem specialists, organizations, and individuals. This can help to build relationships and collaborations that can lead to new ideas and opportunities for the ecosystem.

Job Responsibility # 4 Reporting

• Providing regular updates on the progress of projects or services. This includes providing information on the status of projects, any challenges or risks that have been identified, and any progress that has been made.
• Providing information on any risks or challenges that may impact the delivery of projects or services. This includes providing information on any risks or challenges that have been identified, as well as any steps that have been taken to mitigate these risks.
• Providing information on the performance of projects or services. This includes providing information on the quality of the work, the satisfaction of stakeholders, and the cost-effectiveness of the delivery.
• Responding to any questions or concerns that the senior advisor may have. This includes providing information on any questions or concerns that the senior advisor may have about the delivery of projects or services under his/her supervision.

Job Requirements

Education/Training

PhD/MA/MSc degree in business administration, the management or related field.

Experience

• At least15 years of experience working in industries and academia, a proven experience in innovation ecosystem development, startups evaluation and training, project coordination
• The candidate should also have a good experience and knowledge of the digital Ethiopia 2025 strategy in the Ministry of Innovation and Technology.
• Experience working in a political environment and demonstrating the ability to navigate the political landscape to deliver on the Ministry’s top priorities.

Values, Technical and Other Skills

• A good command of the English language
• Has knowledge of how to increase the quality, scale, and reach of the Ministry’s top priority initiatives
• Understand event management and communication.
• Understanding of digital transformation initiatives, trends and best practices
• Strong analytical skills to analyze a range of data and information for effective delivery projects
• Ability to research the best practices of digital transformation projects
• Knowledge and skill in coaching and mentoring internees

Strong technical skills in project management software.

• The ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure.
• The ability to think strategically and solve problems.
• The ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• The ability to manage risk and make sound decisions.
• Ability to work with others