Job Description
Job Description
Job description
The Innovation Facilitation Specialist plays a pivotal role in Industry Creation Unit by fostering a culture of innovation, entrepreneurship and research commercialization within the institution. This position is responsible for identifying and nurturing innovative ideas, facilitating strategic partnerships with industry and innovation stakeholders, and supporting the development and incubation of high-impact projects and start-ups. The role also entails coordinating capacity-building initiatives, managing intellectual property processes, and developing frameworks and systems that promote innovation, knowledge transfer, and the commercialization of research outputs across the institution.
Duties and Responsibilities
Key responsibilities
Identify and promote innovation opportunities by conducting research, surveys and stakeholder engagements to determine areas requiring innovative solutions and to identify high-impact projects and ideas.
Facilitate and strengthen partnerships with universities, innovation hubs, industry partners and other stakeholders to support research commercialization and collaborative innovation initiatives.
Coordinate the identification, incubation and development of promising start-ups and innovative projects, ensuring they receive the necessary support to progress from concept to implementation.
Develop and implement frameworks, policies and systems that foster innovation, entrepreneurship and effective collaboration among key stakeholders.
Manage and maintain databases of innovation projects, resources, intellectual property, alumni and stakeholders to support programme planning and decision-making.
Design and deliver capacity-building programmes, workshops and mentorship initiatives that enhance innovation, entrepreneurship and research commercialization capabilities.
Monitor, evaluate and report on the performance of innovation projects, partnerships and incubation programmes against established goals and performance indicators.
Lead the management of intellectual property processes, including the development of IP policies, due diligence, documentation and registration of innovations.
Ensure compliance with intellectual property laws, regulations and institutional policies by working closely with legal and compliance functions.
Provide strategic advice and regular reports to management on innovation performance, emerging opportunities and strategies for strengthening the innovation ecosystem.
Qualifications and Experience
Requirements
A Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Innovation Management, Entrepreneurship or equivalent.
A Master’s degree is an added advantage.
A minimum of three (3) years of relevant experience in innovation management, research commercialization, project incubation, intellectual property management or a related field.
Key competencies
Excellent analytical, research and problem-solving skills.
Project management and organizational skills.
Stakeholder engagement, networking and relationship management skills.
Strong negotiation and partnership development skills.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams.
High level of integrity, professionalism, and attention to detail.
How to Apply
Application instructions
Candidates with certified copies of certificates and detailed CVs with names of 3 referees should send their applications to innovationspecialist@ceird.ac.zw by Sunday, 4 October 2026. Only shortlisted candidates will be responded to.