Manager, Knowledge Economy & Innovation

Ref No: KoTDA/HR77/2024

Job Purpose

The Manager, Knowledge Economy & Innovation is responsible for leading initiatives to foster innovation, commercialization of innovation and the advancement of a vibrant Knowledge economy at Konza Technopolis, develop and manage knowledge assets, and drive strategic partnerships to ensure Konza Technopolis becomes a competitive contributor to the country’s efforts towards a knowledge-based economy – Africa’s Silicon Savannah.

Job Specification

Duties and Responsibilities

• Oversee the execution of the knowledge economy and innovation strategy at konza Technopolis.
• Develop a robust innovation pipeline and innovation Ecosystem with both physical and virtual presence that that leads to scaling startups, new knowledge, and talent development. Lead the development of a platform for the launch of businesses, products, and Knowledge assets at Konza Technopolis
• Support the establishment of institutes to promote research and development and innovation such as research institutes, Knowledge hubs and centers promoting research and development and commercialization of innovation at Konza Technopolis
• Establish a centre for knowledge economy and innovation for collaboration between industry players, education institutions, R&D centers, private sector, VC’s, Innovation ecosystem developers and government agencies at Konza Technopolis.
• Setup and operationalise Konza technology transfer and commercialization office.
• Establish a foundation/ fund for supporting innovations and startups.
• Develop and implement business strategies to determine innovative solutions to attract investment in Knowledge-Economy.
• Establish and nurture strategic partnerships with industry stakeholders, research institutions, startups, and innovation ecosystem developers to create a vibrant innovation ecosystem 
• Facilitate collaboration and knowledge sharing to drive the cocreation efforts for innovation purposes.
• Develop an ecosystem development Programme with selected global, regional and local innovation hubs and institutions towards the advancement of the Silicon Savannah innovation ecosystem.
• Identify models to attract development and the hosting of esolutions in Konza
• Lead the development of proposals for funding based on the identified innovation strategy and work with partners to access financial and technical support.
• Collaborate with teams across the organization to identify innovation opportunities and facilitate the implementation of innovative solutions that can be scaled. Foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement at Konza Technopolis
• Manage projects related to innovation initiatives from conception to implementation. Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and meet quality standards.

Person Specification

For appointment to this grade a candidate must have: -

• A minimum period of ten (10) years relevant work experience, three (3) years of which should be in a management position
• Master’s degree in marketing, Economics, Communications, ICT, Education, Business Administration (MBA), Project Management, Innovation Management or similar qualifications from a recognized institution;
• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Economics, Communications, ICT, Education, Business Administration (MBA), Project Management, Sciences, Engineering, Innovation Management, or its equivalent qualifications from a recognized institution.
• Professional qualification in marketing, business development or other relevant qualification;
• Membership to a relevant professional body;
• Management course from a recognized institution.
• Shown merit and ability as reflected in work performance and results; and
• Proficient in computer applications