The Scaling Innovation Practice operates a matrixed resourcing structure, with team members contributing across different programmes and projects in line with their expertise. As an integral member of the Innovation team, the Program Officer may also contribute technical expertise in innovation scaling, innovation ecosystems, and innovation policy and practice across other programmes the portfolio, while leading significant components of the Nigeria programme. The role reports to the Senior Programme Officer based in Abuja
This position offers the opportunity to work within a highly collaborative and entrepreneurial team, taking ownership of high-profile partnerships and contributing directly to the design and delivery of globally relevant innovation initiatives. Operationally, it is a fast-paced environment, where we deliver high-quality work whilst moving at speed.
The right person for this role will be entrepreneurial, strategic, and highly organised, with a strong track record of managing multiple projects involving detailed work planning, collaboration across geographically dispersed teams, funder engagement, management of multiple contracts and partnerships, risk management, and production of high-quality deliverables. Experience working in the fields of technology innovation, innovation ecosystems strengthening, responsible AI, or science and technology policy is required.
Responsibilities
Project / programme management
Participates fully as a member of R4D by contributing, assisting, and participating in projects, activities, and initiatives as requested by management
Lead significant components of UK-Nigeria S&T Cluster Partnership and Research-to-Enterprise Pilot, including research into priority sectors, review of international good practice on cluster and research-to-enterprise models, and support to the ecosystem diagnostic process
Develop and execute personal workplans aligned to overall program delivery timelines. Ensuring the high-quality and timely delivery of innovation activities implemented as agreed in the program workplan.
Produce high-quality deliverables with light-touch support and guidance from the Senior Program Manager.
Support data collection for the MEL strategy across all three workstreams, including collection of relevant stakeholder and ecosystem data.
Proactively manage risks and issues as they arise, proposing next steps and options for resolution.
Contribute and own the development of funder progress reports and updates.
Contribute to operational processes such as procurement, budgeting, and resourcing.
Contribute to internal evaluation of how work is progressing on programmes / projects.
Technical input
Conduct rapid research and stakeholder mapping into priority sectors under consideration for the UK-Nigeria S&T Cluster, producing well-evidenced briefs on potential sector rationale and mutual benefit for UK and Nigeria.
Review draft ecosystem diagnostics and provide substantive input on good practice and international learning on cluster models and research-to-enterprise approaches.
Support the review of international evidence on research commercialisation, knowledge transfer, and responsible AI governance models applicable to the Nigerian context.
Lead, with some senior support the development of technical and analytical products including reports, tools, and frameworks across all three workstreams.
Contribute to the development of new knowledge and approaches within the innovation ecosystems, research commercialisation, and responsible AI areas.
Partner engagement
Establish and maintain strong collaborative relationships with project partners and actors from across the innovation ecosystem including relevant government ministries and agencies, selected research institutions, MSMEs, and downstream delivery partners.
Create clear and impactful content and adapt it effectively for presentation to relevant audiences including government, research institutions, and private sector actors.
Support, and sometimes lead, the planning and facilitation of stakeholder workshops and convenings across all three workstreams, including logistics and documentation.
Support, and sometimes lead, the engagement with the UK-based Nigerian research diaspora community for the responsible AI research initiative.
Innovation Practice Strategy & Management
Contribute to the development of the Scaling Innovation Practice, e.g. through production of thought leadership, development/improvement of Practice methods and tools, operational improvement initiatives and recruitment as required.
Contribute to development of funding proposals for business development opportunities, e.g. leading on writing sections of proposals.
Represent the Innovation Practice and R4D at meetings, conferences and events as required.
Contribute to R4D internal networks and improvement initiatives.
Qualifications and experience
Essential
MA +3 years' experience OR BA +5 years' experience. The qualification would ideally be in global development, public policy, science and technology, innovation, or another relevant field. Candidates with other qualifications offering equivalent levels of professional experience may also be considered.
Programme and project management experience in global development, innovation, science & technology, or related ecosystem-based programmes.
Experience working in the fields of technology innovation, scaling innovation and/or innovation ecosystems strengthening.
Impeccable writing, communication and presentation skills, including experience producing high-quality outputs and facilitating engagement with senior or multi-stakeholder audiences (in-person and virtual).
Demonstrated experience of working effectively in a matrixed environment across multiple programmes, teams, or workstreams.
Demonstrated ability to cultivate and manage relationships with a diversity of different development actors - both country and global levels, including government actors, think tanks, innovation ecosystem actors and technical partners.
Experience managing components of donor-funded programmes (e.g. FCDO or equivalent) including coordination with partners, sub-contractors, or implementing organisations
Understanding of the innovation and scaling process and innovation ecosystems.
Strategic and creative problem solver.
Highly collaborative and approachable team member who is enthusiastic about supporting the Innovation team and working closely with others at R4D.
High level of organization, attention to detail, professionalism, and reliability.
Ability to prioritize and manage work in a fast-paced environment across multiple projects and work streams with competing time/resource demands.
Enthusiasm, energy, good judgement, humour and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced and sometimes ambiguous environment.
Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
Willingness to travel occasionally based on project needs (max. 3-4 weeks per year).
All candidates must be legally authorised to work in Nigeria.
Highly desirable
A professional qualification in project / programme management.
Experience with innovation methodologies such as user centred design / agile / adaptive learning.
Experience working directly with innovators/entrepreneurs and/or other innovation ecosystem actors.