POSITION/TITLE: INNOVATION & PARTNERSHIPS LEAD
POSITION TYPE: FULL TIME /PERMANENT
REPORTING TO: CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (CEO)
MAIN PURPOSE OF JOB
The Innovation & Partnerships Lead is responsible for driving innovation initiatives and developing strategic partnerships that advance the organisation's mission, growth, and impact. The role identifies emerging opportunities, fosters collaboration with public and private sector stakeholders, academia, development partners, and industry players, and leads the design and implementation of innovative programmes, products, and services.
The position serves as a catalyst for organisational transformation by promoting a culture of innovation, managing strategic alliances, and creating initiatives that enhance organisational sustainability, relevance, and market leadership.
JOB DESCRIPTION
INNOVATION & PARTNERSHIPS LEAD
|
Job Description |
|
The main responsibilities of the Innovation & Partnerships Lead are: Innovation Strategy and Leadership ● Develop and implement the organisation's innovation strategy aligned with its strategic plan. ● Identify emerging trends, technologies, and opportunities relevant to the organisation. ● Establish and manage innovation programmes, pilots, and proof-of-concept initiatives. ● Promote a culture of innovation, creativity, and continuous improvement across the organisation. ● Lead innovation projects from concept development through implementation and evaluation. ● Facilitate innovation workshops, design thinking sessions, and ideation initiatives. Strategic Partnerships Development ● Develop and manage partnerships with government institutions, regulators, academia, development partners, technology companies, industry associations, and innovation hubs. ● Identify potential strategic partners and evaluate collaboration opportunities. ● Negotiate and coordinate Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), partnership agreements, and collaboration frameworks. |
- Maintain strong stakeholder relationships to maximise mutual value and long-term
- Represent the organisation in partnership forums, conferences, and stakeholder
Business Development and Resource Mobilisation
- Identify new opportunities for strategic growth and partnership-driven
- Coordinate proposal development and funding applications for innovation
- Engage development partners and donors to secure financial and technical
- Develop business cases for new initiatives and investment
- Support revenue-generating and sustainability-focused
Ecosystem Development and Stakeholder Engagement
- Strengthen relationships within the innovation and digital
- Coordinate multi-stakeholder initiatives, working groups, and collaborative
- Build and maintain networks with innovation communities, entrepreneurs, research institutions, and industry leaders.
- Facilitate knowledge sharing and collaboration
Programme and Project Management
- Lead the planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of innovation and partnership projects.
- Develop project plans, milestones, budgets, and performance
- Ensure timely delivery of agreed partnership commitments and project
- Prepare reports and presentations for management and the
Research and Market Intelligence
- Conduct research on emerging technologies, industry trends, and innovative business
- Analyse market developments and recommend strategic
- Benchmark best practices from regional and international
- Generate insights to inform organisational decision-
Required Academic Qualifications, Competences and Skills. Academic Qualifications
- Master's or bachelor’s degree in Innovation Management, Business Administration, Strategic Management, Technology Management, ICT, International Development, or a related field.
- Professional certification in Project Management, Innovation Management, Design Thinking, or Partnership Management.
Experience
- Minimum of 3 - 5 years of relevant professional
- At least 3 years in a leadership or management
- Demonstrated experience in innovation management, partnership development, business development, or strategic programme management.
- Experience engaging government institutions, development partners, and private sector
- Proven track record in developing and managing strategic
Technical Competencies
- Innovation Management
- Strategic Partnership Development
- Business Development
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Project and Programme Management
- Research and Market Analysis
- Resource Mobilisation and Proposal Development
- Policy and Regulatory Awareness
- Digital Transformation Knowledge
Behavioural Competencies
- Strategic Thinking
- Leadership and Influence
- Relationship Building
- Negotiation and Persuasion
- Creativity and Problem Solving
- Communication and Presentation Skills
- Results Orientation
- Adaptability and Resilience
- Collaboration and Teamwork
How to Apply
Interested candidate should submit their application no later than 10 September 2026. Please click on the “Apply” button to complete your application.