The African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS) is a leading Intergovernmental Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) policy Think Tank, established in 1988 by the world-famous the late Prof Calestous Juma. ACTS, which is based in Nairobi through a host country agreement with the Kenya Government, is mandated to support African Countries and Institutions to harness Science, Technology, and Innovation for Sustainable Development. This mandate is achieved through quality STI policy research; policy engagement and outreach; technology brokerage; and capacity building. ACTS is currently implementing its seventh strategic plan (2022-2026) with a focus on the five program areas – Agriculture Food Security and Nutrition; Climate Resilient Economy; Science, Technology, Innovation, Knowledge, and Society; Digital Economy Program; and Youth Gender and Inclusive Development.

In its strategic plan, ACTS recognizes the critical importance of technology transfer and commercialization of innovations in the realization of sustainable development goals. ACTS will do this through two critical new innovations:

• An institute based in Konza, to be built within the next three years, to provide a centre of excellence in consulting services to African Government and Business, with a particular focus on the application of data science.
• A team to help commercialise the technology and IP that has been developed within ACTS and use it to derive additional income for the organisation.

To support these, ACTS has introduced a new senior role, the Strategic Business Development Manager, reporting directly to the Executive Director of ACTS. The successful candidate will bring commercial skill and acumen to package key ACTS projects with near-market potential into viable business proposals and drive their implementation as well as drive the commercial realisation of the Konza institute, including marketing strategy, stakeholder engagement, financial modelling, fundraising and execution support.

The Strategic Business Development Manager will be required to:

1. Coordinate the implementation of ACTS Konza Business Plan (2023-2026) including proposition articulation, partner identification and outreach, marketing, investment fundraising, commercial oversight.
2. Be the commercial face of the ACTS Konza Institute and ensure that the Institute becomes internationally recognised as a centre of excellence and the “go to” organisation in Africa for the application of advanced data science.
3. In collaboration with researchers, formulate and successfully implement business plans for ACTS internal IP for exploitation as companies, joint ventures or other collaborative activities and secure the investment finance needed to grow these opportunities.
4. Coordinate ACTS consultancy services in support of the above goals.
5. Over time, build a commercial team to deliver the above goals.
6. Proactively guide and build the internal (ACTS Staff) capacity on enterprise development, commercialization, and investment readiness.

 

IDEAL CANDIDATE SHOULD HAVE THE FOLLOWING:

1. BSc and MSc in a relevant scientific, engineering or business management subject. An MBA is highly desirable.
2. At least 5 years of demonstrable experience in senior business development, consulting and strategic planning.
3. Proven track record of investment finance raising from major corporates / donors / funders both in the commercial sector and those related to research and commercialization of technology innovations.
4. Sound financial skills and the ability to create clear and compelling business cases. The candidate should be fully conversant with business modelling and creation of financial plans including P&L, cashflow and balance sheet projections.
5. A good technical understanding and an ability to work with researchers and innovators to develop ideas and identify the overlap between potential solutions and established problems.
6. An understanding of the technology innovation and  commercialization context in Africa is an added advantage.
7. Experience working with STI think tanks Regionally and Globally would be an advantage but is not essential
8. Self-driven with the ability to work independently and lead teams to deliver on strategic goals.
9. Demonstrated experience in coordinating and facilitating the development of major investment proposals to corporate entities, institutional, trust, foundations and philanthropic donors.
10. Excellent communication skills, able to interact with individuals at the highest levels in Government and the commercial sector (Ministerial / Board levels)
11. Ability to create clear and compelling proposals in powerpoint and as written documents
12. Highly developed international networking skills and ability to form productive working relationships with a wide range of internal colleagues and stakeholders.
13. Experience in project and change management related to organisational development projects and international, cross-functional teams with a proven history of delivering results.
14. A high degree of attention to detail and the ability to lead key tasks (e.g proposal development) to on-time completion under significant pressure.
15. Knowledge of the application of Intellectual Property Rights and licensing is highly desirable.

This is a unique opportunity for a forward-looking entrepreneur to build new and exciting businesses with the huge benefit of the research capability and organizational structure of ACTS as a platform as a high-level starting point. It offers a high profile public role in both Government and industry and excellent career development potential.

Remuneration
The role will attract a compensation package that is appropriate for this senior position that will include a core and performance-related component. The African Center for Technology Studies (ACTS) is an equal opportunity employer and therefore warmly encourages all qualified interested parties to submit their applications. Women and the Youth are highly encouraged to apply.

 

HOW TO APPLY

Individuals who meet the requirements should submit their applications to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. on or before 12:00hrs on 15^th April 2023. Only shortlisted candidates shall be contacted.