National University of Science and Technology Vacancies

Applications are invited from suitably qualified and experienced persons for the following posts in the Vice-Chancellor’s Office:

DIRECTOR: INNOVATION, PRODUCT AND SERVICE DEVELOPMENT (1 POST)

The position has arisen in line with the new concept of extending the University’s mandate into Innovation and industrialisation. The incumbent will report to the Pro-Vice-Chancellor Innovation and Business Development (PVC-IBD) and will lead the Innovation Hubs, Science and Industrial Parks. The Innovation Hubs are responsible for driving commercialisation and building alternative University revenue streams through developing innovations into marketable products and services.

S/he will coordinate academic departments, private sector partners, and a multi-disciplinary Innovation Hubs team in developing and implementing product and service development initiatives; and ensuring the creation of successful business ventures.

The successful candidate will need to posses both technical and commercial expertise to guide activities involved in the commercialisation of University research output and other market related business opportunities.

Key Performance Areas

The Director is expected to carry out the following key responsibilities:

• Investment / Commercial Project Management and execution of standard legal contracts for such work;
• Investment Structuring, Accounting and Economic Valuation of Projects for acceptance in the commercial world;
• Marketing business ventures as well as driving fundraising activities;
• Project Intellectual Property and Legalities Management;
• Strategic Management and Investment appraisal and development of business plans and strategies;
• Management of Innovation Hub Facilities (Science Park, Industrial Park and Business Park programmes and activities).

Qualifications and Experience

• 5 (five) years experience in senior management position;
• A Masters Degree in a Science subject, including laboratory research and development. A PhD Degree with Postdoctoral research experience would be an advantage;
• A qualification in Business, Economics, Developmental Studies or similar additional qualification is required;
• Evidence of Entrepreneurial flair and success in a technology driven scientific/industrial environmental.

INNOVATION AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT OPERATIONS MANAGER  (1 POST)

The Innovation and Business Development Operations Manager will provide high level support to the Pro Vice Chancellor – Innovation and Business Development (PVC-IBD) in developing and implementing the University’s Financial, Governance and Transformational Strategic Objectives. The role will act as a central point of contact and provide all necessary support and assistance for the efficient running of the PVC–IBD’s office. The incumbent will also provide support to priority projects and ensure coordination within the Office of the Pro Vice Chancellor – IBD. Considering that this position is within a STEM institution, and that most product development initiatives will be scientifically oriented, the incumbent will need to possess a combination of scientific and business literacy.

Duties and responsibilities

The Innovation and Business Development Operations Manager shall mainly be responsible for:

• Designing and maintaining workflow, deal flow and internal approval systems to bring and maintain efficiency of all operations and activities under the PVC-IBD;
• Coordinating and monitoring, at University level, progress and reporting cycles of new construction projects;
• Servicing the Institutional Innovation Policy Review Committee, Institutional Planning Cycle and the Strategic Plan of the Innovation and Business Development Office;
• Handling enquiries and queries, through proactively identifying issues and exercising judgement to refer complex /strategic matters to the Pro Vice Chancellor – IBD;
• Establishing and monitoring follow up actions to enable the PVC-IDB to be able to respond to Council, the Vice Chancellor, Senate or other relevant University Committees;
• Collaborating with respective Heads of Departments;
• Initiating, drafting and reviewing papers, briefings, contractual agreements, communication and other written documents;
• Managing and promoting positive and professional working relationships with both internal and external key stakeholders and clients.

Qualifications and Experience

• A STEM Undergraduate Degree;
• A postgraduate qualification in Management / Marketing / Finance;
• 5 (five) years experience in stakeholder liaison and workflow management;
• Exceptional analytical thinking, interpersonal and judgement skills;
• Time conscious and adherence to strict deadlines.

INNOVATION POLICY RESEARCH AND IMPLEMENTATION MANAGER (1 POST)

The Innovation, Policy Research and Implementation Manager will be responsible for Projects in initiating, recommending, implementing and monitoring policies, systems and procedures dealing with University Business Development and any other related functions. The incumbent will be will be reporting directly to the Pro Vice Chancellor – Innovation and Business Development (PVC-IBD).

Duties and responsibilities

The duties of the incumbent will include the following:

• Develop an all-encompassing suite of policies to enable all areas under the PVC-IBD’s oversight to function within good corporate governance parameters and in alignment with other areas of the University
• Research and develop evidence led policy interventions for diversification of the University’s revenue base;
• Design and maintain workflow, deal flow and internal approval systems to bring and maintain efficiency of all operations and activities under the PVC-IBD;
• Monitor and evaluate, in close collaboration with Internal Audit, audit compliance of affected entities, research groups and external parties to University policies in so far as their relationship with the Science Park, Industrial Park and Business Park is concerned;
• Collaborate with the rest of the staff in the PVC-IBD’s office and the Innovation Hub to ensure a seamless flow of work and maintenance of good corporate governance;
• Coordinate and monitor, at University level, progress and reporting cycles of new construction projects;
• Contribute to the development of peer reviewed papers on Institutional Management, Policy Research and Implementation.

Qualifications and Experience

• A Masters in Strategic Management, Innovation Studies, Institutional Policy Studies or any other related disciplines. Possession of a PhD qualification would be an advantage;
• 5 (five) years experience in strategy and policy research and implementation;
• Any technical qualification and experience in a research institution will be an added advantage.

CONDITIONS OF SERVICE

Medical Aid, Leave and Pension Benefits are offered. The information on salary and other benefits will be made available to the short-listed candidates.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

All applications will be treated in strictest confidence. Applicants must submit six (6) sets of applications which should include a curriculum vitae (giving full personal particulars of applicant including full name, place and date of birth, qualifications, employment and experience, present salary, telephone numbers and the names, addresses (including email) and telephone numbers of three contactable referees) and certified copies of certificates  addressed to:-

The Senior Assistant Registrar (Academic) 

Human Resources Department

National University of Science and Technology 

P O Box AC 939 

Ascot 

Bulawayo,   ZIMBABWE 

Tel. No.    263-29-282842/289435/289438/289456

Fax. No.   263-29-289057

The closing date for the receipt of the applications is Friday, 17 May 2019.

The National University of Science and Technology is an equal opportunities employer.  In the interest of promoting gender parity, female candidates are encouraged to apply. ONLY SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES WILL BE CONTACTED.