Main purpose of the job:

The Technical Adviser – Technology and Innovation will provide hands-on technical, policy and delivery support for the operationalisation of Kenya’s innovation cluster framework and the wider strengthening of the National Innovation System. The role will focus on translating Kenya’s ST&I policy ambitions into practical delivery by supporting cluster development, improving coordination across ecosystem actors, and strengthening linkages between research, industry and investment.
The post requires practitioner-level technical, policy and partnership capability, with a strong emphasis on delivery, coordination and ecosystem-building. The successful candidate will combine practical programme delivery experience with a solid understanding of innovation systems, working closely with Kenya STRI ecosystem stakeholders and the UK’s Research and Innovation network.

Embedded within KeNIA and working closely with ecosystem stakeholders, the post holder will act as a delivery-focused adviser and convenor, supporting day-to-day implementation, strengthening ecosystem coordination and institutional capability, and ensuring that innovation clusters are operational and driving collaboration, commercialisation and enterprise development.

Success in the role will be demonstrated through:

• Effective operationalisation and early delivery of Kenya’s innovation cluster framework.
• Stronger coordination and connectivity across innovation ecosystem actors within clusters.
• Increased translation of research into innovation, enterprise and commercial opportunities.
• Tangible progress towards strengthening R&D linkages and supporting Kenya’s GERD ambitions.
• Improved institutional capability within KeNIA to coordinate and deliver innovation ecosystem interventions.
• Increased visibility, uptake and impact of innovation cluster and ecosystem initiatives.
• Strengthened UK-Kenya collaboration and increased UK credibility and convening power within Kenya’s ST&I ecosystem.

Roles and responsibilities:

National Innovation Ecosystem Performance.

• Support KeNIA in delivering its mandate to coordinate, promote and regulate Kenya’s National Innovation System.
• Contribute to implementation of ST&I policies, standards and processes that strengthen innovation ecosystem performance.
• Support development of institutional approaches that improve coordination and delivery across the innovation system.

Innovation Cluster-based model Delivery

• Provide day-to-day technical and delivery support to KeNIA in operationalising Kenya’s innovation cluster framework.
• Support establishment, coordination and strengthening of innovation clusters across priority sectors and regions.
• Develop practical tools, guidance and coordination mechanisms to support cluster implementation.
• Convene and support collaboration between cluster actors including innovators, researchers, start-ups, industry, county governments and development partners.

Research & innovation financing

• Support practical initiatives that support Kenya’s ambition to increase GERD from ~0.78% towards 2% of GDP.
• Help mobilise and connect private sector, research institutions and development partners within national innovation ecosystem

Partnerships and Ecosystem Coordination

• Build and maintain effective working relationships across government, academia, research institutes, private sector, investors, development partners and civil society.
• Strengthen linkages between ecosystem actors to improve collaboration and innovation outcomes.

ST&I Communication and Convening

• Support planning and delivery of workshops, convenings, and stakeholder forums around shared priorities and cluster activities.
• Contribute to communication and visibility of innovation and ecosystem initiatives.
• Capture evidence and shared learning to improve delivery, inform stakeholders and demonstrate impact.

Results, Learning and Knowledge Management

• Track progress against cluster framework milestones and delivery plans.
• Support preparation of reports and updates for KeNIA and the British High Commission.
• Identify delivery challenges and support adaptive responses.
  

Contribution to UK-Kenya SI&T Objectives

• Collaborate with the British High Commission Nairobi SIT Pillar, in delivery of the Country Business Plan and wider UK- Kenya science, innovation and technology objectives.
• Identify opportunities for joint working and maximise impact across UK-funded initiatives.

Corporate Contribution

• Contribute to wider British High Commission objectives, including participation in cross-cutting initiatives, committees and team activities.
• Promote a collaborative, inclusive and delivery-focused working culture.

• Degree in a relevant field such as Science, Engineering, Technology, Innovation, Economics, Business, International Development or related discipline.
• Strong knowledge of Kenya’s science, technology, research and innovation ecosystem.
• Experience delivering or coordinating programmes, projects, events or multi-stakeholder initiatives.
• Experience working with diverse stakeholders including government, academia, private sector, start-ups and development partners.
• Ability to work effectively in a partner institution, with a proactive, collaborative and solutions-focused approach.
• Ability to translate strategy into practical delivery and implementation.
• Good communication skills, including ability to convey ideas clearly to different audiences.