Job Description
ASSOCIATE
OFFICER- BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AND DIVERSIFICATION
THE ORGANIZATION
The Alliance of Bioversity International
( www.bioversityinternational.org) and the International Center for Tropical
Agriculture (CIAT) ( www.ciat.cgiar.org) delivers research-based solutions that harness agricultural
biodiversity and sustainably transform food systems to improve people’s lives.
Alliance solutions address the global crisis of malnutrition, climate change,
biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation.
With novel
partnerships, the Alliance generates evidence and mainstreams innovations to
transform food systems and landscapes so that they sustain the planet, drive
prosperity, and nourish people in a climate crisis.
The
Alliance is part of CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food-secure
future.
ABOUT THE POSITION
Based in Africa and under the direct supervision of the
Senior Manager, Business Development and Diversification, the position supports
the strategic execution of innovation challenges and venture-building
initiatives across East and Southern Africa.
The role focuses on bridging the gap between scientific
research and market deployment by supporting the design and implementation of
innovation-focused projects, strengthening regional partnerships, and
supporting the scaling and commercialization of science-based innovations.
The position contributes to building a strong regional
innovation ecosystem by facilitating collaboration between researchers,
startups, corporates, investors, government institutions, and innovation
actors, while also supporting resource mobilization and the development of
knowledge products that showcase regional impact and trends.
MAIN DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Initiate the design and
implementation of technology transfer and innovation valorization initiatives
across the ESA region.Coordinate the lifecycle of
research-based innovations from scouting, technical evaluation, incubation,
acceleration, to market scaling.Facilitate operationalization
of innovation programmes including bootcamps, accelerators, and open innovation
models.Support strategic coordination
to enable startups and researchers to reach critical milestones in product
development and market access.Contribute to strengthening
A4IP’s positioning within the regional agri-tech and climate-tech innovation
ecosystem.Build and manage strategic
partnerships across East and Southern Africa to create a robust pipeline for
science-based innovation scaling.Track partner performance and
engagement to ensure alignment between research outputs and market actors.Coordinate stakeholders across
multiple countries to align innovations with commercialization pathways.Represent A4IP in innovation,
investment, and partnership forums in coordination with regional leadership.Support negotiation of
high-level corporate partnerships to enable pilots, scaling, and market entry
for science-backed startups.Facilitate collaboration
between global teams and local innovation ecosystems .Support the end-to-end
implementation and operational launch of innovation challenges,
venture-building initiatives, and technology transfer projects.Coordinate stakeholder
engagement and partnership activities across ESA countries.Identify new business
opportunities and regional trends to inform the scaling strategy.Support resource mobilization
by contributing to proposals and project concepts.Develop knowledge products,
research outputs, case studies, and presentations showcasing innovation
scaling, regional trends, and lessons learned.Maintain and update regional
stakeholder databases and knowledge tools.Support programme monitoring,
reporting, and documentation activities
EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS AND
EXPERIENCE
Master’s degree in business,
Innovation Management, Economics, International Development, Entrepreneurship,
or a related field.Relevant professional
experience in innovation programmes, startup ecosystems, venture building, or
international development projects.Experience working with
agri-tech, climate-tech, or science-based innovations.Experience managing projects or
innovation initiatives in international or multi-country environments.Experience working with
private-sector partners, investors, startups, and innovation ecosystems.Experience supporting proposal
development, partnerships, and resource mobilization activities.
TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES
Strong understanding of the agri-tech and climate-tech
innovation ecosystem.Knowledge of venture-building processes, innovation
acceleration programmes, and commercialization strategies.Strong stakeholder engagement and partnership-development
skills.Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills.
Excellent communication and presentation skills.
Strong organizational
skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT
This position is a
nationally recruited position based in Nairobi, Kenya. The initial contract
will be for one (1) year subject to a probation period of three months and is
renewable depending on performance and availability of resources.
This position is
graded at BG08, level, with a basic salary of 307,706.00 Kenya Shillings
in a scale of BG01 to BG14 (BG14 being the highest level according to the
Alliance job classification framework policy). We offer a competitive salary
and excellent benefits including but not limited to insurance, retirement plan,
staff training and development, paid time off and flexible working
arrangements.
The
Alliance Bioversity-CIAT is committed to fair, safe, and inclusive workplaces.
We believe that diversity powers our innovation, contributes to our excellence,
and is critical for our mission. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an
inclusive organization that reflects our global character is a priority. We
encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes,
national or regional origins, ages, disability statuses, sexual orientations,
marital status, and gender identities. Female candidates are strongly
encouraged to apply.