The Innovation & Technical Assistance Analyst will spearhead FUNGUO Innovation Programme’s efforts to catalyze the growth of startups by providing strategic technical assistance and fostering an enabling environment for innovation.
This role involves close collaboration with Enterprise Support Organizations, government agencies, higher-learning institutions, and other stakeholders to enhance the quality of business development services and contribute to the development of policies that support the innovation ecosystem in Tanzania.
S/he will be expected to devise innovative strategies and interventions to support the FUNGUO Investees portfolio, collaborate with and support a wide range of enterprise support organizations (ESOs) and lead the implementation of ongoing and new initiatives in partnership with various innovation ecosystem actors.
Develop and execute strategies to support startups, innovation enablers, and other stakeholders in Tanzania;
Collaborate with relevant partners to identify opportunities and challenges within the startup ecosystem and formulate targeted interventions.
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Business Administration, Economics, Innovation Management, or a related field is required.
A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the above-mentioned fields in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Experience:
Minimum 2 years (with master’s degree) or 4 years (with bachelor’s degree) of professional experience in a leadership role within the innovation ecosystem, preferably in Tanzania or in a similar context to Tanzania.
Required Skills:
Proven track record of developing and implementing successful technical assistance programs;
Strong understanding/experience of the legal, regulatory, and policy frameworks affecting startups and innovation;
Track record of running a venture building or acceleration programme in Tanzania or East Africa.
Desired Skills:
Experience in project proposal writing and/or resource mobilization;
Excellent relationship-building and stakeholder management skills;
Proven ability to work collaboratively with a diverse team and manage multiple projects simultaneously;
Track record in stakeholders’ engagement in private, public and development partners’ circles;
Past work experience with a UN agency and/or international organization in Tanzania is considered an asset.
Required Language(s):
Strong communication skills (written and oral) in both English and Swahili is required;
Knowledge of an additional international language will be considered as an asset.