Innovation Lead ICT

DUE: 17 JUL 2026

APPLICATIONS ARE INVITED FROM SUITABLY QUALIFIED AND EXPERIENCED PERSONS FOR THE FOLLOWING FULL-TIME POST:

RESEARCH AND INNOVATION DIVISION

INNOVATION LEAD ICT

Applications are invited from suitably qualified and experienced candidates to fill the position of Innovation Lead ICT in the Research and Innovation Division at Midlands State University.

The Innovation Lead ICT will be responsible for coordinating and supporting innovation initiatives in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector. The incumbent will promote ICT driven innovation, provide technical guidance on product and systems development, support research and development activities, identify commercially viable intellectual property and facilitate partnerships that advance the commercialisation of ICT based innovations.

Qualifications and Experience

Applicants should possess:

A Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Systems, Telecommunications, Computer Engineering or any other relevant ICT-related field.
At least two years’ relevant experience in research and development, ICT innovation, software development, systems development, technology commercialisation, digital transformation or a related field.
A Master’s degree or studying towards a Master’s Degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Systems, Innovation Management, or any other relevant field will be an added advantage.

The ideal candidate should have:

Strong technical knowledge of ICT systems, software development, and emerging digital technologies.
A sound understanding of innovation ecosystems, research commercialisation, intellectual property development and technology transfer.
Ability to identify commercially viable ICT innovations and support their development into market-ready products or services.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, organisational, and project management skills.
Excellent communication, report writing, presentation and stakeholder engagement skills.
Ability to work effectively with students, researchers, academic departments, industry partners and community stakeholders.
Entrepreneurial thinking and the ability to support technology-based start-ups, spin-offs and commercialisation initiatives.
High levels of professionalism, creativity, initiative, integrity and attention to detail.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be expected to:

Coordinate and support innovation initiatives in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) field.
Promote emerging ICT innovations and contribute to building a strong culture of disruptive and technology driven innovation within Midlands State University.
Provide technical guidance on ICT product development, software development, systems development, digital platforms, automation and related research and development activities.
Engage proactively with academic departments, researchers, students, industry players and community stakeholders to identify ICT based innovations and intellectual property with potential for commercial exploitation.
Identify appropriate pathways for the protection, development, scaling, and commercialisation of Midlands State University’s ICT related intellectual property.
Facilitate the identification of suitable industry and community partners for joint development, piloting, adoption and commercialisation of ICT innovations.

Support the development of prototypes, minimum viable products, digital systems, and technology-based solutions emerging from the University’s innovation ecosystem.
Provide technical advice to the Innovation Manager on potential ICT investments, collaborations, partnerships, contracts and commercialisation opportunities.
Provide incubation support, mentorship and technical guidance to innovators working on ICT-related projects.
Assist in the preparation of project proposals, business cases, innovation briefs, concept notes and commercialisation plans for ICT innovations.
Monitor trends in emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, software engineering, cybersecurity, fintech, data analytics, cloud computing, Internet of Things, blockchain and other relevant digital technologies.
Prepare monthly reports, project progress reports, technical briefs, and any other reports required by the Innovation Manager.
Perform any other duties as may be assigned by the Innovation Manager.

NB: Midlands State University is an equal opportunities employer. In the interest of promoting gender parity, female candidates are encouraged to apply.

TO APPLY
Applicants must submit an application letter, certified copies of certificates, transcripts, national identification and Curriculum Vitae giving full personal particulars including full names, date of birth, qualifications, experience, present salary, date of availability, contact details, names and addresses of three referees addressed to the Deputy Registrar – Human Resource.
The application pack should be sent as a single merged pdf file to email address: Apply Now The subject line should be labelled with the post being applied for.

Important Notes:

Applications that do not strictly adhere to the above submission guidelines will be automatically disqualified.
Only shortlisted candidates shall be communicated to.
Closing date for applications is 17 July 2026.

NB: Candidates who hold international qualifications are required to provide a ZIMCHE qualifications assessment report.