Innovation Officer

JOB PURPOSE

• The Innovation Officer will support the University's entrepreneurship ecosystem by identifying, nurturing, and commercialising innovative ideas, coordinating innovation programmes, supporting student innovators, and driving initiatives that foster a culture of creativity, enterprise, and impact.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Identify and develop innovative ideas and projects within the University community.
• Coordinate startup incubation and innovation programmes. • Support student innovators, entrepreneurship clubs, and idea development initiatives.
• Plan, organise, and manage innovation challenges, hackathons, and enterprise competitions.
• Support grant development and implementation relating to innovation and entrepreneurship.
• Monitor, document, and report on innovation activities, outcomes, and impact.
• Promote intellectual property awareness, commercialisation, and technology transfer.
• Build partnerships and collaborations with internal and external stakeholders.
• Perform any other duties as may be assigned by the Registrar.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION

• Minimum of a Bachelors Degree or its equivalent in any relevant discipline.

EXPERIENCE

• At least 1-3 years' experience in innovation, entrepreneurship, startup support, incubation, project management, or related roles.
• Experience working in a university, youth-focused, or innovation-driven environment is highly desirable.

COMPETENCIES & SKILLS

• Strong passion for innovation, entrepreneurship, and startup development.
• Excellent communication, networking, and relationship-building skills.
• Good organisational and project management abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and digital tools.
• Ability to work independently and in a team.
• Creativity, problem-solving mindset, and attention to detail.
• Knowledge of the university entrepreneurship ecosystem is an added advantage.