Responsibilities

Policy Research & Analysis

• Conduct desk research on national, regional, and global innovation policies, regulatory frameworks, and best practices.
• Analyze IAA member country existing innovation policies to identify gaps, opportunities, and recommendations.
• Support the development of briefs, position papers, and policy memos.

Data & Evidence Generation

• Collect and analyze data on innovation indicators, R&D funding, startup performance, IP registration, and technology adoption
• Support monitoring and evaluation of innovation policy, programs and outcomes.

Coordination & Stakeholder Engagement

• Assist in organizing policy dialogues and multi-stakeholder consultations.
• Communicate with member agencies, government bodies, universities, development partners, and private sector stakeholders.

Knowledge Management & Reporting

• Support the drafting of reports, content for newsletters, presentations, and communication materials.
• Track global trends in innovation (e.g. in fintech, agritech, AI, green tech, digital transformation) and provide periodic insights.
• Support the documentation and dissemination of case studies, success stories, and lessons learned.

Deliverables

• Policy briefs and analytical reports.
• A regularly updated innovation policy database or dashboard.
• Meeting reports and stakeholder engagement documentation.
• Monthly or quarterly trend updates on innovation and technology.
• Inputs into strategic planning and annual reporting.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in innovation management, economics, public policy, science & technology studies, engineering, or related field.
• Strong research and analytical skills, with ability to synthesize complex information.
• Familiarity with national science, technology and innovation (STI) systems.
• Excellent writing and presentation skills.
• Experience with data tools (Excel, SPSS, STATA, PowerBI, Tableau) is an added advantage.

Desired Competencies

• Knowledge of IP, standards, startup ecosystems, and innovation financing.
• Ability to work collaboratively across institutions.
• Attention to detail, proactive, and self-driven.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks.

Duration

• Initial contract of 12 months, renewable based on performance and availability of funding.

Reporting

• The Assistant will report to the coordinator of the IAA network that is housed at Kenya National Innovation Agency and work closely with innovation focal persons from member agencies.

Duty Station

• Can be hosted at the Network Secretariat; remote or hybrid arrangements may be considered based on agreement.

Remuneration

• Competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, according to network or partner funding guidelines.