Innovation and Incubation Lead
United States International University-Africa, is a Higher Learning Institution based in Nairobi, Kenya and is the most diverse university in East and Central Africa with about 7,000 students from over 60 nations, and a global network of more than 25,000 alumni. USIU-Africa is the only university in Sub-Saharan Africa whose degree programs are accredited by both the Kenya Government through the Commission for University Education (CUE), and by the American Government through the WASC Senior Colleges and Universities Commission (WSCUC).
In line with our commitment to providing quality, affordable education through world-class service delivery platforms, USIU-Africa is seeking to recruit a suitable and qualified candidate for the following position:
Innovation and Incubation Lead
This opportunity is an open call for interest contingent on a contract award.
Job Summary:
USIU-Africa seeks qualified candidates for the Innovation and Incubation Lead position in the Design Your Future Integrated Innovation Pipeline Program (DYF-IPP). The Innovation and Incubation Center is implementing DYF-IPP, which will benefit students by integrating innovative ideas into projects, businesses, and social enterprises that address complex societal challenges through the provision of simple solutions. The primary objective is to generate transformative ideas across sectors, assemble a team to refine and execute them, and bring them to life. By aligning these initiatives, the Incubation Center aims to lead in fostering impactful innovations, leveraging inter-institutional collaboration, and preparing participants for real-world entrepreneurial challenges. As a Business Development Trainer, you will not only contribute to the success of the DYF-IPP initiatives but also have the opportunity for personal growth and development in a dynamic and challenging environment.
Job Description:
As an Innovation and incubation Lead, you will contribute to the successful implementation of the DYF-IPP initiatives, with responsibilities aligned to the following:
- Design and implement activities that support startups, such as workshops, start-up wars, Pitch sessions, mastermind sessions, and innovation challenges.
- Develop frameworks to guide entrepreneurs from ideation to market entry, tailoring support to their specific needs.
- Act as a mentor or facilitator, providing strategic advice to startups on product development, business models, and market strategies.
- Connect entrepreneurs with industry experts, investors, and other resources to accelerate their growth.
- Encourage creative problem-solving and out-of-the-box thinking among incubates.
- Identify emerging trends and integrate them into the incubation process to keep startups competitive.
- Build and maintain a network of stakeholders, including universities, corporations, government bodies, and venture capitalists, to create a robust support system for startups.
- Facilitate collaboration between startups and external partners to enhance innovation and scalability
- Oversee the distribution of resources, such as workspace and technology, to ensure startups have the necessary tools to succeed.
- Evaluate the progress of incubators and adjust support as necessary.
- Assess the viability of startup ideas and provide feedback to refine their direction.
Key Skills and Personal Attributes
- Bachelor’s degree in business administration, technology, or entrepreneurship, or a related field.
- A minimum of 5 years of experience in innovation, incubation, acceleration and commercialization support, business advisory services, or economic development, with a focus on University or Institutional innovation and incubation centers.
- A background in entrepreneurship, business development, or innovation management is preferred, along with a track record of working with startups or leading projects.
- A deep understanding of the startup journey, encompassing challenges such as funding, scaling, and achieving market fit.
- Ability to inspire and manage a diverse entrepreneurial team while guiding entrepreneurs toward success.
- Strong interpersonal skills to build partnerships and connect startups with opportunities.
- Creative and analytical thinking to address the unique challenges faced by early-stage ventures.
Salary Scale
The consolidated pay for this position ranges from Kshs. 100,000/= to Kshs. 120,000/= per month with no other benefits.
If you have the requisite qualifications and experience and desire to work as a team member in a modern, progressive, international, and multicultural institution where you can make a difference, please apply indicating in the subject line: ‘Innovation and Incubation Lead’. Interested applicants must provide a cover letter and a current CV, certified copies of educational certificates and transcripts, and addresses of three referees, telephone and e-mail contacts by 5.00pm, Monday, March 31, 2025 to:
Director, Human Resource,
United States International University – Africa,
P. O. Box 14634-00800, Nairobi, Kenya
Email: [email protected]
Disclaimer: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
USIU-Africa is an equal opportunity employer
