The Danish Embassy in Nairobi is looking for a new member of staff
Deadline for application: 31st of May 2026
Position: Innovation Officer to the upcoming Innovation Centre in Nairobi
Type of contract: Fixed Term Two Year Local Contract with possibility of extension
Starting date: Soonest possible
Location: Royal Danish Embassy, 13 Runda Drive, Runda, Nairobi
Background
The Royal Danish Embassy in Nairobi represents Denmark in Kenya, Seychelles, Eritrea,
Mauritius and Malawi as well as the United Nations in Nairobi. It manages development
and stabilization cooperation linked to Kenya and follows political and economic
developments.
Innovation Centre Denmark – Opening at the Danish Embassy, August 2026
Are you passionate about innovation, partnerships, and translating ideas into tangible
impact? Do you have strong insight into Kenya’s innovation ecosystem and the ability
to connect people, knowledge, and opportunities?
Innovation Centre Denmark (ICDK) is opening a new regional hub in Nairobi, and we
are looking for a dynamic and driven Innovation Officer to join our team
About Innovation Centre Denmark (ICDK)
ICDK is part of the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Danish Ministry of Higher
Education and Science. We build bridges between Denmark and global innovation
ecosystems, helping Danish companies, researchers, and public institutions access
cutting-edge knowledge, partners, and markets.
The innovation centre will be located at the Danish embassy in Nairobi and will cover
Kenya and Sub-Saharan Africa with colleagues in Nigeria and South Africa and play a
key role in strengthening collaboration within green transition, health, and
digitalisation.
Your role
As Innovation Officer, you will be a key local resource in building and strengthening
ICDK’s presence in Africa. You will help identify opportunities, connect stakeholders,
and ensure that ideas are turned into concrete collaborations and projects.
Your tasks will include:
- Mapping and analysing the Kenyan innovation ecosystem (startups, universities, corporates, public sector actors, capital)
- Identifying relevant partners and opportunities for Danish stakeholders
- Supporting development and execution of innovation projects, delegations, and partnerships
- Facilitating collaboration between Danish and local partners
- Contributing to advisory services for Danish companies and institutions
- Building and maintaining a strong local network within innovation and knowledge environments
- Supporting communication and visibility of ICDK Nairobi activities.
Your profile
We are looking for someone who combines strategic understanding with a hands-on,
execution-oriented mindset.
Required qualifications:
- Proven experience working with innovation, entrepreneurship, or research collaboration
- Strong knowledge of the Kenyan innovation ecosystem and key stakeholders
- Demonstrated ability to turn ideas into actionable initiatives and results
- Relevant higher education degree (e.g. innovation, business, development, engineering, or similar)
- Excellent communication skills in English (written and spoken)
- Demonstrated competencies with administration and financial compliance.
Preferred qualifications:
- Experience working with international organisations, embassies, or advisory services
- Familiarity with Danish or European innovation ecosystems is an advantage
- Experience in facilitating partnerships or multi-stakeholder projects.
Personal competencies
- Proactive and self-driven
- Strong networking and relationship-building skills
- Structured and able to manage multiple tasks simultaneously
- Curious and analytical, with a strong interest in innovation and societal impact
- Able to navigate both strategic discussions and practical implementation.
We offer:
- A unique opportunity to help build a new regional innovation hub from the ground up
- A dynamic international working environment
- Close collaboration with Danish and international partners
- Opportunities for professional and personal development
- A two-year contract with the possibility of extension.
The Innovation Officer will be employed according to regulations for local staff at the
Danish Embassy in Nairobi. Employment is subject to successful security clearance
obtained from the relevant Danish authorities.
How to apply
Interested individuals are invited to submit a 1-page Cover Letter and CV to FUZU (Innovation Officer at The Royal Danish Embassy | Fuzu) no later than
31 May 2026.
The email subject should be “Innovation Officer”
Please note that we will not consider late and applications that are not done in
the requested format.
The Royal Danish Embassy encourages all relevant applicants to apply for the position,
regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, personal background, etc.
Any form of canvassing will lead to automatic disqualification.
The applicant must present a “No Criminal Record” and pass the security clearance prior
to appointment
Royal Danish Embassy, Kenya
13 Runda Drive
Runda, Nairobi
P.O. Box 40412-00100 GPO
Kenya
