The African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS) is a leading Intergovernmental Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) policy Think Tank, established in 1988 by the world famous the late Prof Calestous Juma. ACTS is based in Nairobi through a host country agreement with the Kenya Government and enjoys leading international status in its mission to accelerate the role of technology on the African continent. This is achieved through quality STI policy research, policy engagement and outreach, technology brokerage and capacity building with a focus on five program areas – Agriculture Food Security and Nutrition; Climate Resilient Economy; Science, Technology, Innovation, Knowledge, and Society; Digital Economy Program; and Youth Gender and Inclusive Development.
In its strategic plan, ACTS recognizes the critical importance of technology transfer and commercialization of innovations in the realization of sustainable development goals. ACTS has therefore introduced a new senior role, the Entrepreneur in the House, to support investment in innovations that have been developed and piloted through ACTS, in order to grow them to a scale that can have meaningful impact and contribution to the development agenda of African countries.
The Entrepreneur in the House (EiH) will bring commercial skill and acumen to package key ACTS projects with near-market potential into viable business proposals and drive their implementation. Reporting to the Executive Director, the EiH will be required to:

1. Prepare and implement a commercialization roadmap for projects that have been identified by ACTS as having significant commercial potential and developmental impact.
2. In collaboration with researchers, formulate and successfully implement business plans for these innovations.
3. Identify further business opportunities from the research activities that ACTS is undertaking and package them into viable business proposals and proposal modalities for their financing and implementation.
4. Engage with the investment and development community to promote ACTS commercialization activities and to source appropriate funding.
5. Coordinate ACTS consultancy services in support of the above goals.
6. Build the internal (ACTS Staff) capacity on enterprise development, commercialization and investment readiness.

IDEAL CANDIDATE SHOULD HAVE THE FOLLOWING:

1. BSc and MSc in a relevant business management subject. An MBA is an added advantage.
2. 5 years practical experience in commercialization of technology innovations and/or managing consultancy activities.
3. Sound financial skills and the ability to create clear and compelling business cases.
4. A good technical understanding and an ability to work with researchers and innovators.
5. An understanding of the technology and science commercialization context in Africa is an added advantage.
6. Some experience working with STI think tank in Africa.
7. Drive and ability to work with limited supervision.

This is a unique opportunity for a forward-looking entrepreneur to build new exciting businesses with the huge benefit of the research capability and organizational structure of ACTS as a platform as a high-level starting point. It offers excellent career development and the potential to evolve into a senior managerial role in due course.

HOW TO APPLY
Individuals who meet the requirements should submit their applications to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. on or before 12:00hrs on 15^th February 2023. Only shortlisted candidates shall be contacted.
The African Center for Technology Studies (ACTS) is an equal opportunity employer and therefore encourages interested parties to submit their applications. Women and the Youth are highly encouraged to apply.