Job Description
Mission and objectives
UNDP works in more than 170 countries and territories, helping to achieve the eradication of poverty and the reduction of inequalities and exclusion. We help countries develop policies, leadership skills, partnering abilities, institutional capabilities and build resilience to sustain development results. UNDP has been present in Malawi since 1964. Working closely with the Government of Malawi, civil society and the private sector, UNDP’ s work aims to contribute to economic growth, sustainable environmental management, and democratic governance and accountability in Malawi. UNDP’s Country Programme Document is closely aligned to the Malawi Growth and Development Strategy (MDGS III) and supports Malawi’s aim to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. UNDP ‘s programme is designed to address the interlinked issues of poverty, inequality and vulnerability to shocks and is managed within two portfolios: Responsive Institutions and Citizen Engagement which works towards strengthening effective, accountable and inclusive governance that promotes civic engagement, respect for human rights, rule of law, peace and democracy. It also works towards strengthening data generation and analysis. Resilience and Sustainable Growth which focusses on enhancing economic innovation, inclusive business, job creation, and renewable energy access. It also works towards helping Malawi adapt to climate change and build resilience to disasters.
Context
The Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS) Technology Transfer Office (TTO) was initiated by the funding of the UNDP in 2022 with the primal focus of ensuring improved management of research outputs, innovations and excellent transfer of the innovations and technologies from the university to the local society. It also facilitates researcher-industry collaborations linking them for smooth translation of innovations between academia and industry. The TTO is part and parcel of the University Innovation Pod (UniPod), ensuring that all innovations/inventions from UniPod programs and members are fully supported with technology development, Intellectual property identification, protection and commercialisation. It is both the goal of the UniPod and the TTO that innovations must be efficiently translated for maximum impact on Malawi’s citizenry. The TTO from inception had been run by a steering committee chaired by the Head of Research and Innovation until its full establishment. Thereafter, MUBAS recruited, on secondment basis, two academic members, a Technology transfer manager and a finance officer to facilitate the daily operations of the TTO.
Task description
TT Officer-Operations:
- Responsible for supporting and assisting the Technology Transfer Office with the sourcing,
- Identification, assessment, protection and commercialisation of Intellectual Property (IP) emanating from the Research Institution
- Commercial Opportunity Identification & Evaluation
- Technology Evaluation
- IP Portfolio assessment
- Stakeholder/Partnership Development & Management
- Contracting & Legal matters eg facilitating drafting and reviewing of technical and business agreements
- General Operations and Support
Eligibility criteria
Age
18 – 80
Nationality
Candidate must be a national or legal resident of the country of assignment.
Requirements
Required experience
- 3 years of experience in Knowledge and understanding associated with the process of R&D and technology development.
- Knowledge and sound understanding of the IP protection process, the patenting process in particular.
- Knowledge and understanding of the technology innovation value chain and new product/business development process
Area(s) of expertise
Information technology
Driving license
–
Languages
English, Level: Working knowledge, Required
Required education level
Bachelor degree or equivalent in Science or Engineering discipline AND business qualification (training/course(s). A master’s degree will be an added advantage
Competencies and values
- Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UNDP; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNDP procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement
- Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and UNDP in daily activities and behaviors while acting without consideration of personal gains
- Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
- Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment.