Background

The Network of Innovation Agencies in Africa is a pan-African network bringing together national and regional innovation agencies to promote collaboration, capacity building, knowledge exchange, and policy harmonization across the continent

To support evidence-based decision-making and innovation policy development, the Network seeks an Innovation Policy Analysis Assistant to provide analytical, research, and coordination support.

This officer will report to the coordinator of the Network of Innovation Agencies of Africa (IAA), working closely with other members of the secretariat conducting research, collecting and analyzing data, preparing reports, and assisting with stakeholder consultations to develop and evaluate innovation policy recommendations. Key responsibilities often include monitoring innovation policy trends, drafting summaries and briefings, contributing to innovation policy implementation, and organizing documentation to support policy alignment within the members of Network of Innovation Agencies of Africa (IAA).

Responsibilities

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. Duration

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

9. 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.

10. Duty Station

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

11. Remuneration

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

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

• Strong research and analytical skills, with ability to synthesize complex information
• Excellent writing and presentation skills
• Experience with data tools (Excel, SPSS, STATA, PowerBI, Tableau)
• 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

• Bachelor's degree in innovation management, economics, public policy, science & technology studies, engineering, or related field
• Familiarity with national science, technology and innovation (STI) systems