IDB2701 - Director, Science, Technology & Innovation Department

• Strategic & Operational Responsibilities:

• Lead in developing policy guidelines, implementation plans, and programs to promote science, technology, and innovation sectors related to the socio-economic development of member countries in coordination with the concerned unit in the Country Programs Complex.
• Support the development of appropriate institutional mechanisms and modes of financing to facilitate the IsDB's operations in the concerned fields.

• Lead and manage the development and implementation of effective strategies and mechanisms for science, technology, and innovation and development of innovation hubs.

• Lead in undertaking analytical works in science, technology, and innovation to identify issues and consider the necessity for priority interventions.

• Oversee the preparation and appraisal of science, technology, and innovation projects to ensure quality.

• Adopt innovative approaches to project interventions that help realize greater synergies and impact positively on the objective to alleviate poverty.

• Lead and support science, technology, and innovation-related projects with regular programs to identify potential issues and problems. Then, prepare and implement effective action plans to resolve any such matters swiftly.

• Lead in identifying, preparing, and implementing cross-cutting (non-sector specific) science, technology, and innovation operations and projects, including Technical Assistance.

• Develop and pilot science, technology, and innovation initiatives between Member Countries and streamline/rollout the successful initiatives where suitable.

• Act as a secretariat for the IsDB's Science, Technology, and Innovation Prizes and Advisory Panel on Science, Technology, and Innovation.

• Foster innovation in member countries by developing enabling incentives.

• Provides strategic foresight for effective design and implementation of the annual Multi-Stakeholder Forum.

• Oversees and contributes to preparing the Bank's strategy, assistance framework, operational plan, and work program related to scholarship programs in member countries and Muslim communities in non-member countries.

• Lead in preparing and implementing Annual Work Plans and associated financial budgets, ensuring adequate resources for the programs, and monitoring spending.

Quality Standards and Control:

• Lead and manage the establishment of uniform quality standards, indicators, and mechanisms for assuring the quality of the business-related strategy, policy, and technical reports and documents in STI.

• Ensure quality control of business-related strategy, policy, and technical reports and documents and their compliance with the Bank's policies, procedures, processes, and guidelines.

• Manage the technical review of business-related strategy, policy, and technical reports.

Leadership Responsibilities:

•  Provide motivational and inspirational leadership for the department and communicate direct reports on clear performance expectations.

• Manage the performance and resources of the department through delegation of authority, setting stretch objectives, and providing regular feedback on results at a department level, promptly addressing areas of underperformance.

•  Monitor and assess the skills and capabilities of the department and determine the actions needed to increase the department's performance.

• Support filling in critical capability gaps through capacity development and recruiting efforts.

•  Coach, mentor, and develop the direct reports and the top talent/high potential staff.

•  Act as a role model for the department staff in issues related to IsDB's values and leadership competencies and provide direction and support in times of change.

• Master's degree in science or related field. A Ph.D. is preferred.

• Minimum 13 years of relevant experience in managing STI related functions, start-ups, development practice, and knowledge of innovation value chain, including seven years in a managerial role.

• Extensive knowledge of the global development sector.

• Extensive knowledge of the latest developments in science, technology, and innovation and their application in the development arena.

• Ability to adapt to changing business circumstances to maintain the adequate performance of the department.

• Ability to draw actionable steps from IsDB's overall strategy.

• Ability to maintain a rational and objective demeanor when faced with stressful or emotional situations.

• Ability to carry out performance evaluations at the department and direct report levels. 

• Ability to plan and prioritize tasks effectively.

• Influence others using rational arguments. Identify the basis for compromise and reaches an agreement.

• Ability to identify risks and implement necessary mitigation measures.

• Consistently works to a high standard and looks for ways to improve current working practices and processes for customers and the organization.

• English : Required
• Arabic: Preferred
• French: Preferred