IDB3196 - Senior Technology Deployment Specialist

Job Purpose

Identifies and evaluates proven and practical technologies and assesses their potential for mainstreaming in the Bank’s development interventions to address sectoral related challenges in Member Countries (such as agriculture, education, health, energy, etc). The role is also expected to formulate interventions for the deployment of suitable and affordable technologies in the IsDB financed projects. The role also involves undertaking analytical work in the field of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) to assess the levels of STI ecosystem development in MCs in terms of technology acquisition readiness and identify key challenges related to the transfer and deployment of technologies for priority interventions.

Key Accountabilities

Technology Transfer and Deployment

• Undertake Technology needs assessment and identify robust, affordable technological development solutions that can be rapidly deployed in IsDB MCs.
• Develop various tools for identifying and assessing proven technologies in various sectors including agriculture, energy, water, health, digital transformation, etc.
• Examine and evaluate the usefulness, adaptability, adoption and sustainability of various technologies.
• Provide guidance on the potential for sectoral technological solutions that can be mainstreamed in the Bank’s project interventions.
• Provide crucial insights to the Bank and other relevant stakeholders and help them make informed decisions pertaining to investments in any technological solution.

STI Ecosystem Support

• Participate in country dialogue and stakeholders’ consultations to develop a participative and demand-driven approach for the development of an IsDB Action Plan for STI Ecosystem Development in MCs, especially focusing on Technology Deployment.
• Support the preparation and regular update of policies, strategies, guidelines and operational procedures for the promotion of Science, Technology and Innovation in coordination with Country Programs Complex and other relevant Units of the Bank to promote the socio-economic development of Member Countries.

Mainstreaming STI into the Bank’s activities and operations

• Support the development of Science, Technology and Innovation initiatives between Member Countries and streamline/rollout the successful initiatives where applicable.
• Oversee, and participate in the preparation, design, appraisal and approval of Science & Technology and Innovation projects and initiatives to achieve economic growth of the MCs and to ensure quality deliverables.
• Participate in the formulation of MCPS process, IsDB sectors’ policy and strategy review and update, operational plan and work programme related to STI in Member Countries and Muslim communities in non-Member Countries.
• Supervise and provide guidance for the implementation of STI-related projects by identifying potential issues and problems and implementing effective action plans to resolve any such issues.

Knowledge Sharing & Innovation

• Contribute to IsDB knowledge repository by documenting best practices and lessons learned.
• Promote public understanding, advocacy and awareness of applications in supporting and generating public good through facilitating the commercialization of technology developed through sustained partnerships among researchers and entrepreneurs inside and outside the MCs for societal impact.
• Use innovative approaches in conceptualizing, designing, and implementing STI related projects and programs to ensure best practices are used and adopted to sector projects and programs.
• Participate and contribute to regional and international events/fora on STI to stay abreast with the latest developments in the sector.

STI Capacity Development

• Facilitate and coordinate the implementation of capacity-building initiatives in STI in Member States; and with relevant stakeholders and institutions and monitor and evaluate the success of the interventions.
• Advise member countries in building their national facilities for cross-country technology transfer and deployment.
• Leverage IsDB longstanding experience in the development of human capital in MCs to promote the development of market-demanded skills to adapt processes, machinery, and products, and to acquire STI related skills to support technology deployment.
• Provide advisory and technical services to peers and colleagues, divisions and departments in areas related to STI.
• Support MCs in developing institutional capacities of the Technology Transfer Office (TTO), Technology Incubators, to help techno-entrepreneurs and SMEs advance their products to the commercialization stage. incubators to improve the linkage between the scientific institutions and the industry.

Academic and Professional Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Science, Economics, Technology Investment or related discipline.
• Minimum 8 years of relevant experience in Science Technology and Innovation, Technology Assessment and Transfer, STI ecosystems, technology startups, commercialization of Technology, developing sound business proposals, formulation and implementation of related projects.
• Master’s degree / PhD in relevant field is preferred.
• Master’s degree in relevant field is equivalent to 2 years of experience.
• PhD in relevant field is equivalent to 4 years of experience.

Skills & Necessary Knowledge

• Advanced Projects Management skills
• Ability to Work with different stakeholders
• Advanced knowledge in STI ecosystem
• Excellent Presentation Skills
• Advanced Planning and Organizing Skills
• Good Negotiation Skills
• Analytical thinking
• Problem solving
• Responsiveness
• Attention to details
• Business acumen
• Awareness of the development challenges

Languages

• English - Mandatory
• Arabic - Preferred
• French - Preferred