MINISTRY : MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
DEPARTMENT: APPROPRIATE TECHNOLOGY SERVICES (ATS)
JOB TITLE : SENIOR TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER OFFICER
GRADE : H
RESPONSIBLE TO : CHIEF TECHNOLOGIST OR CHIEF ENGINEER (ATS) in the absence of chief technologist
NO. OF POSITIONS : ONE (1)
JOB SUMMARY
Reporting to Chief Engineer (director), the incumbent is responsible for developing a strategy for the Technology Transfer Unit, in order to provide strategic leadership in identifying innovation and intellectual property with potential for commercialization. The incumbent is expected to provide technical advice in decision making regarding appropriate and innovative technology in the promotion of entrepreneurship.
Furthermore, the incumbent is expected to conduct research, formulate project proposals and oversee their implementation as well as monitoring and evaluation, undertake consultancies, train staff and entrepreneurs on appropriate skills, and liaise with different organizations.
MAIN DUTIES
1.0 PLANNING FOR TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER PROGRAMME
1.1 Makes operational plan for the Technology Transfer (TT) programme drawing from the ATS operational plan
1.2 Draws a budget for the programme
1.3 Makes an assessment and determination of the human resource requirements of the programme
1.4 Develops monitoring and evaluation tools for all projects and programmes
1.5 Designs tools for gathering research information
2.0 NETWORKING AND MARKETING
2.1Facilitates the development of marketing strategy for ATS
2.2 Establishes and maintains collaborative relationships with industries and research community to stimulate awareness of intellectual property issues and commercial opportunities
2.3 Develops and implements an advocacy programme to instill an innovative and entrepreneurial culture within common interest groups
2.4 Engages directly and proactively with inventors to identify intellectual property with potential for protection and commercial exploitation
2.5 Develops a marketing plan for intellectual property that is identified as ready for commercial exploitation by partners and investors
2.6 Keeps abreast of new technology developments
3.0TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT, EVALUATION AND PROTECTION
3.1 Coordinates the development of concepts into functional prototypes
3.2 Translates technical concepts into commercially viable proposals
3.3 Facilitates the development of technical prototypes into commercially viable products
3.4 Assesses the commercial potential of intellectual property based on uniqueness and market potential
3.5 Prepares and recommends optimal deal structuring of potential spinout companies and /or licence potential
3.6 Identifies appropriate routes to business exploration
4.0 COMMUNICATION AND TRAINING
4.1 .Liaises and communicates with the communities regarding the innovation and potential commercial products taking into account the legal, financial and technical aspects
4.2 Continuously assesses the training needs of internal and external stakeholders and implements a capacity building plan
4.3 Provides training to entrepreneurs in collaboration with other training institutes
4.4 Provides technical support to researchers and entrepreneurs in sourcing funds and removing barriers
5.0 TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER AND COMMERCIALIZATION
5.1 Identifies potential industry partners for specific technology commercialization opportunities
5.2 Constantly and proactively liaises with industry in order to facilitate technology transactions
5.3 Engages in technology licensing and new venture formation processes, in particular structuring, negotiating, and closing deals
5.4 Makes assessment of business incubation opportunities and develops appropriate incubation models and facilities in collaboration with relevant stakeholders
5.5 Implements and assesses the performance of incubation programme
5.6 Works effectively with key stakeholders, assertively influences them and where appropriate, shows tenacity and persistence in business development situations
JOB SPECIFICATIONS
Master’s degree in Science/Technology/Engineering plus five (5) years minimum working experience in technology transfer/research and development/innovation/ commercialization / business incubation field.
OR
Honors Degree in Science/Technology/Engineering plus seven (7) years minimum working experience in technology transfer/research and development/innovation/ commercialization / business incubation field.
OR
Bachelor’s Degree in Science or Technology plus ten (10) years working minimum experience in technology transfer/research and development/innovation/commercialization/ business incubation field.
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
• Project management experience;
• Good understanding of the Intellectual Property Rights;
• Practical knowledge of commercialisation and investment networks;
• Good business acumen;
• Good organisational skills;
• Good IT skills, including word processing, spreadsheets (Excel), e-mail;
• Good communication and numeracy skills;
• Good public speaker;
• Good time management skills and the ability to multitask;
• Excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills;
• Ability to support others, working as part of a team;
• Flexible and co-operative.
RESPONSIBILITY
For Work of Others
The incumbent is responsible to manage the staff that deals with the research and development along with marketing and entrepreneurship.
For Property
The incumbent is responsible for maintenance and safe keeping of office furniture, all ATS equipment etc.
For Effect of Errors
The incumbent is responsible for own errors and errors of those who report to the incumbent.
For Safety of Others
Safety training of subordinates on Occupational Health and Safety Act is important. He /She enforces the observance of safety regulations on work under His / Her supervision.
COMPLEXITY
Authority for decision making
The incumbent is responsible to recommend types of technologies and products to be protected and commercialized. Furthermore, the incumbent is responsible for making decisions regarding work pace, setting of goals, purchase and allocation of resources.
Problem Solving
The incumbent is expected to solve managerial and technical problems. Also is expected to diagnose problems forwarded by ATS clients.
Supervision Received
Minimum supervision will be provided by the incumbent’s supervisor. The incumbent is expected to work independently and come up with initiatives.
Dexterity
The incumbent should have no physical disability
CONTACTS
The job requires the incumbent to make contacts with national and international research and innovation organizations as well as community members.
EFFORT
Mental Effort
The job requires high mental effort because the incumbent has to be creative in researching and analysing the quality and potential of the technologies and products.
Physical Effort
The job requires travelling to the field, working in the laboratory and workshop, and carrying out trainings.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Unfavourable Conditions
The job requires meeting tight deadlines and may require the incumbent to work late and extra hours. Furthermore, the incumbent may have to work under conditions of limited resources and uncertainty.
Hazards
The job requires working in the laboratory and production workshop as well as outdoors in the field under different environmental
RESPONSIBILITY
For Work of Others
Supervises Engineer(s) minimally and authorizes transport, leave purchase and other requirements of supervisee.
For Property
The incumbent is responsible for office equipment, office furniture and for R&D equipment under his use and Engineers use
For Effect of Errors
The incumbent is responsible for mistakes of errors committed by his subordinates. There could be some serious financial and functionally implications to the R&B division if equipment is lost or damaged.
For Safety of Others
Safety training of subordinate on Occupational health and Safety Act is important. He/She enforces the observance of safety regulations on work under His/her supervision.
Problem Solving
The incumbent has to solve teamwork problems or conflicts in work under his/her supervision. He/She has to solve problems of logistics and resource mobilization.
Applications should be made on the relevant forms G.P. 103 for first appointment, G.P.104 for serving officers accompanied by up to date performance appraisal forms, certified document of National Identification – ID not passport must be addressed to:
THE PRINCIPAL SECRETARY
MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
P. O. BOX 36
3rd FLOOR MOPOSO HOUSE MASERU- 100
OR
Hand delivered to the Human Resource Office, Moposo House 3rd floor.
The closing date for submission of applications is the 11TH June 2021.