Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) Latest Job Vacancy

Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) is a talent driven, customer-centric and impact-focused organisation. In our endeavour to support technology innovation with socio-economic outcomes, we seek to infuse the organisation with team players that find resonance as value creators, agile thinkers, progressive attitudes, customer-centricity, dynamic work ethic and an optimistic disposition. We aim to harness these attributes in a manner that culminates into a culture of teamwork, impact and accountability.

In executing its mandate, the organisation provides funding and non-funding support to stimulate innovation so that it provides a catalytic impact on the economy whilst improving people’s lives and protecting the environment. An opportunity is available for a suitable candidate to apply to TIA for the position of Head: Industrial Biotechnology, in the Industrial Biotechnology Business Unit of the Bioeconomy Division.

 

 

 

Job Title: Head: Industrial Biotechnology
Location: Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
Reference: # TIA06/12/2020
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: Market Related
Introduction

The Agency endeavours to promote the careers of previously disadvantaged persons by applying the principles of the Employment Equity Act, as amended. The Agency reserves the right not to make an appointment.
Job Functions Investments
Industries Science & Technology
Specification

Job Purpose:
To develop, implement and manage strategic and operational plans to support bio-innovations in the Industry and Environment sectors (commonly referred to Industrial Biotechnology) sector, and to build and manage TIA’s investment portfolio of projects and programmes to supporting technology development in industrial biotechnology towards commercialisation.

Duties/Outputs:

Financial Management
•Prepare investment budgets for approval by EXCO and Board
•Prepare operational budgets for approval by EXCO and Board
•Monitor financial performance of the portfolio against the agreed targets
•Manage and monitor the timeous disbursement of funding to ensure optimal operation of technology and innovation projects and programmes
•Source new funding opportunities and raise additional income from third party investors
•Manage repayment obligations that beneficiaries have to TIA in terms of Equity and royalties, and loans.

Stakeholder Relations Plans
•Build maintain and improve the relationship with the DSI and other relevant government departments
•Build maintain and improve the relationship with other key players in the national system of innovation
•Establish and maintain effective relationship with local and international technology funding agencies and other players
•Ensure that Customers know what to expect and receive the service promised within the agreed timeframes
•Identify, build and nurture trust and collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
•Lead conversations (be a Thought Leader) with industry around issues pertaining to Industrial Biotechnology and related areas of specialisation.
•Build and manage new industries
•Interact closely with CEO, CTIO, EXCO, Board, government officials, the public and other stakeholders in maintaining positive relationships for the organisation.
•Engage with industry stakeholders to position the organisation strategically.

People Management
•Ensure key roles are staffed with appropriately experienced employees.
•Ensure that each team member has a performance contract.
•Conduct mid-year and annual performance reviews of team members timeously.
•Provide feedback to team members continuously.
•Hold one-on-one meetings with team members on a monthly basis to address performance-gaps.
•Identify competency-gaps of team members and ensure that appropriate training interventions are implemented.
•Mentor staff members continuously to enhance the effectiveness of their performance
•Ensure key roles are staffed with appropriately experienced employees.
•Coach the team members continuously to address performance gaps.
•Hold regular meetings with team members to improve their capabilities and facilitate skills transfer
•Ensure talent is retained within divisions through people management processes.
•Hold team members accountable for poor performance
•Hold team members accountable for misconduct

Internal Processes
•Define and analyse the Industrial Biotech portfolio of investments
•Ensure that investment information relating to TIA operations is recorded on the Fund Management System, or any similar system
•Ensure that investments are assessed within agreed timeframes
•Attract, monitor and manage the development of technology innovation in investments within the Business Unit to reach demonstration stage, or be taken up in the market
•Ensure that portfolio information is accurately and completely recorded on the Fund Management system , or any similar system
•Conduct regular market analyses to determine future growth opportunities
•Render support and input in the formulation and submission of quarterly and annual reports
•Develop Standard Operating Procedures of the Business Unit in consultation with the team members
•Ensure alignment of all work processes to the required quality standards.
•Effectively plan for and manage resources, and prioritize projects
•Prepare investment dashboards to monitor turnaround times in the implementation of investments
•Monitor the turnaround times of processes closely and provide continuous feedback to all stakeholders on their investments
•Identify root causes of delays in the in the business processes and implement measures to address the delays

Governance and Compliance
•Ensure adherence to the organisation’s policies; procedures and processes.
•Conduct risk assessment and update risk matrix monthly and quarterly.
•Oversee annual audit exercises and prepare responses to close audit findings.
•Ensure compliance with applicable legislation as required, including but not limited to PFMA and National Treasury Guidelines.
•Manage and guide implementation of policies and procedures.
•Proactively identify and address internal and external challenges to protect the organisation.

Requirements
Qualifications and Experience:
•A Master’s in the Life Sciences.
•Appropriate business qualification would be an added advantage
•At least 8 years’ experience in a technology development, technology and innovation management or R&D management environment.
•5 years’ experience in the management of people, stakeholders, projects or programmes within a technology development or funding environment.

Technical Skills / Behavioural Competencies:
•Persistence and perseverance
•Communication Skills (written & verbal)
•Strong project management experience
•Experience in the management of Intellectual Property
•Management Skills
•Negotiation and conflict resolution skills
•Strong people management skills, and strong stakeholder facilitation skills
•Mentoring and Coaching of staff
•Interpersonal Relationship skills
•An understanding of technology development trends in relevant industries related to Industrial Biotechnology, and ability to engage with opportunities at a value chain level, and at the level of specific projects
•An advanced appreciation of the requirements of process development through to commercialization
•Ability to interpret applicable legislation (PFMA, TIA Act, IPR Act)
•Investment trend analysis for technology development
•Enterprise development
•Report writing skills
•Analytical skills
•Strong presentation skills (for presentations to internal and external audiences)
•Advanced Computer Skills
•Project Management
•Research Skills
•Financial Management Skills

To apply

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Application Deadline:  12/01/2021