Job Description: Innovation Program Manager

1. Job Details

• Job Title: Innovation Program Manager
• Reports to: Innovation & Entrepreneurship Director
• Job Family: Research
• Job Function: Innovation Program Development & Management

2. Job Purpose

To manage programs fostering innovation and driving growth within the park ecosystem, which involves a mix of strategic planning, program management, partnership development, ecosystem building, and impact assessment.

3. Job Dimensions

Financial Accountability:

• Nature: Contributor
• Magnitude: QAR 20–200M

People Management:

• Staff Supervised: 0
• Direct Reports: 0
• Contractors/Others: 0

4. Key Result Areas

• Build and nurture a strong innovation ecosystem within QSTP by connecting with local universities, research institutions, industry clusters, accelerators, and other innovation hubs.
• Create and implement strategies to promote innovation within QSTP, including identifying opportunities for collaboration and partnerships.
• Lead on fostering a culture of collaboration among QSTP’s member companies, local researchers, industry partners, and other stakeholders to encourage knowledge sharing and cross-pollination of ideas.
• Facilitate the transfer of technology and knowledge from research institutions to national industry partners, including licensing agreements and collaborative research projects.
• Lead the planning and hosting of events such as hackathons, pitch competitions, innovation challenges, and networking sessions to promote innovation and collaboration within QSTP.
• Keep abreast of emerging technologies, market trends, and industry developments to identify opportunities for innovation and growth within QSTP.
• Track and evaluate the impact of innovation initiatives within QSTP, including success stories and key performance indicators.
• Establish strategic partnerships with industry stakeholders, research institutions, and government to strengthen the innovation initiatives within QSTP.
• Identify emerging technologies and innovations that align with the strategic objectives of QSTP and its member companies and evaluate their potential for adoption or collaboration.
• Guide on the intellectual property protection strategies, technology licensing, patent applications, and other aspects of intellectual property management for park tenants and stakeholders.
• Conduct market research and analysis to identify market opportunities, trends, and potential areas for innovation and commercialization within QSTP’s focus areas.
• Identify and mitigate risks associated with innovation projects, such as technological, regulatory, or market risks, to ensure the success and sustainability of innovation initiatives.
• Promote sustainability and green innovation initiatives within QSTP, including supporting startups and projects focused on environmental sustainability, clean technologies, and circular economy principles.
• Contribute to the successful planning, execution, and completion of cross-functional projects as assigned by QSTP senior management by actively engaging with team members across departments, ensuring effective communication, coordination, and resource management.
• Apply innovative problem-solving methods to address challenges, continuously improving project processes while ensuring compliance with organizational policies, procedures, and quality standards.
• Maintain regular communication with both line and project managers to provide timely updates on project progress and outcomes, and continuously enhance personal skills and knowledge to drive the success of these initiatives.
• Other reasonable tasks as assigned by the supervisor.
• Matrix Organization Structure Tasks:
• Contribute to the successful planning, execution, and completion of cross-functional projects when and as assigned by QSTP senior management.
• Actively engage with team members from various departments to achieve project goals, ensuring smooth coordination and effective communication.
• Efficiently manage and utilize resources across projects, balancing workload and maximizing productivity.
• Apply creative thinking and innovative methods to identify and address challenges, contributing to the continuous improvement of project processes.
• Ensure compliance with all organizational policies, procedures, and quality standards while working on assigned projects.
• Maintain clear, consistent communication with both the line manager and project manager, ensuring timely updates on project progress and outcomes.
• Continuously enhance skills and knowledge to contribute effectively to cross-functional projects.

5. Operating Environment, Framework & Boundaries

• Work is performed in a standard office environment.

6. Communications & Working Relationships

• Supervisor: Frequent contact to provide project updates and receive guidance and approvals.
• Internal & External Interactions:
• Substantial requirement to communicate and interact across all levels, Centres, and Departments within Education City.
• Regular engagement with local and international organizations, industry partners, startups, and government agencies.
• Strong interpersonal skills required to motivate and work well with other teams, entrepreneurs, and collaborators.

7. Competencies

• Behavioral Competencies
• Collaborate & Build Trust
• Demonstrate Ownership & Drive
• Embrace Empathy & Compassion
• Lead & Inspire
• Pioneer Disruptive Innovation
• Functional Competencies
• Funding & Grants Management
• Innovation Program Development & Management
• IP Management
• Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
• Financial Acumen
• Project Management
• Technology & Digital Savvy
• Cross-Functional Competencies
• Effective Communication
• Strategic Thinking
• Stakeholder Engagement

8. Minimum Knowledge, Skills & Experience

Education & Experience:

• A bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline with 6-8 years of experience, including 2 years at a superior level in business administration, innovation management, technology management, science, engineering, or a related discipline.

Industry Experience & Skills:

• Strong understanding of innovation processes, technology commercialization, intellectual property management, startup ecosystems, and industry trends.
• Familiarity with innovation frameworks such as design thinking, lean startup, and open innovation.
• Strong analytical skills to identify opportunities, assess risks, and make data-driven decisions to drive innovation and growth.
• Passion for innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology-driven solutions.
• Ability to think creatively, take calculated risks, and adapt to changing market dynamics in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication & interpersonal skills to build relationships with stakeholders, facilitate collaboration, and communicate complex ideas effectively.
• Strong presentation skills and ability to inspire and motivate others.
• Proven ability to build and maintain a strong network within the innovation ecosystem, including startups, researchers, industry partners, investors, and government agencies.
• Strong willingness to embrace change, navigate uncertainty, and overcome challenges in a dynamic innovation environment.
• Ability to multi-task and manage different projects simultaneously.
• Proficiency in MS Office applications.

This Job Description reflect the general duties and responsibilities of the position but are not to be interpreted as totally inclusive.