HEAD OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION

Nairobi, Cemtral, Kenya
Full Time
Research & Innovation
Senior Manager/Supervisor

                                        BIHC is ISO 9001:2015 Certified
                               (HEAD OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION 2025)

A LITTLE ABOUT US
Since 2015, Boma International Hospitality College (BIHC) has passionately trained and influenced young and aspiring hoteliers to shape one of the oldest industries since time.
We believe in offering life-long learning that is innovative, with hands-on-the-practical skills that can be utilized to offer solutions to our world’s most dynamic and ever-changing industry. This mantra has sailed us through to be a TVET Centre of Excellence for Hospitality Training and marks just the beginning of an incredible journey ahead.

We’re also rooted in our Purpose and guided by our Values, which include Professionalism, Passion, Growth and Timeliness. We recognize that the only way we can achieve this Purpose is to work with and engage a diverse workforce that reflects the communities and industry we serve. By creating an inclusive work environment where all feel like they belong and are respected for their unique contributions to our mission, this purpose can easily shape into a reality.

In addition to the requirements below, we recognize that people come with diverse talents and experiences beyond the scope indicated and as such, we still encourage you to apply.

YOUR POSITION WITH BIHC: HEAD OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION

HOW YOU WILL FIT INTO OUR MISSION
We pride in being a small community that ensures that every participant is known at an individual level in order to understand their specific needs and constantly assess that these needs are met. As an ISO 9001:2015 certified organization, we are keen to:
  1. Demonstrate our ability to consistently provide products and services that meet customer and applicable statutory and regulatory requirements, and
  2. Enhance customer satisfaction through the effective application of systems, including processes for improvement and the assurance of conformity to customer and applicable statutory and regulatory requirements.

WHAT YOU WILL DO AT BIHC
Reporting to the Principal/Directors, the Head of Research and Innovation is responsible for
JOB SUMMARY: 
Reporting to the Principal/Director, the Head of Research and Innovations will stimulate and institute the research and enterprise culture. Increasing research and innovation income and the number of high-quality outputs is central to the institution.
The role holder is responsible for linking the expertise of academic colleagues with suitable funding opportunities and will provide support to maximize grant applications. The Department has significant links with business and/or public sector bodies and the role holder is expected to support the development of meaningful partnerships to generate research income and collaborations. He/She will be responsible for managing the Research team assigned to the innovation projects, and building product development vision, ideas and technologies. 
This position is also responsible for translating the strategic plan and overall vision into action plans for the team.  Champion the provision of high-quality teaching, research and scholarly activities within the Institute ensuring a stimulating, collegial and well-managed environment. The post holder will contribute to the delivery of the College’s strategy including promoting excellence in the BIHC’s contribution to the Institution’s Research & Knowledge Exchange, Learning & Teaching and Internationalization strategies.
Scope of the role:
Direct Reports:
  •   Librarian
  • Research Team
  • Quality Assurance
  • Internal: Heads of Departments, Masters Students, Academics and Professional Services staff within the Department & the institution. 
  • External: Representatives of funding bodies (including the Research Councils,   Government departments, Charities and Industry), research administrators and academic staff at collaborating institutions, academic visitors.
Your key Responsibilities:
Head of Research & Innovations Key Responsibilities:
  1. Manage research infrastructure, formulation of appropriate policies, research planning, development, coordination, administration, and logistical support for research at all levels
  2. Develop strong, supportive relationships with academic colleagues across the institution and externally with collaborative partners to maximize the impact of funding opportunities for research, innovation and projects in line with the BIHC’s ambitions and KPIs
  3. Provide pre- and post-award support with the aim of improving the success rate of applications and maximize outcomes. This support include the provision of accurate project/research costings, which adhere to BIHC guidelines; advice and guidance on draft applications and support for key post-award processes
  4. Responsible for building innovative product development, ideas and technologies and managing the Research & Innovation team assigned to the innovation/research or business projects
  5. Engage directly with research/project funders (commercial and public sector) in a proactive way, in order to grow the BIHC’s external profile and engagement opportunities to increase income generation 
  6. Identify, promote, and contribute resources to developing the department research strengths and broader research portfolio.
  7. Ensure that the department and its members comply with college policies on research quality, conduct, ethical considerations and the requirements of all relevant regulatory bodies.
  8. Coordinate of research, extension and community outreach programs and ensure skills and technology transfer to industry and society
  9. Initiate, coordinate, implement, monitor and evaluate college strategic plan, masterplan and department’s plans to ensure alignment with long term vision. 
  10. Lead research branding, setting standards, quality assurance/control and capacity building within the college
  11. Protect intellectual assets, commercialization, dissemination, publication and management of college libraries and archives and databases
  12. Plan and coordinate relevant national and international contracts, seminars, consultancies, trainings, workshops, conferences and symposia
  13. Mobilizing government revenues (e.g., taxes, bonds) for sustainable development projects.
  14. Securing support from international donors, development banks, and global funds like the Green Climate Fund.
  15. Encouraging BIHC to invest in sustainable projects through incentives, public-private partnerships (PPPs), or corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs.
Innovation and Incubation Hub Management
  1. Develop and execute a robust innovation strategy aligned with the organization's vision and mission.
  2. Foster a culture of creativity, experimentation, and collaboration across departments.
  3. Identify emerging trends, technologies, and opportunities for innovation to enhance organizational performance.
  4. Oversee the selection, onboarding, and mentorship of startups, entrepreneurs, or internal projects for incubation programs.
  5. Design, implement, and manage incubation programs, including workshops, networking events, and mentorship sessions.
  6. Monitor the progress of incubated projects and ensure their alignment with strategic goals.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
Librarian
Research Team
Research Students
Quality Assurance Team
THE SKILLS AND COMPETENCES WE ARE LOOKING FOR:

Key Skills and Personal Attributes
  • An understanding and empathy with the research environment of an institution  and the significance of research for the institution, the department, students and the community
  • Experience in supporting research grant administration and/or impact in a higher
Education institution or research body; including experience in advising on or writing
  • research bids and supporting/working with academics
  • A demonstrable understanding of the funding system for research both locally & globally.
  • Good understanding of research impact and other research quality measures
  • Excellent organizational and time management skills, including the ability to prioritize
Workloads, to work accurately under pressure and to meet deadlines. 
  • Proven ability to work independently and exercise initiatives
  • Proven analytical and problem solving capability
  • An ability to read and assimilate complex funder terms and conditions 
  • Excellent IT skills including use of databases, with excellent proficiency in use of MS Office (particularly Excel). 
  • Willingness to learn and apply new systems and processes 
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills able to communicate effectively with staff at all levels and with external contacts, and with the ability to write reports and to actively support on the writing of research bids/grants
  • Strong interpersonal skills including motivational negotiating, influencing and relationship building, professional and customer focused with the ability to deal professionally with people from a diverse range of backgrounds.
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision as well as cooperatively as part of a team with experience of supervising others 
  • Firm commitment to achieving the institution’s vision and values, with a passion for a transformative student experience and multidisciplinary, impactful research 
  • Commitment to deliver and promote equality, diversity and inclusivity in the day to day work of the role.
  • Ability to identify, create and articulate a coherent academic vision for the Research Institute. 
  • Ability to combine and integrate the skills and expertise of highly motivated staff into multi-disciplinary teams, developing and building upon existing collaborations as well as creating/facilitating new opportunities.
  • Excellent interpersonal, communication, presentation and partnership skills for working in a complex multi stakeholder environment
  • Ability and experience of developing and leading significant institutional change
  • Excellent judgement with the ability to balance risks and opportunities
  • An absolute commitment to upholding the college values in particular, commitment:
    • to prioritize the needs of students
    • to act with integrity, authenticity and respect at all times
    • to secure continuous improvement and excellence
    • to focus on coaching and developing others to reach their full potential
    • demonstrated commitment to continuous personal development to improve achievement by focusing on the quality of instruction. 

Education and Experience:
  • A PhD holder in Hospitality & Tourism Management or related areas/equivalent with at least  Five (5) years’ experience at an institution of higher learning.  Two (2)  of which must be at a senior leadership role in academia, preferably hospitality.
  • Demonstrate continuing professional development. 
  • Sound knowledge and understanding of best practice locally and internationally in regards to research, teaching, learning, assessment and quality improvement 
  • Ability to develop and set strategic direction. 
  • A deep understanding of, commitment to and involvement in hospitality Industry.
  • Thorough understanding and experience of quality improvement processes in learning institutions.
  • Extensive knowledge in ICT and experience of education, higher Education and the issues and challenges facing the sector.
  • Ability to motivate academic staff to create, develop and deliver innovative postgraduate taught degree programmes, working closely with Heads of the institution. 
  • Experienced in encouraging and supporting entrepreneurial activity.


HOW YOU CAN JOIN US:
Apply strictly through https://www.redcross.or.ke/Careers and or https://www.bihc.ac.ke/career  so as to reach us not later than Thursday  12th December 2024. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Job disclaimer and notification: BIHC is an equal opportunity employer and does not charge / accept any amount or security deposit from job seekers during the selection process or while inviting candidates for an interview.
 
 
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