Director of InnoWIUT Entrepreneurship Lab

JOB TITLE: Director, WIUT NextGEN Entrepreneurship Lab

PURPOSE: The Head will play a key role in developing the NextGen Entrepreneurship Lab in line with the overall strategy of WIUT. The focus is to have the Lab act as a creative platform for WIUT students and faculty members as well as non-WIUT related residents to launch innovative ideas, entrepreneurial initiatives, new technology based start-ups, social projects as well as provide business solutions to local small and medium enterprises.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Develop and implement a strategy for the lab to increase its entrepreneurial footprint and connect the university with industry and entrepreneurial eco-system;
• Engage stakeholders in high-quality evidence-based business decision-making process through providing consultancy and recommendations;
• Establish and sustain a high-quality creative entrepreneurial eco-culture at NextGEN lab;
• Collaborate with Deans’ offices to ensure a synergetic partnership between the students, faculty members and non-WIUT constituencies within the framework of the lab’s operations ;
• Develop a strong vision for enhancing the relevance and impact of NextGEN to different communities, government and other external actors such as SAP;
• Coordinate and oversee the daily activities of the lab.

PERSON SPECIFICATION:

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Master’s degree or above in Entrepreneurship related disciplines(s), and at least 5 years of relevant experience which could encompass leading a research lab, senior management, entrepreneurial programme development, leading start-up projects. PhD in a relevant field in business innovation is strongly desired;
• Demonstrated track record of entrepreneurial university-industry partnership projects and reports in strong international, national and regional industry platforms;
• Successful track record of raising external funding and an international network of academic, business and donor contacts;
• Experience working with cross country, cross disciplinary stakeholders and developing relationships across geographies and backgrounds;
• Experience formally and informally training young faculty, and students;
• Familiarity with university think tanks and higher education systems;
• Knowledge of the greater Central Asia region;
• Fluent English ability and Russian and other regional languages strongly desired.

Attitudes, abilities, skills, and personal qualities

• Flexibility and ability to work and manage in a start-up environment of a new institution in a challenging environment;
• Entrepreneurial disposition, innovative mindset and drive for results;
• ICT and project management skills;

• Open and critical, supportive yet assertive attitude to colleagues.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.