Job Description

Job Advert Summary

Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) is a talent driven, customer- centric and impact focused organisation. In executing its mandate, the organisation provides funding and non-funding support to stimulate innovation so that it provides a catalytic impact to the economy whilst improving people's lives and protecting the environment. The Agency endeavours to promote the careers of previously disadvantaged persons by applying the principles of the Employment Equity Act, as amended.

Job Purpose

To facilitate and leverage commercialisation enablement of successful technology innovations, licenses, products, and companies through the TIA investment funding instruments. The role further strives to create systems and network connections to ensure a seamless technology commercialization for innovators from idea through license, product, or creation of sustainable businesses.

Minimum Requirements

Bachelors or Post graduate degree in Engineering (Electronics), Computer Science, ICT or other related qualification A qualification in Accounting or Finance will be an added advantage Ideal: MBA or related post graduate business management qualification Three (3) - Five (5) years Investment commercialisation experience and Portfolio management Previous exposure in managing a business or SMME would be an added advantage. Proven track record in originating, structuring transactions including restructuring and undertaking valuations Knowledge of Technology innovation development trends in relevant industries, PFMA Investment management trends for technology development Financial Modelling Enterprise development Enterprise commercialisation Pre and Post Investment management Enterprise commercialisation Entrepreneurial skills Communication Skills Intra and Interpersonal relationship skills

Duties and Responsibilities

Duties:

Financial management and revenue growth

Monitor and track post investment activities and products commercialised for TIA ROI. Monitor and support investment budgets and the timeous disbursement of commercialisation related funding to ensure optimal operation of investments. Responsible facilitate access to internal TIA funding instruments and the applicability thereof. Facilitate access to capital Identify new funding opportunities and ensure that additional income is raised from third party investors, in line with strategic objectives. Manage repayment obligations that projects have to TIA (Equity and royalties, investments, and loans).

Stakeholder management and thought leadership

Create systems and network connections for seamless technology commercialization for innovators from idea through license, product, or creation of sustainable businesses. Participate in cross functional teams for operational efficiency

Governance and compliance

Ensure that strict adherence to all relevant policies and frameworks is maintained throughout the project lifecycle. Ensure compliance to all TIA systems (fund management, performance management, HR, finance, Stakeholder information, etc.) is maintained. Responsible for ensuring that all portfolio audit matters are resolved in line with policies and procedures. Provide knowledge and application of technology innovation commercialisation trends locally and globally Define commercialisation roadmap for recommended applications for investment monitoring and support. Initiate and support integration with IP from other sources Provide instruction, coaching, inspiration, and subject matter expertise to SMME's, innovators, and project team members connected to TIA Provide guidance across a range of topics including technology management, value proposition and business model development in the interest of securing successful technology innovation projects. Develop and manage networks of people and resources to support leaders with policy and strategy development regarding technology development. Assist in creating functional plans, relationships and connections that are instrumental in transforming the innovation culture such as facilitating access to resources and shepherding innovations and projects toward commercialization. Coordinate and manage a team of experts for successful project delivery by including initial assessments and evaluations of those involved. Provide application assessment, evaluation and conduct commercialisation Due Diligence. Assist applicants with building a fundable opportunity and to assess Investment opportunities. Provide inputs on the initial commercial and technological feasibility of proposed projects. Assess and interpret reports by experts

Innovation Funding and Pre Commercialisation Support-

Provide support and assistance to projects to achieve their milestones. Conduct pro-active identification of project risks and portfolio opportunities, together with project teams. Ensure that all aspects of the project life cycle from sourcing to exit are efficiently managed. Facilitate Commercialisation enablement of TIA projects/investments. Build a pipeline of investment opportunities for the strategic technology areas. Responsible for conducting portfolio analyses across sectors and making recommendations.

Post Investment Management and Support

Responsible for conducting portfolio analyses across sectors and making recommendations. Facilitate the actual Commercialisation process (innovations, licenses, products) in line with policies and procedures. Create a glass pipeline view of all approved projects in preparation for commercialisation and engagement with other parties to enable commercialisation. Responsible for facilitating access to the internal TIA Fund as per policies and procedures. Create and facilitate a Soft-Landing Programme for internalization (including mentorship, etc.) in conjunction with international partnerships.

Investment workout and restructuring

Identify exit opportunities as well as conversion of funding instruments within the portfolio Conduct valuations aligned with International Standards on Valuations

Learning and Growth

Live the values and culture of TIA * Identify and implement commercialisation opportunies to ensure continious of work effectiveness and efficiency