Senior Advisor- Strengthening Interconnections Between Innovation Actors -Component 2 Lead -USAID-VN

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Deloitte Southeast Asia’s International Affairs and Development practice is currently accepting applications from qualified candidates for the forthcoming USAID Vietnam Innovative Ecosystems Activity. This Activity will support the Government of Vietnam (GVN) in its effort to enhance Vietnam’s innovation ecosystems by promoting the commercialization of innovations developed by innovators, entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs. To do this the Activity aims to link Innovation Ecosystem Actors (IEAs) like national, regional, and higher education institution innovation centers, Vietnamese owned/operated enterprises, chambers of commerce, business associations, and think tanks to improve the innovation ecosystem business enabling environment. The Activity will also work with and through key IEAs to develop the business acumen and startup skills of innovators, entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs.

Work you will do

Project: USAID Project on Strengthening Vietnam's Innovation Ecosystem

Reports To: Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP)

Position Summary: The Component 2 Lead will oversee the implementation of Component 2 of the USAID-funded project aimed at strengthening Vietnam's innovation ecosystem to drive the commercialization of Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) innovations. This component focuses on strengthening interconnections between innovation actors and those furnishing related resources, developing the capabilities of Business Support Organizations (BSOs), the National Innovation Center (NIC), and other relevant Government of Vietnam (GVN) agencies, and facilitating career-enhancing interconnections between GVN agencies, Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), and the private sector.

Key Responsibilities:

Sub-component 2.1: Support and Develop Capabilities of NIC, GVN Agencies, and BSOs

• Develop Capabilities of BSOs and NIC:
  • Identify and provide technical assistance to selected BSOs to enhance their ability to convene key stakeholders.
  • Strengthen the NIC's capacity to independently and sustainably engage stakeholders.
  • Facilitate stakeholder dialogue through recurring events to identify and prioritize key challenges.
  • Aggregate and synthesize recommendations for presentation to GVN agencies.
• Design and Hold Forums:
  • Cultivate input from key stakeholders to identify purposeful and value-adding forum themes and objectives.
  • Design, plan, and execute forums to serve the needs and interests of key stakeholders.
  • Conduct exchanges of information, experiences, and best practices among stakeholders.
  • Facilitate outreach to and engagement with complementary regional and international stakeholders.
  • Provide needs-based training on commercializing innovations and managing business operations.
  • Conduct investor-led forums to raise awareness of equity investors' and lenders' requirements.
  • Promote innovative thinking and creativity to improve business productivity through seminars and forums.

Sub-component 2.2: Develop Fee-Based Services for GOBs

• Develop Capabilities of NIC, GVN Agencies, and BSOs:
  • Identify and provide technical assistance to selected BSOs to deliver fee-based services.
  • Strengthen the NIC's capacity to sustainably deliver advisory services to GOBs.
  • Advise GOBs on commercializing innovative products and services, enhancing operational efficiencies, and meeting investors' and lenders' requirements.
  • Provide advisory services to help GOBs identify opportunities to maximize efficiency and productivity.

Sub-component 2.3: Facilitate Career-Enhancing Interconnections

• Strengthen Linkages Between GVN Agencies, HEIs, and Private Sector:
  • Collaborate with relevant GVN ministry, HEI, and private sector representatives to define immediate and future demands of 4IR, business, and soft skills.
  • Enhance HEIs' career placement centers to develop and implement formal internship, externship, and apprenticeship opportunities.
  • Facilitate collaboration between private sector actors and HEIs' research and development facilities.
  • Establish "clubs" at HEIs to provide business and soft skills mentoring and coaching services.
  • Conduct forums with investors to raise awareness of equity investors' and lenders' requirements.

Qualifications:

• Education: Master's degree in Business Administration, Economics, Public Policy, International Development, or a related field.
• Experience: At least 8 years of experience in managing and implementing international development projects, preferably with USAID or other donor-funded projects. Experience in innovation, technology commercialization, and ecosystem development is highly desirable.
• Skills:
  • Strong leadership and management skills.
  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
  • Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders.
  • Strong communication and presentation skills.
  • Familiarity with 4IR technologies and their commercialization processes.
• Language: Proficiency in English is required. Knowledge of Vietnamese is an asset.
• Other: Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

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