Head Of Research And Innovation At Kenya Red Cross Society

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:
Manage research infrastructure, formulation of appropriate policies, research planning, development, coordination, administration, and logistical support for research at all levels
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
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
Responsible for building innovative product development, ideas and technologies and managing the Research & Innovation team assigned to the innovation/research or business projects
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
Identify, promote, and contribute resources to developing the department research strengths and broader research portfolio.
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.
Coordinate of research, extension and community outreach programs and ensure skills and technology transfer to industry and society
Initiate, coordinate, implement, monitor and evaluate college strategic plan, masterplan and department's plans to ensure alignment with long term vision.
Lead research branding, setting standards, quality assurance/control and capacity building within the college
Protect intellectual assets, commercialization, dissemination, publication and management of college libraries and archives and databases
Plan and coordinate relevant national and international contracts, seminars, consultancies, trainings, workshops, conferences and symposia
Mobilizing government revenues (e.g., taxes, bonds) for sustainable development projects.
Securing support from international donors, development banks, and global funds like the Green Climate Fund.
Encouraging BIHC to invest in sustainable projects through incentives, public-private partnerships (PPPs), or corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs.

Innovation and Incubation Hub Management
Develop and execute a robust innovation strategy aligned with the organization's vision and mission.
Foster a culture of creativity, experimentation, and collaboration across departments.
Identify emerging trends, technologies, and opportunities for innovation to enhance organizational performance.
Oversee the selection, onboarding, and mentorship of startups, entrepreneurs, or internal projects for incubation programs.
Design, implement, and manage incubation programs, including workshops, networking events, and mentorship sessions.
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.