Duties and Responsibilities:Formulating, implementing, and reviewing innovation, digital economy, and startup policies, strategies, and programs in the Public Service;Cultivating partnerships to foster innovation and sustainable growth;Developing and recommending sustainable funding mechanisms to support innovation, digital economy, and startup core missions;Conducting sensitization and awareness campaigns to promote innovation and the digital economy by startups; establishing partnerships with Constituency Innovation Hubs (CIH) to create centers of excellence for training and work execution;Coordinating research and development on emerging technological issues;Establishing Sub-County/Ward-based incubation programs;Engaging in research and innovation activities regarding technology-enabled jobs and the future of work;Recruiting, training, and managing digital workers or digitally enabled workers registered on the County Ajira Digital platform;Coordinating Vihiga County Startup Stakeholder engagement;Organizing exposure of the Vihiga Startup ecosystem to global innovation forums;Establishing seed funding and grant mechanisms;Implementing policy interventions for the Vihiga Startup ecosystem;Providing resources and support to startups and small businesses, significantly contributing to promoting digital entrepreneurship and innovation in Vihiga;Developing innovation, digital economy, and Startup training programs and resources to teach various aspects of innovation, digital economy, and Startups to the youth;Delivering training sessions to individuals or groups, either in-person or through remote methods, covering basic and advanced topics in innovation and Startups;Collaborating with other trainers, subject matter experts, and stakeholders to ensure the training program meets organizational and learner needs;Monitoring and evaluating innovation, digital economy, and Startup programs and policies;Preparing innovation, digital economy, and Startup reports while adhering to professional standards and guidance;Developing proposals for Chief Officer approval to source funding from donors and other organizations to sustain innovation, digital economy, and Startup activities in the county;Performing any other duties as assigned by the relevant Chief Officer.Requirements for Appointment:Be a Kenyan citizen;Served in the grade of Senior Principal Investment, Industries, and Research Officer Job Group N for a minimum of three (3) years or in any comparable and relevant position in the Public Service or Public Sector;Bachelor's degree in Commerce, Business Administration, Business Innovation and Technology/Management, Entrepreneurship, Statistics, Economics, Project Planning and Management, Computer Science, Information Technology, Information systems, Engineering (Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, Chemical, Industrial, Electronics, Metallurgy, Aeronautical Agriculture) from a recognized institution or its equivalent;A master's degree in any of the respective fields from a recognized institution will be an added advantage;Attended Senior Management Course lasting not less than four (4) weeks from Kenya School of Government or any other recognized institution;Certificate in Computer applications from a recognized institution;Possess good leadership and interpersonal communication skills;Have knowledge of innovation, digital economy, and Startup related legislations and other statutes;Demonstrate a high degree of professional and technical competence;Possess solid analytical and problem-solving skills;Must satisfy the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution of Kenya.
