Director, Business Development – Botswana Institute for Technology Research and Innovation

Job Description

MAIN PURPOSE OF THE POSITION:
Lead the development and execution of business development and commercialization strategies that translate publicly funded research into socioeconomic benefits for Botswana. Drive the mobilization of research funding, foster strategic partnerships, and facilitate the commercialization of R&D outputs in alignment with National Development Plans (NDPs), the national research agenda, and innovation priorities.

Key Responsibilities:
– Develop and implement business development and commercialization strategies aligned with national research priorities.
– Advise Executive Management and the Board on market-driven research opportunities.
– Build and manage strategic relationships with government ministries, local and international industry partners, universities, and development partners.
– Establish and maintain collaborative partnerships that support research, innovation, and commercialization objectives.
– Identify and secure diversified funding streams, including Government-funded and contract research, Donor and grant funding, Public-private partnerships, Commercial research services and consulting opportunities.
– Lead the development of high-value business proposals, concept notes, and funding applications.
– Manage the identification and assessment of commercially viable research outputs.
– Oversee technology transfer processes, including Intellectual Property (IP) protection, Licensing and royalty agreements, Industry adoption, piloting, and market deployment.
– Work closely with researchers to enhance the market relevance and commercial potential of research programs.
– Monitor local, regional, and global market trends relevant to Botswana’s priority sectors.
– Provide market intelligence to guide research prioritization and investment decisions.
– Conduct market research to identify industry trends, customer needs, and competitor activities.
– Collaborate with internal departments to align market intelligence with organizational goals.
– Advise the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and the Board on the research portfolio and commercialization opportunities.
– Perform any other duties as may be assigned by the CEO or the Board.

Requirements:
– Master’s degree in business administration, Development Studies, Management, or a related field.
– Experience in the science, technology, and innovation management sector will be an added advantage.
– A minimum of ten (10) years of post-qualification experience in business development and commercialization, including at least five (5) years in a senior management role.
– Demonstrated experience performing similar functions within an R&D environment will be an advantage.
– Proven track record of negotiating complex commercial and technology transfer agreements.
– Demonstrated experience in policy development, stakeholder engagement, networking, and securing research funding will be an advantage.