Innovation Advisor

Purpose of the role

The Advisor will plan, implement and monitor activities within the Research and Innovation programme and in collaboration with other divisions in line with the GICHD's strategy including in significantly complex contexts by identifying and building partnerships with external parties. Provide technical assistance including assessments, systems/tools, training/workshops, research/ publications.

The Research and Innovation programme aims at supporting identification, research and analysis of innovative methods and technologies, promoting their further development through partnerships, dialogue and cooperation and sharing good practice through studies, publications and conferences.

This is achieved by:

•  Promoting the generation and dissemination of knowledge, sustained by evidence-based research, the GICHD informs Innovation and promotes good practice and safer, more effective and more efficient operations.
• Promoting dialogue and cooperation within the sector’s innovation system, the GICHD promotes the alignment between National Mine Action Authorities, research and technology organizations, equipment manufacturers and mine action operators that is required for a more effective and efficient uptake of tailored and sustainable innovative methods and technologies.

The Research and Innovation programme achieves this under the concept of the GICHD’s Innovation Hub, serving as its central coordination point. The Innovation Hub is a collaborative space and a set of initiatives that foster evidence based problem-solving and inclusive partnerships supporting the innovation system in delivering innovation within the field of mine action and ammunition management.

The Advisor will report functionally to both the Grantor (a private Foundation) and the GICHD, with 50% of work assigned to supporting the Foundation with market research and investment opportunities, and the other 50% assigned to working within the GICHD structure, supporting the Innovation Hub related activities, while also gaining knowledge and expertise on mine action, ammunition management and innovation within the sector.

Key Responsibilities

1. Advise partners in relevant area of expertise, understanding their needs, priorities, challenges, and supporting them in developing and implementing norms, policies, procedures, tools, good practices and methodologies. 
2. Lead, coordinate and develop GICHD’s thematic activities working closely with others divisions’ colleagues.
3. Manage activities and/or projects in the relevant thematic(s), as assigned by line manager.
4. Lead and conduct assessments, workshops and provide consultation remotely and onsite.
5. Design and deliver training programmes.
6. Represent the GICHD, participate and proactively share expertise externally, including through the delivery of presentations and facilitation of dialogue and discussions.
7. Prepare budgets and monitor financial accounts for projects assigned by line manager.
8. Conduct, coordinate and disseminate research in the relevant area of expertise in the form of studies, articles and briefs.
9. Actively contribute to monitoring and reporting based on the Results Based Management (RBM) system.
10. Conduct and coordinate the design, implementation and maintenance of relevant systems and tools. 
11. If applicable, draft, review and coordinate the development of concept notes, funding/project proposals and donor reports. 

Qualifications and Professional Experience

• A master’s degree in innovation management, business administration, entrepreneurship, engineering, or a related field.
• Proven track record of at least 5 years in innovation management, startup ecosystems, or entrepreneurship.
• Hands-on experience working with or founding startups, scaling innovation initiatives, or supporting business incubation programs.
• Strong understanding of business models, financial planning, and market analysis in both corporate and startup settings.
• Experience in mine action and/or disarmament or any equivalent experience in the humanitarian and development sector will be beneficial.

Knowledge, skills and competencies

• Fluency in English, both written and oral;
• Fluency in German or in French is an advantage;
• Excellent project management, analytical, planning and organizational skills;
• Ability to coordinate simultaneous activities/projects;
• Effective writing and oral communication skills;
• Ability to work in multi-cultural settings with a wide range of stakeholders;
• Knowledge of UN agencies, relevant national authorities, NGOs and humanitarian organizations;

Operating network

• Internal stakeholders, partners, suppliers, consultants
• National authorities, governmental ministries/departments, EORR authorities
• Diplomatic fora/actors
• National and international operators
• International (including UN), regional and civil society organizations
• Donors

Travel requirements

Expected to travel up to 30% of the working time including to countries affected by explosive ordnance, with low-medium-high risk environment

Contract information

This contract is a fixed term contract for 12 months. Only candidates who are Swiss, EU or EFTA citizens or holders of a valid work permit will be considered.

Applications

If you feel you have the right profile, kindly register your application on-line, including a CV in English on pdf format of maximum 2 pages.

Application Deadline: 31 January 2025

The GICHD implements a Gender and Diversity policy and is an equal opportunities employer. Applications are encouraged from women and men, nationals of mine-affected countries and individuals with a disability or special needs, who meet the above profile requirements.