(RFP500607) – ASSOCIATE OFFICER- BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AND DIVERSIFICATION - NAIROBI , KENYA

ASSOCIATE OFFICER- BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AND DIVERSIFICATION

THE ORGANIZATION

The Alliance of Bioversity International (www.bioversityinternational.org) and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) (www.ciat.cgiar.org) delivers research-based solutions that harness agricultural biodiversity and sustainably transform food systems to improve people’s lives. Alliance solutions address the global crisis of malnutrition, climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation.

With novel partnerships, the Alliance generates evidence and mainstreams innovations to transform food systems and landscapes so that they sustain the planet, drive prosperity, and nourish people in a climate crisis.

The Alliance is part of CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food-secure future.

ABOUT THE POSITION

Based in Africa and under the direct supervision of the Senior Manager, Business Development and Diversification, the position supports the strategic execution of innovation challenges and venture-building initiatives across East and Southern Africa.

The role focuses on bridging the gap between scientific research and market deployment by supporting the design and implementation of innovation-focused projects, strengthening regional partnerships, and supporting the scaling and commercialization of science-based innovations.

The position contributes to building a strong regional innovation ecosystem by facilitating collaboration between researchers, startups, corporates, investors, government institutions, and innovation actors, while also supporting resource mobilization and the development of knowledge products that showcase regional impact and trends.

 MAIN DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Initiate the design and implementation of technology transfer and innovation valorization initiatives across the ESA region.
  
• Coordinate the lifecycle of research-based innovations from scouting, technical evaluation, incubation, acceleration, to market scaling.
  
• Facilitate operationalization of innovation programmes including bootcamps, accelerators, and open innovation models.
  
• Support strategic coordination to enable startups and researchers to reach critical milestones in product development and market access.
  
• Contribute to strengthening A4IP’s positioning within the regional agri-tech and climate-tech innovation ecosystem.
  
• Build and manage strategic partnerships across East and Southern Africa to create a robust pipeline for science-based innovation scaling.
  
• Track partner performance and engagement to ensure alignment between research outputs and market actors.
  
• Coordinate stakeholders across multiple countries to align innovations with commercialization pathways.
  
• Represent A4IP in innovation, investment, and partnership forums in coordination with regional leadership.
  
• Support negotiation of high-level corporate partnerships to enable pilots, scaling, and market entry for science-backed startups.
  
• Facilitate collaboration between global teams and local innovation ecosystems.
  
• Support the end-to-end implementation and operational launch of innovation challenges, venture-building initiatives, and technology transfer projects.
  
• Coordinate stakeholder engagement and partnership activities across ESA countries.
  
• Identify new business opportunities and regional trends to inform the scaling strategy.
  
• Support resource mobilization by contributing to proposals and project concepts.
  
• Develop knowledge products, research outputs, case studies, and presentations showcasing innovation scaling, regional trends, and lessons learned.
  
• Maintain and update regional stakeholder databases and knowledge tools.
  
• Support programme monitoring, reporting, and documentation activities
  

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS AND EXPERIENCE

• Master’s degree in business, Innovation Management, Economics, International Development, Entrepreneurship, or a related field.
  
• Relevant professional experience in innovation programmes, startup ecosystems, venture building, or international development projects.
  
• Experience working with agri-tech, climate-tech, or science-based innovations.
  
• Experience managing projects or innovation initiatives in international or multi-country environments.
  
• Experience working with private-sector partners, investors, startups, and innovation ecosystems.
  
• Experience supporting proposal development, partnerships, and resource mobilization activities.
  

TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES

• Strong understanding of the agri-tech and climate-tech innovation ecosystem.
  
• Knowledge of venture-building processes, innovation acceleration programmes, and commercialization strategies.
  
• Strong stakeholder engagement and partnership-development skills.
  
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills.
  
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
  
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
  
  

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

This position is a nationally recruited position based in Nairobi, Kenya. The initial contract will be for one (1) year subject to a probation period of three months and is renewable depending on performance and availability of resources.

This position is graded at BG08, level, with a basic salary of 307,706.00 Kenya Shillings in a scale of BG01 to BG14 (BG14 being the highest level according to the Alliance job classification framework policy). We offer a competitive salary and excellent benefits including but not limited to insurance, retirement plan, staff training and development, paid time off and flexible working arrangements.

The Alliance Bioversity-CIAT is committed to fair, safe, and inclusive workplaces. We believe that diversity powers our innovation, contributes to our excellence, and is critical for our mission. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character is a priority. We encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability statuses, sexual orientations, marital status, and gender identities. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

APPLICATIONS

Applicants are invited to visit  https://www.bioversityinternational.org/jobs/ to get full details of the position and to submit their applications. Applications MUST include reference (RFP500607) – ASSOCIATE OFFICER- BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AND DIVERSIFICATION as the position applied for. Application and CV should be saved as one document using the candidate’s last name and first name for ease of sorting.

Note: The Alliance does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing or training). The Alliance also does not concern itself with information on applicants' bank accounts.

Applications closing date: 16th October 2026

Please note that email applications will not be considered.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

We invite you to learn more about us at:

                                                  http://alliancebioversityciat.org