Innovation Lead ICT

Role overview

Midlands State University is seeking a qualified and experienced professional to join its Research and Innovation Division as an Innovation Lead ICT. The position focuses on driving ICT-led innovation, guiding the development of new products and systems, supporting research and development work, spotting intellectual property with commercial potential, and building partnerships that help turn ICT ideas into market-ready solutions.

What you will do

• Coordinate and back innovation activities within the ICT space.
• Help strengthen a culture of bold, technology-driven innovation across the university.
• Offer technical input on ICT product creation, software development, systems development, digital platforms, automation, and related R&D work.
• Work closely with academic departments, researchers, students, industry stakeholders, and community partners to uncover ICT innovations and intellectual property that can be commercially used.
• Map out the best routes for protecting, developing, scaling, and commercialising the university’s ICT-related intellectual property.
• Support the search for industry and community partners for co-development, piloting, adoption, and commercial roll-out of ICT innovations.
• Assist with the development of prototypes, minimum viable products, digital systems, and other technology solutions emerging from the university innovation ecosystem.
• Advise the Innovation Manager on possible ICT investments, collaborations, partnerships, contracts, and commercial opportunities.
• Provide incubation support, mentorship, and technical assistance to innovators working on ICT projects.
• Contribute to project proposals, business cases, innovation briefs, concept notes, and commercialisation plans for ICT initiatives.
• Track developments in new technologies such as artificial intelligence, software engineering, cybersecurity, fintech, data analytics, cloud computing, the Internet of Things, blockchain, and related digital tools.
• Prepare monthly updates, project progress reports, technical briefs, and other reports requested by the Innovation Manager.
• Carry out any additional duties assigned by the Innovation Manager.

Qualifications and experience

• A Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Systems, Telecommunications, Computer Engineering, or another relevant ICT discipline.
• At least 2 years of relevant experience in research and development, ICT innovation, software development, systems development, technology commercialisation, digital transformation, or a related area.
• A Master’s degree, or current study toward one, in Information Technology, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Systems, Innovation Management, or another relevant field will be an added advantage.

What the ideal candidate should bring

• Solid technical understanding of ICT systems, software development, and emerging digital technologies.
• Good knowledge of innovation ecosystems, research commercialisation, intellectual property development, and technology transfer.
• Ability to spot ICT innovations with commercial potential and help shape them into viable products or services.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, organisational, and project management ability.
• Excellent communication, report writing, presentation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Capacity to work effectively with students, researchers, academic units, industry partners, and community stakeholders.
• Entrepreneurial mindset and the ability to support start-ups, spin-offs, and commercialisation efforts based on technology.
• Professionalism, creativity, initiative, integrity, and strong attention to detail.

Application instructions

Interested candidates must submit an application letter, certified copies of certificates and transcripts, national identification, and a CV containing full personal details, including full names, date of birth, qualifications, experience, current salary, date available to start, contact information, and the names and addresses of three referees. The application should be addressed to the Deputy Registrar – Human Resource.

All documents must be combined into one PDF file and emailed to academicrecruitment@staff.msu.ac.zw. The email subject line should clearly state the job title being applied for.

Important notes

• Applications that do not follow the stated submission requirements will be automatically rejected.
• Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
• This university is an equal opportunities employer.
• Female candidates are especially encouraged to apply to support gender parity.
• Applicants with international qualifications must attach a ZIMCHE qualifications assessment report.
• The closing date for applications is 17 July 2026.