Knowledge Transfer Manager – Global Alliance Africa – South Africa (FTC March 2026)

IUK Business Connect Global Alliance Africa

In 2019, Innovate UK Business Connect embarked on an exciting six-year project, the Global Alliance Africa, aiming to strengthen a shared innovation ecosystem spanning South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria and the UK. The project aligns with the UK’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) objectives by forging strategic partnerships amongst innovation stakeholders to enable more effective knowledge transfer and collaboration for stronger local innovation and business environments, helping to achieve long-term ambitions in inclusive growth and job creation.

Purpose of the Role

The Knowledge Transfer Manager (KTM) is accountable for:

• Working effectively with the country team in the successful and timely implementation of Global Alliance Africa activities in South Africa to achieve their objectives and impacts.
• Managing networks, relationships and innovation projects under Global Alliance Africa’s three interventions – Global Innovation Networks (GINs), Open Innovation (OI) and Place Based Innovation (PBI).
• Strengthening the prominence and upholding the value of IUK Business Connect Global Alliance’s strategic objectives in South Africa as the key innovation network nationally and regionally.
• Working in partnerships with the IUK Business Connect Global Alliance counterpart teams in Nigeria and Kenya, as well as UK Government and country level stakeholders in meeting the above objectives.
• Delivery of Global Alliance Africa’s KPIs, reports and CRM content in South Africa.

Roles & Responsibilities

• Working actively within the Global Alliance Africa team to effectively plan, manage and deliver its project activities in South Africa against defined workplans, intervention mechanisms and targeted outcomes.
• Identifying and managing high integrity and effective stakeholder engagement activities in South Africa, including developing processes, communications and plans to support timely and effective engagement activities.
• Proactively developing innovative approaches to gathering, analysing and managing data obtained through engagement and delivery in line with project requirements.
• Travel regularly to meet with key stakeholders and partners in South Africa, across the continent and in the UK as required.
• Work with IUK Business Connect Global Alliance team and others to develop and implement communication and growth plans for IUK Business Connect Global Alliance in South Africa and across Africa when required.
• Ensure timely delivery of monitoring reports and data sheets, validation report, including timely response to comments from the Country Lead and Management Team.

Experience & Skills

Experience 

• Degree qualified or equivalent in engineering, science, business or policy, with a strong ability in written and verbal communication skills in English.
• In-depth understanding of the National System of Innovation in South Africa and international innovation landscape, ideally cross sectorial, with direct experience in commercialisation, policy implementation, business growth and/or international development.
• Experience in innovation management, product development, research and development (R&D), or a related field (including but not limited to roles in innovation consulting, technology transfer, project management, or working in an innovation-focused team).
• Experience in working in a fast-paced, multi-stakeholder programme environment across different sectors and international cultures.
• Experience and aptitude in building effective engagements and maintaining trusted partnerships with business and public-sector stakeholder at all levels, with a good professional profile and network.
• Demonstrable skills in producing reports with a balance of strategic and technical depth.
• Experience designing roadmaps and activity plans, with a track record of delivering against these and being able to demonstrate progress on achieving roadmap objectives desired.
• Experience working international donor funded programmes desired.
• Experience or knowledge of key priority sectors for IUK Business Connect activities in South Africa is advantageous, these include Energy, Water, and/or Space Technology.

Skills 

• A highly motivated, self-starting and results oriented individual with a strong desire to deliver socioeconomic impacts through equitable partnerships, innovation collaboration and social inclusion.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
• An effective communicator comfortable to engage at all levels in English and local languages.
• Highly numerate and analytical, with an ability to interact with and understand the needs and capabilities with stakeholders across a range of technical and/or industrial disciplines.
• Disciplined, reliable and adaptable with time management ability to deliver autonomously with little supervision.
• Ability to deliver effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Willingness and ability to undertake regular domestic and international travel.
• High level of IT literacy and organisational skills.

Benefits & how to apply

• This role has a salary of 650,000 – 720,000 ZAR pa depending on experience
• Pension
• Life insurance
• Healthcare – reimbursed*
• Internet and mobile – reimbursed*

*up to maximum amount

This role is a fixed term contract, currently ending 27th March 2026.

This advert will close on Thursday 30th January.

First stage interviews will be held w/c 3rd February.

Second stage interviews will be held w/c 10th February.

Please apply by submitting a tailored cover letter outlining your suitability with specifics relating to the requirements of the role, and your CV outlining your experience.

LOCATION – Office based in Johannesburg, with some flexibility on home-based working and significant domestic and overseas travel expected. Due to the nature of this role, we are only able to consider applications for full time working. Applicants are invited from South African citizens, who are permanently situated in South Africa, with a clean UK and international travel visa history.

Should you wish to discuss this opportunity further, please contact the Recruitment Team by email to recruitment@iuk.ktn-uk.org.

Innovate UK Business Connect strives to be a diverse and inclusive place where we can all be ourselves. We welcome everyone to apply, especially those individuals who are underrepresented in the industry: people of colour, LGBTQ+ community, women, disabled people, people of any age or family status. We know that diversity makes us stronger and we strive to create a working environment that is inclusive, and ensures everyone can be heard and valued for their contributions.

We do not discriminate on the basis of race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital or family status, disability, sex, gender identity or expression, or any other legally protected status. We are committed to removing barriers for individuals with conditions, illnesses or disabilities and we will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable adjustments to participate in the job application or interview process, and in their future role.

If you would like to request any reasonable adjustment, for any part of the recruitment process (including application), please let us know by emailing recruitment@iuk.ktn-uk.org.