Innovation Ecosystem (IE) Lead

Scope of Work

Vietnam Innovation Ecosystem (VIE) Activity

Innovation Ecosystem (IE) Lead

Improving Economies for Stronger Communities (IESC) is a leading U.S. nonprofit organization that catalyzes private sector growth and creates economic opportunity for people and communities across the economically developing world. Since our founding in 1964 we have delivered lasting solutions across 139 countries.

IESC is a valued partner to people and communities throughout the economically developing world. We share proven business skills and experience with entrepreneurs, jobseekers, businesses, farmers, cooperatives, and governments. We also offer resources—human, technological, financial—that sustainably build capacity and empower communities. Our long legacy of strengthening developing economies is matched by our vision for the next generation: a world with economic opportunity for all, where people and communities thrive.

Our major funders today are the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), among others.

IESC is seeking an Innovation Ecosystem (IE) Lead for the upcoming USAID Vietnam Innovation Ecosystem Activity (VIE). The 5-year VIE Activity will support the GVN's efforts to strengthen Vietnam's innovation ecosystem to drive the commercialization of Vietnam’s Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) innovations and contribute to fulfilling the GVN's National Strategy for 4IR. The main objectives of this Activity are as follows:

1. Improve business enabling environment challenges and constraints to commercialize and implement innovative 4IR technologies or processes, by investing in growth-oriented businesses, to increase firms' productivity.

2. Strengthen the interconnections between actors engaged in innovative 4IR technologies or processes, and furnish support and resources.

3. Enhance the capabilities of the Ministry of Planning and Investment's (MPI) National Innovation Center (NIC) to facilitate the development of Vietnam's innovation ecosystem.

The IE Lead is a technical position responsible for one of three technical components in the above Activity and will report to the Deputy Project Director. The IE Lead will deliver technical assistance that seeks to strengthen and enhance the management and technical capacity of the National Innovation Center (NIC) to serve their mandate to as the focal agency for innovation, fostering collaboration among stakeholders and ensuring sustained development of the NIC. The IE Lead will design technical training for NIC personnel and leadership and strengthen NIC’s local and international network to convene innovation ecosystem stakeholders including using technology platforms that serve innovation ecosystem stakeholders. This position’s base is anticipated in Hanoi, Vietnam, but will require travel. This position is contingent upon IESC winning the award and USAID approval of the candidate.

Responsibilities include the following:

• Provide technical design and management leadership for the Activities Component 3, closely coordinating with the other project technical leads and Activity support related staff.

• Design and deliver technical assistance and leadership to strengthen the NIC capacity.

• Develop a clear strategy for systematically expanding, engaging, and leveraging NIC’s networks locally and internationally.

• Design and oversee, or deliver as applicable, training for NIC personnel and leadership teams on soft and technical skills.

• Develop technical systems and processes, including digital, to enhance NIC’s capabilities and capacities as a one-stop shop for fostering exchange of policies and mechanisms.

• Maintain frequent communication with the private sector, higher education institutions, government counterparts, and other stakeholders.

• Ensure a flow of knowledge and resources from the NIC.

• Convening innovation stakeholders to enhance Vietnam’s innovation ecosystem.

• Contribute to required USAID reports and deliverables including annual work plans and reports, and all periodic project progress reports.

• Manage long-term staff and design and manage short-term technical consultancies and contracts to delivery outcomes related to Objective 1.

• Take on other tasks as assigned by the deputy and/or project director.

Minimum qualifications include the following:

• A master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field such as business, law, management, education, organizational development is required; or a bachelor’s degree with at least ten years of professional experience and eight years of supervisory.

• Minimum seven years of work experience building the capacity of institutions, organizations, or businesses to serve as a conduit for knowledge or resources.

• Experience working with government counterparts in Vietnam is preferred.

• Ability to convene a wide variety of Vietnamese and global stakeholders and to facilitate connections and collaboration.

• Experience providing and delivering tailored management and technical trainings to organizations including government counterparts and start-ups.

• Experience introducing systems, processes, tools, and resources to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of organizations.

• Must have demonstrated ability working in a rapidly evolving environment and with shifting local partners, and on multiple competing priorities.

• Must understand the challenges and opportunities of the private sector in Vietnam including challenges and opportunities faced by the technology and digital sectors.

• Experience facilitating public private dialogue and mobilizing and leveraging resources.

• Must have familiarity of the political economy and knowledge of (changing) policies in Vietnam and around the globe as they relate to the IR4 technology sectors.

• Fluency speaking, reading, and writing in English and Vietnamese are required.

• Demonstrated leadership, versatility, and integrity.