Capacity Building in Entrepreneurship, Commercialisation, and Innovation Acceleration Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is the leading United Nations agency for information and communication technologies. Established to connect the world, ITU manages the radio-frequency spectrum and satellite orbits at the international level, works to improve communication infrastructure in developing regions, and establishes global standards that facilitate seamless interconnection of various communication systems. ITU also organizes global telecom events that bring together influential representatives from government and the private sector to exchange ideas and knowledge for the benefit of all. The organization is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, encouraging candidates from all backgrounds, including those with disabilities, to apply. Achieving gender balance is a high priority for ITU, reflecting its commitment to fostering an inclusive work environment.

Job Overview:
The Capacity Building in Entrepreneurship, Commercialisation, and Innovation Acceleration Consultant will play a crucial role in supporting the design and delivery of a capacity-building programme aimed at accelerating innovation from research to market. This position is particularly focused on empowering Saudi and local academic scientists and researchers, especially those associated with King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST). The consultant will be responsible for creating a comprehensive programme playbook, facilitating bootcamp sessions, and providing mentorship to participants. The overarching goal is to bridge the gap between research and market application, equipping participants with the necessary skills and tools to assess the economic value of their research and commercialize innovative technologies effectively. The consultant will work closely with the ITU Arab Regional Office’s Programme Administrator to ensure that the programme aligns with KACST’s strategic priorities and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including but not limited to: designing capacity-building programme contents such as playbooks, worksheets, and presentations; aligning the programme with KACST’s context and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030; co-leading and supporting the delivery of interactive sessions during a four-day in-person bootcamp; facilitating team activities, workshops, and hands-on exercises; providing feedback during the bootcamp; co-leading weekly online coaching sessions to assist teams in validating their value propositions and business models; developing baseline and end-of-course knowledge assessments; creating communication materials and participant feedback tools; and supporting the development of a Phase II capacity-building programme proposal for national and regional expansion. The consultant will also be expected to perform other related tasks as assigned by the Programme Administrator.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in engineering, ICT, business administration, innovation and investment management, entrepreneurship, finance, education, or a related field. Alternatively, a diploma from a reputed college of advanced education that is equivalent to a university degree in one of the aforementioned fields is acceptable. Additionally, candidates should have advanced skills in training programme design and delivery, innovation and entrepreneurship facilitation, and mentorship. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, strong analytical skills, and effective time management abilities are also essential for this role.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a university degree in relevant fields such as engineering, ICT, business administration, innovation and investment management, entrepreneurship, finance, or education. Candidates with diplomas from reputable colleges that are equivalent to a university degree in these areas will also be considered. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of capacity-building in innovation and entrepreneurship.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least three years of progressively responsible experience in designing and delivering capacity-building programmes focused on innovation and entrepreneurship. This includes developing training materials, facilitating interactive sessions, and providing mentorship or coaching. Experience in facilitating workshops, bootcamps, or innovation labs, particularly with multidisciplinary teams working on entrepreneurship or technology-based solutions, is highly desirable. Familiarity with Saudi Arabia’s incubators, accelerators, entrepreneurship centres, venture capital organizations, and innovation hubs is also beneficial. Experience in design thinking, innovation ecosystems, and the commercialization of research outputs will be considered an asset, as will prior work experience with international organizations, academic institutions, or innovation/acceleration hubs.

Languages:
Candidates must have advanced knowledge of English, which is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of Arabic, particularly Gulf Arabic, is considered an advantage and would enhance the candidate's ability to communicate effectively within the context of the programme.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration for this consultancy position is from 15th March 2026 to 30th September 2026, encompassing a total of 72.5 working days. The position is open to external candidates and is fully remote, allowing for flexibility in work arrangements. The remuneration for this role is set at USD 250 per working day. Candidates are required to complete an online application and provide accurate information as part of the recruitment process. The evaluation of candidates will be based on the criteria outlined in the vacancy notice and may include tests, assessments, and competency-based interviews. ITU employs various communication technologies for candidate assessment and evaluation, and candidates should be aware that only selected individuals will be contacted for further steps in the recruitment process.