Senior Officer Contrat : CDD

Mohammed VI Polytechnic University is an institution dedicated to research and innovation in Africa and aims to position itself among world-renowned universities in its fields The University is engaged in economic and human development and puts research and innovation at the forefront of African development. A mechanism that enables it to consolidate Morocco’s frontline position in these fields, in a unique partnership-based approach and boosting skills training relevant for the future of Africa. Located in the municipality of Benguerir, in the very heart of the Green City, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University aspires to leave its mark nationally, continentally, and globally.

About Africa Initiative:

The Africa Initiative is UM6P's transformative endeavor dedicated to promoting sustainable development and innovation across the African continent. To address its mission, the Africa Initiative implements five workstreams:

• Aligning the research agenda to SDGs, Continental and other stakeholders (e.g. OCP) priorities
• Envisioning African futures in science, technology & education
• Fostering academic excellence through partnerships and Networks, and enhanced interdepartmental collaboration
• Translating innovation into impact in collaboration with UM6P entrepreneurship ecosystem and other stakeholders
• Communication, outreach & Resource mobilization

We are seeking skilled and motivated staff to join our dynamic team and contribute to impactful initiatives that address key challenges and opportunities for Africa's growth at present and in the future.

List of responsibilities :

• Act as Deputy Director of the UM6P Africa initiative, to assist the Director in developing and delivering on the Initiative priorities and activities.
• Contribute in developing a detailed inventory of the different initiatives on the continent in the field of Higher Education, Science, Technology and Innovation (HESTI) based on a literature search and discussion with resource people and Innovation focusing on most important sectors; and conduct an assessment on the effectiveness of the different initiatives based on their achievements, with indepth analysis of the most relevant ones using available documentation and engaging the sponsors of these initiatives virtually and physically when applicable for possible collaborations.
• Participating in significant gatherings / webinars / networks / think tanks / governance meetings pertaining to HESTI on the continent and beyond to showcase the achievements of UM6P, learn about ongoing and planned initiatives targeting Africa, influence the debate on the topic in a fact-based manner, identify potential collaborations and establish a follow up / tracking mechanism.
• Initiate partnerships building focusing on important productive sectors in the area of HESTI and Entrepreneurship.
• Get involved solely or in collaboration with other partners in resources mobilization to operationalize and sustain partnerships.
• Initiate meetings solely or in collaboration with other partners to discuss about the status of the HESTI and brainstorm on future prospects and opportunities, and contribute to fact-based policy dialog with the national, regional and continental authorities in the area of HESTI to rally political and financial support.
• Contribute, in collaboration with relevant Schools, Clusters and Labs at UM6P, to the organization of scientific events, prizes competition and call for proposals targeting African Universities and the Research Community in general.
• Contribute to the elaboration of communication material on the activities of Africa Initiative in collaboration with the Unit in charge of institutional communication at UM6P
• Contribute to establishing linkages between collaborations / partnerships opportunities emanating from African Universities, academic networks and the research community at large with the relevant Units at UM6P.
• Assist the Director in setting up of an advisory committee composed of members with confirmed and relevant authority in HESTI value chain (academia, research institution, industry, policy maker, development actors, etc.) on the continent.
• Carry out any other relevant work tasks and activities duty travel missions, as needed, under guidance of the Director.
• Report on progress on quarterly basis

Qualifications :

• Advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) in management, social sciences, or a related field.
• At least 15 years of experience in academia and research, with proven expertise in managing or developing entrepreneurship ecosystems.
• In-depth knowledge of entrepreneurship ecosystems and strategies to foster their growth.
• Significant experience in facilitation, training, or advisory roles with startups, incubators, or universities.
• Ability to travel to various regions in Morocco and abroad as needed.
• Language skills: Proficient in both French and English, with strong oral and written communication skills.