Innovation Hubs Coordinator

Term:                           2-year fixed term

This post is supported by external funding from the Norfolk Strategic Fund and Suffolk Inclusive Growth Fund and is a 2-year project led by New Anglia LEP.

Key Responsibilities:

1.      Development and implementation

=      Coordinate the Connected Innovation Hubs network activity communicating with the operational leads across Norfolk and Suffolk on a regular basis

=      Provide a secretariat service to the Connected Innovation Hubs network, organising meetings, liaising with members and coordinating activity

=      Provide a key point of contact within the LEP for the innovation hubs and centres, coordinating any enquiries and signposting to wider LEP programmes and initiatives, e.g. Growth Hub, Cambridge Norwich Tech Corridor

=      Work with Tech East to help deliver and support the Connected Innovation events programme activity including cross-sector innovation events and workshops to support businesses and entrepreneurs, addressing key agendas such as clean growth

=      Work with partners to develop the innovation on-line portal and platform as key project deliverables

=      Work with the network to identify and develop case studies for wider marketing and promotional campaigns

=      Support the Innovation Board, sector groups and Industry Councils in facilitating connections with the innovation hubs/centres

2.      Monitor performance

=      Monitor and report progress on an annual operational plan for Connected Innovation programme including key activities and events

=      Engage with partners to monitor performance of the Connected Innovation Programme in relation to targets set in funding bids.

=      Prepare quarterly reports for funding partners, LEP Innovation Board and Industry Councils and Head of Enterprise Zones and Innovation

=      Prepare presentation slides to illustrate project activity and delivery

3.      Connected Innovation programme strategy

=      Assist with developing the strategic connectivity between innovation hubs and key areas of cross-sector innovation-based activity across Suffolk and Norfolk

=      Ensure alignment of the LEP’s innovation approach with the Economic Strategy and Local Industrial Strategy and other specific initiatives e.g. Cambridge Norwich Tech Corridor

=      Enhance the relationships between other centres for science and innovation in key sectors (locally, nationally and internationally)

=      Identify opportunities for innovation-based projects to deliver the Local Industrial Strategy aligning with appropriate funding programmes and organisations such as Innovate UK

=      Work with the Innovation & Sectors Coordinator to develop the Innovation Forum, engaging with key stakeholders across Norfolk and Suffolk and feeding intelligence to the Innovation Board

=      Track national and international innovation programmes and raise awareness to LEP innovation partners

=      Coordinate joint activity with other LEP supported programmes/initiatives e.g. Cambridge Norwich Tech Corridor initiative, Growth Hub etc.

4.      Enterprise Zone and Innovation team objectives

=      Support the Innovation and Sectors Manager in researching and monitoring innovation activity, working with partners and sector groups

=      Provide clear and robust information and intelligence on innovation hubs and emerging technologies to support strategy development, inward investment propositions, regional promotion etc.

=      Enhance the relationship between Enterprise Zones and Innovation Hubs Network, where opportunities exist, working with the Head of Enterprise Zones and Innovation, Enterprise Zones Manager and Enterprise Zones Coordinator

5.      Health & Safety / Environmental Health

=      Implement the legal obligation to maintain a safe working environment

=      Follow the company’s procedures, as described in the Health & Safety Policy

=      Report anything unsafe to the Health & Safety Competent Person and report accidents, near misses and so on in the accident book

6.      Team

=      Show awareness of the needs of fellow team members and show them courtesy

=      Communicate effectively with others in the team

=      Work collaboratively with colleagues in order to meet the objectives of the business

=      Contribute to team meetings and put forward ideas and feedback in order to improve ways of working

7.      General

=      Attend work with a clean and smart appearance, wearing the appropriate attire

=      Undertake any other tasks that may be reasonably requested

=      Implement the policies and procedures set out in the Employment Handbook

Person Specification:

Essential

=      Is educated to degree level or equivalent.

=      Experienced in working in an office environment with multiple departments in a busy and challenging role.

=      Should be a good communicator experienced in dealing with a wide range of external stakeholders.

=      Is flexible and adaptable under pressure and to a varied workload.

=      Excellent written and oral communication skills.

=      Skilled at relationship building with stakeholders at all levels.

=      Good attention to detail and able to produce accurate concise reports.

=      Good research and analytical skills.

=      Able to prioritise and organise effectively.

=      Professional at all times.

=      Excellent level of IT competence, incl. MS word, outlook and excel.

=      Must be able to travel to parts of Suffolk and Norfolk not served by public transport.

Desirable

=      Evidence of continued professional and personal development.

=      Experience of working across sectors and forming strong relationships.

=      Can identify potential issues and plan solutions as appropriate.

=      Has a good understanding of the key drivers of the New Anglia area economy.

=      Has a good understanding of the innovation agenda and key stakeholders.

=      Has a good understanding of the centres for innovation in Norfolk and Suffolk.

Closing date:      3rd March 2021

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