Job Opportunities

OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY VICE CHANCELLOR (RESEARCH AND ENTERPRISE)

OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

VACANCY NO: IRC 1360

Job Summary: The Administration Assistant, Commercialisation and Consultancies is responsible for the day-to-day management of the University Research Intellectual Property and Consultancies Office. The function provides administrative Front-end Office Customer Services, conducting preliminary intellectual property assessments, Review of consultancies tender documents and customer advisory services, and application skills and compliance acumen, and provision of application support for consultancies, budgeting, registration of the entity and tender submission management.

Duties and Responsibilities

Administration Assistant Commercialisation & Consultancies in the Commercialization and Consultancies Office will provide the service to the research community as follows:

Commercialization

1. Received and responds to enquiries for disclosure of IP from the University’s academic community as the first point of contact with external IP service providers for IP-related inquiries
2. Seeking out / soliciting and registering new IP disclosures from the academic community
3. Assisting in identifying IP from research proposals following guidance from the IP Self-Assessment Form
4. Monitoring research progress reports for identification of potential IP in ongoing research
5. Conducting due diligence on IP disclosures in accordance with the Unit’s established procedures and processes (including categorizing IP, determining IP ownership)
6. Conduct prior art searches using search patent databases and technical literature
7. Providing IP assistance to the research community in relation to applications for funding and collaborative research opportunities
8. Responsible for secure documentation and records of IP from University research,
9. Assist in providing IP and commercialization training to research community
10. Supporting the preparation of IP sections for various internal and external reports.

Consultancies

1. Receives and responds to enquiries on University consultancy services
2. Sourcing and identification of IP

• Gathering and reviewing information on tenders and other consultancy adverts for consultancy opportunities
• Disseminating tender information to relevant departments/units
• Purchasing tender documents e.g., Terms of Reference, requests for proposals, Expression of Interest, etc.

1. Perform any other duties as maybe required by the supervisor.

Requirements: A minimum qualification of a first degree in Bachelor of Business Administration Management, Entrepreneurship, Commerce and Marketing or Sales, with demonstrable experience as the first point of contact for responding to enquiries for disclosure of IP from the University’s academic community as well as the first point of contact with external IP service providers for IP- and consultancies related inquiries. Experience in the provision of technical support for coordination and management of intellectual property in a comprehensive University setting and or a Research Institute as well as the administration and procurement of research consultancies.

Competencies: Proven knowledge and application of commercialisation ad IP support, Strong interpersonal and Communication Skills. Works in multi-cultural settings, work in teams and collaborate with other research service providers to enhance holistic coordination of University research services Ability to priorities and meet deadlines, Ability to work independently and using own initiative and the ability to handle confidential information and address.

Remuneration: The University offers competitive salary and benefits commensurate with experience and qualifications. For more information on the University, please visit our UB website www.ub.bw

Applicants are to address the stated qualification and provide other information to assist the University determine their suitability for the position.  They should also quote the vacancy number of the post applied for, provide current CV’s (including telephone, telefax and email), certified copies of educational certificates and transcripts, names and addresses of three referees. Complete documentation should be sent to: The Human Resource Manager, Office of Research and Development, Private Bag UB 00703, Gaborone, Botswana; Telephone: (267) 355 2641, Fax (267) 318 5098; E-mail: fohvacancies@ub.ac.bw. Applicants should inform their referees to: (i) Quote the Vacancy number and position applied for and (ii) submit their references directly to the above address, before the stipulated closing date.  Please note that applications with incomplete information shall not be processed. 

Hand delivered applications should be submitted to Block 239, Office No. 121 (239/121).

NB: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Closing Date: 20 May 2024