Head: Health at Technology Innovation Agency

Job Advert Summary    

• The purpose is to lead and manage the strategic direction, planning, and execution of health-related innovation programmes within the Technology Innovation Agency. The role includes overseeing the full funding lifecycle—project evaluation, investment decisions, post-investment monitoring and support—and driving the identification and implementation of high-impact health innovation initiatives that contribute to national development and economic growth. 
• To build strong pipelines of health innovation technologies, and to support the progression of these technologies towards implementation and commercialization. To identify, drive and foster internal and external collaboration through networks and partnerships to help identify and address gaps and avenues for health solutions. 
• Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) is a talent driven, customer- centric and impact focused organisation. In our endeavour to support technology innovation with socio-economic outcomes; we seek to infuse the organisation with team players that find resonance as value creators, agile thinkers, progressive attitudes, customer-centricity, dynamic work ethic and an optimistic disposition. We aim to harness these attributes in a manner that they culminate into a culture of teamwork, impact and accountability.
• In executing its mandate, the organisation provides funding and non-funding support to stimulate innovation so that it provides a catalytic impact to the economy whilst improving people’s lives and protecting the environment. The Agency endeavours to promote the careers of previously disadvantaged persons by applying the principles of the Employment Equity Act, as amended.

Minimum Requirements    
Qualification

• Min: Masters degree in medical/health sciences, or life sciences with an emphasis in health (health informatics, public health, or digital health)
• Preference: PHD level

Work Experience

• 8 years’ senior management experience in a health technology development, or related health field. 
• 5 years In-depth knowledge of technology innovation and commercialisation in the Life Sciences sector, with emphasis in health
• 5 years senior management ' experience in the management of people in a technology research or funding environment and commercialisation.

Duties and Responsibilities    
Finance

• Prepare operational and investment budgets for the TIA Health Business Unit
• Ensure that performance against budget is managed and reported on a quarterly basis
• Manage the disbursement of funding to ensure optimal operation of technology and innovation projects and programmes
• Identify and implement appropriate resource mobilisation opportunities 
• Monitor the repayment obligations of TIA investments (royalties and loans)
• Provide input into the annual budget for the Heath Business Unit in line with the PFMA. 
• Procure, manage and supervise third-party contractors or service providers where required
• Ensure monthly reporting, analyze and investigate and action areas of discrepancy

Stakeholder Relations Plans

• Provide guidance and support to projects and partners in all areas of the TIA health portfolio, to realize innovation lifecycle progression.
• Support the development of project strategy and design, lead specific project objectives and represent projects internally to donors, and other stakeholders as necessary. 
• Ensure that Stakeholder relationships are managed and implemented.
• Establish the Health Business Unit and TIA as a thought leader in health innovation in South Africa and globally.
• Participate in relevant events, meetings, workshops and conferences by giving input, availing skill, competency and expertise.

Internal Processes

• Collaborate with global and country programs to identify, track, and assess innovative approaches to health innovation
• Provide technical consultation on project design, implementation, and analysis
• Lead the negotiation of investment term sheets to secure fair commercial returns to TIA through deal structuring.
• Formulate and implement the Health Business Unit’s strategy in line with the Bio-economy Strategy, the TIA strategy and other relevant policy prescripts. 
• Build and manage the TIA investment portfolio of programmes and projects to meet the Health Business Unit’s strategy. 
• Develop and oversee the implementation of the Health Business Unit’s operational plan;
• Compile and manage a risk register for the unit to mitigate potential future risks to the organisation
• Comply with all TIA systems (performance management, HR, finance, Stakeholder information, for example)
• Implement good governance and sound internal controls to manage business risks 
• Ensure timeous and accurate reporting as per organizational requirements
• Ensure that the financial budget of the Health business unit is effectively managed in compliance with policies and legislation
• Attract, monitor and manage the development of technology innovation in projects within the Health sector to reach demonstration stage or be taken up in the market.
• Take responsibility and accountability for accurate and complete recordal of project information on the TIA fund management system
• Render support and input in the formulation and submission of quarterly and annual reports
• Conduct regular market analyses to determine future growth opportunities

Governance, Risk Management and Management Reporting

• Ensure compliance with Legislation, e.g. PFMA and National Treasury Guidelines;
• Ensure compliance to all relevant Policies and Frameworks;
• Ensure Compliance with TIA Standard Operating Procedures
• Prepare and submit monthly, quarterly and annual reports on the performance of the Business Unit;
• Conduct risk assessment and update the risk matrix for the Health Unit.

Quality Management

• Proactively identify continual improvement strategies.
• Ensure alignment of all work processes to the required quality standards.
• Monitor quality initiatives ensuring that they are aligned to business processes and delivered as agreed.

People Management

• Prepare performance contracts and conduct performance reviews for direct reports as per organizational requirements
• Create a supportive learning environment;
• Coach and mentor staff to achieve higher performance;
• Ensure general discipline and compliance in the areas of responsibility    
• Ensure adherence to all HR policies, procedures and requirements and enable sound people practices.