Portfolio Manager Commercialisation: Space Innovation Initiative - 12 Months Fixed-Term Contract at Technology Innovation Agency

Job Advert Summary    

• Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) is a talent driven, customer- centric and impact focused organisation. In our endeavor 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 endeavors to promote the careers of previously disadvantaged persons by applying the principles of the Employment Equity Act, as amended.
• Job purpose:The role will provide seamless operations and innovation management support for the Space Innovation Initiative operations. The role will support identifying, assessing, approving, funding and monitoring Space innovations effectively to achieve expected outcomes and impact of the Space innovation Initiative. The role will also undertake stakeholder engagements with entrepreneurs, academia, shareholders, funders and potential collaborating partners in the Space sector.

Minimum Requirements    
 Qualification

• Bachelor’s or Post graduate degree in Science, Engineering, Accounting or Finance related qualifications. Exposure in Space Science or Space sector is an added advantage.
• A qualification in Accounting or Finance will be an added advantage.  

Work Experience

• Three (3) -Five (5) years Investment commercialisation experience and portfolio management
• Previous exposure to managing a business or SMME would be an added advantage.
• Proven track record in originating, structuring transactions including restructuring and undertaking valuations.

Knowledge and Skills 

• Entrepreneurial skills
• Business management
• Project Management
• Presentation and facilitation skills
• Report writing Skills
• Budget management
• Advanced Excel
• Financial Modelling
• Valuations
• Knowledge of investment instruments practices for early stage technologies.
• Applicable legislation (PFMA, TIA Act, IPR Act)

Duties and Responsibilities    
Financial Perspective

• Monitor and track post investment activities and products commercialised for TIA ROI.
• Monitor and support investment budgets and the timeous disbursement of commercialisation related funding to ensure optimal operation of investments.
• Responsible facilitate access to internal TIA funding instruments and the applicability thereof.
• Facilitate access to capital.
• Identify new funding opportunities and ensure that additional income is raised from third party investors, in line with strategic objectives.
• Manage repayment obligations that projects have to TIA (Equity and royalties, investments, and loans).

Stakeholder Management

• Create systems and network connections for seamless technology commercialization for innovators towards licensing, product and service and the creation of sustainable businesses.
• Participate in cross functional teams for operational efficiency

Internal Processes 

• Ensure that strict adherence to all relevant policies and frameworks is maintained throughout the project lifecycle.
• Managing and resolving all portfolio audit matters in accordance with relevant TIA policies and procedures.
• Provide knowledge and application of technology innovation commercialisation in line with industry standards.
• Understanding of TIA funding instruments and financial modeling methods.
• Define commercialisation roadmap for the investment project portfolio.
• Provide instruction, coaching, inspiration, and subject matter expertise to SMME’s, innovators, and project team members connected to TIA.
• Provide guidance across a range of topics including technology management, value proposition and business model development in the interest of securing successful technology innovation projects and national policy directives.
• Coordinate and manage a team of experts for successful project delivery by including initial assessments and evaluations of those involved.
• Provide application assessment, evaluation and conduct commercialisation Due Diligence. Assist applicants with building a fundable opportunity and to assess Investment opportunities.
• Provide inputs on the initial commercial and technological feasibility of proposed projects including proactive management of project risks.
• Ensure that all aspects of the project life cycle from sourcing to exit are efficiently managed.
• Facilitate Commercialisation enablement of TIA projects/investments.
• Build a pipeline of investment opportunities for the strategic technology areas.
• Responsible for conducting portfolio analysis and facilitating Commercialisation (platforms, licenses, products, spin outs) in line with policies and procedures.
• Identify exit opportunities as well as conversion of funding instruments within the portfolio.
• Conduct technology valuations studies aligned with industry practice standards

Learning and Growth

• Live the values and culture of TIA.
• Identify and implement commercialisation opportunities to ensure continuous improvement of work effectiveness and efficiency.

Deadline:29th January,2026