Social Innovation Specialist at Hivos East Africa

Social Innovation Specialist Job Responsibilities

• The Social Innovation Specialist offers internal support and coaching to colleagues, guiding them in the pitching, follow through and implementation of project ideas in collaboration with external partners. You will build on, create and update tools and methodologies for social innovation and engage programme staff and partners to use these in their day-to-day work.
• You are a motor for iteration and continuous learning, and up-to-date with developments in the field of Social Innovation and International Development, where you will represent Hivos on several occasions. You spot new trends in these fields and are not afraid to push for edgy programme ideas within the scope of Hivos’ mission. In addition, together with your colleagues, you contribute to Hivos’ ambition to be a learning organisation.

Qualifications for the Social Innovation Specialist Job

• Proven track record in social innovation and social design methodologies.
• You have a can do mentality with experience in project management and the facilitation of multi-actor platforms.
• Familiar with the coaching of individuals through various innovation and program development cycles.
• Able to ‘think outside the box’ and to apply creative approaches that challenge mainstream thinking and practices. In doing so, you are able to balance power relations and ensure a strong citizens voice.
• Strong analytical skills that allow you to challenge current work practices and enhance learning amongst Hivos staff and key stakeholders.
• Flexible team player and are sensitive to different cultural environments.
• Partnership builder, able to inspire and take along various players.
• Possess university degree in a relevant field and a minimum of 7 years working experience in an international purpose-driven environment, preferably in the world of international development and social innovation.
• Excellent writing and oral skills in English.

Working Conditions

• You are willing to travel internationally
• You are willing to work across various time zones as needed