The Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS) Technology Transfer Office (TTO) was initiated by the funding of the UNDP in 2022 with the primal focus of ensuring improved management of research outputs, innovations and excellent transfer of the innovations and technologies from the university to the local society. It also facilitates researcher-industry collaborations linking them for smooth translation of innovations between academia and industry.

The TTO is part and parcel of the University Innovation Pod (UniPod), ensuring that all innovations/inventions from UniPod programs and members are fully supported with technology development, Intellectual property identification, protection and commercialisation. It is both the goal of the UniPod and the TTO that innovations must be efficiently translated for maximum impact on Malawi’s citizenry.

The TTO from inception had been run by a steering committee chaired by the Head of Research and Innovation until its full establishment. Thereafter, MUBAS recruited, on secondment basis, two academic members, a Technology transfer manager and a finance officer to facilitate the daily operations of the TTO.

TT Officer-Operations:

• Responsible for supporting and assisting the Technology Transfer Office with the sourcing,
• Identification, assessment, protection and commercialisation of Intellectual Property (IP) emanating from the Research Institution
• Commercial Opportunity Identification & Evaluation
• Technology Evaluation
• IP Portfolio assessment
• Stakeholder/Partnership Development & Management
• Contracting & Legal matters eg facilitating drafting and reviewing of technical and business agreements
• General Operations and Support

Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UNDP; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNDP procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement

Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and UNDP in daily activities and behaviors while acting without consideration of personal gains

Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment.

Knowledge and understanding associated with the process of R&D and technology development. Knowledge and sound understanding of the IP protection process, the patenting process in particular. Knowledge and understanding of the technology innovation value chain and new product/business development process

As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. The volunteer will, however, be supported with a monthly volunteer living allowance (VLA).