Mobile Application Laboratory Manager Consulting Job.

Mobile Application Laboratory Manager Consulting Job.
InfoDev seeks a short term consultant (STC) to oversee the establishment and implementation of a regional mobile application laboratory in Kenya.

For full terms of reference, please see: http://www.infodev.org/en/Article.606.html

The main objective of the position of the Mobile Application Laboratory Manager is to lead and manage the establishment and growth of the regional mLab, as a self sustaining initiative hosted by the *iHub_ consortium, and to manage the implementation and operations of the mLab, including the technical and administrative activities.

The incumbent will be responsible for the operation of all aspects of the mLab development including training and accreditation, certification, competition for ideas, business mentoring, access to finance and markets, development and revision of technical standards, testing procedures and laboratory policies; providing technical support to mLab operations and consulting with stakeholders on mobile technology related matters.

In particular, the mLab manager will:
Drive the development of the initial Business Plan based on a sustainable business model and stated objectives of the mLab.
Identify and secure appropriate revenue/funding for implementation of the mLab Business Plan so that financial and growth objectives are met.
Oversee the implementation and establishment of the mLab according to the Business Plan by ensuring that strategic and financial objectives are met; plan continual development and growth of the mLab over time
Build and manage strategic stakeholder relationships with industry, academia and government partners to enable the delivery of mLab services and to position the mLab as a key player in the mobile space in Southern Africa.
Develop the necessary relationships with implementation partners in Kenya, Africa and internationally to ensure that the benefits of the mLab are not just local but also regional and global, and to collaboratively develop best-practice knowledge of how to establish and operate Mobile Application Laboratories.
Ensure that the mLab is well presented and its services are well marketed.
Ensure that mLab services are effective and efficient, by monitoring and evaluating service delivery and taking corrective action where necessary.
Provide leadership in the implementation of the mLab including the appointment and management of staff and/or consultants; financial oversight; operations oversight etc. 3
Manage mLab service processes and practices for mobile entrepreneurs including the processes for identifying and selecting suitable high growth potential clients; and supporting entrepreneurs to overcome business and technical challenges.
Actively seek to understand the needs of mobile entrepreneurs and other mLab clients and ensure that mLab services are appropriately aligned.
Represent the interests of the mLab incubatees when negotiating with industry bodies, and advocate for a policy framework that supports the development of mobile enterprises.
Remain abreast of developments in the mobile sector and align mLab services accordingly.
Formulate strategies to collaborate with educational institutes to accelerate the formation of mobile developer communities and mobile applications development.
Establish a productive and service-oriented working environment through positive leadership and by resolving grievances raised by staff and users of the mLab.
Manage and execute policies and procedures of the mLab as approved by the Steering Committee
Ensure that the strategy and objectives of the mLab (as set by the Steering Committee) are clearly understood by mLab staff and contractors, and that the Steering Committee is updated on the operational aspects of the mLab and informed about any issues that may be sensitive or strategic in nature.
Prepare and present reports and other documentation as requested by the Steering Committee.
Develop working relationship to collaborate with other mLabs, especially the Southern/Eastern Africa Lab, on common issues of training, certification and resource sharing.

This is a challenging position that requires an entrepreneurial approach and a commitment for helping new and emerging businesses in the region. Nonetheless, with good funding to establish the mLab, the position offers exciting long term prospects and growth for the right person. The intention is that the mLab manager has a long term interest to head the implementation of the lab, and that he/she is aiming to be contracted directly by the mLab host consortium after the initial assignment with infoDev.

To Apply
In responding to these terms of reference, please submit a covering letter and a CV using the World Bank eConsult2 system (selection no. 1020655) no later than 11.59 pm Eastern Time, 19 November 2010. In order to access the selection, do not log in to eConsult2. Instead, please click on the “Bidding Opportunities” link and look for the selection number.

Questions can be asked through the eConsult2 system.
Should you be unable to access the eConsult system, please submit your covering letter and CV to Toni Eliasz at teliasz@worldbank.org with a copy to info@infodev.org no later than 11.59 pm Eastern Time, 19 November 2010 mentioning in your subject line: “Kenya m-aps lab STC EoI Selection # 1020655″.