Intern (Incubation Officer) - Food Innovation and Technology Hub

About the role

The Center for Resilient Agri-Food Systems (CRAFS) at the University of Malawi, a World Bank-funded initiative, runs the Food Innovation and Technology Hub (FIT-Hub), which fosters entrepreneurship and inventions in food product development and processing while protecting intellectual property. CRAFS is seeking two Interns (Incubation Officers) to support the FIT-Hub in nurturing entrepreneurs, supporting research and driving innovation in Malawi's agri-food sector. The position is based at CRAFS in Zomba and lasts 1 year, renewable based on performance and funding.

Key responsibilities

• Assist entrepreneurs in refining ideas and developing business plans
• Support R&D for new food products and technologies
• Conduct lab experiments, data collection and market research
• Aid in prototyping, testing and scaling food innovations
• Help organise workshops, demo sessions and networking events
• Support IP protection and commercialisation strategies
• Maintain databases of incubatees and stakeholders
• Other tasks assigned by the FIT-Hub team

Required profile

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in a related science or technical discipline, Business Innovation, Intellectual Property Law or another related field
• Working knowledge of intellectual property, patents and commercialisation
• Strong analytical, research and problem-solving skills
• Proactive, organised, a team player with excellent communication skills
• Practical knowledge of food processing technologies and market trends in Malawi

What we offer

• 1-year contract with a 3-month probation period, renewable
• Monthly remuneration package
• Professional skill advancement training

To apply, submit a cover letter, detailed CV, certified copies of academic certificates and ID/passport, and one referee's contact by email to the university's vacancies office before 28 April 2025.