OVERVIEW
NEOM is an accelerator of human progress and a vision of what a new future might look like. A region in northwest Saudi Arabia on the Red Sea, NEOM is being built from the ground up to include hyperconnected, cognitive cities, ports, next-generation infrastructure and industries, enterprise zones, research centers, sports and entertainment venues and tourist destinations.
As a destination, it will be a home for people who dream big and want to be part of building a new model for exceptional livability, creating thriving businesses and reinventing environmental conservation.
As a workplace, it is a place for people who share our core values of care, curiosity, diversity, passion, respect, and becoming a catalyst for change.
Are you ready to help NEOM find solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges? Are you prepared to create a lasting legacy that benefits generations to come? Then we want to hear from you!
ROLE OVERVIEW
To deliver innovation Programmers (e.g. accelerator, and other) as a part of Accelerator & Innovation Programmer team internally in NEOM / Oxagon and externally with investors and partners.To build innovation programmers delivery approaches to ensure that innovative technologies and products are developed with and for Oxagon BUs and NEOM sectors and (or) with external partners.
To continually support business development activities (with external focus, but also internally) and search for external partners, sponsors and clients to ensure continuity and impact of innovation activities for Oxagon, incl. support of revenue generation efforts.
ROLE COMPETENCIES & ACTIVITIES
The Innovation programmed Delivery Lead responsibilities will include, but not be limited to:
Develop Strategy & Business Plan
- Develop, continuously refine and execute a robust accelerator and innovation Programmer(s) strategy
- Identify and contract a diverse mix of innovation Programmer partners and providers (if required)
- Identify and scout for high-potential startups to join the accelerator or other programmers locally and internationally
- Run high-impact initiatives within Oxagon and wider innovation ecosystem
- Conduct research on the innovation ecosystem and existing offerings to increase attractiveness of the innovation programmers.
- Build alliances with influencers in the ecosystem, partner with government entities, stakeholders, industry experts, VCs, investors and corporates to improve the quality, scope, and delivery of programmers
Manage and Coordinate Innovation Programmers
- Identify the critical needs of participating startups and set action plans to ensure achieving those objectives during the Programmer.
- Manage the participating startups' due diligence, selection, and onboarding together with other team members
- Deliver the Accelerator & Innovation programmers alongside other team members, quality assurance of mentorship, pilots approach development and delivery.
- Plan, supervise (of junior team members, if allocated), and deliver the Innovation Programmer’s development and execution.
- Manage the Accelerator's Programming schedule, which will include mentorship sessions, networking activities, pitch sessions, and weekly/monthly meetings, pilots’ preparation and delivery.
- Monitor startups' progress and define their fit for Oxagon, NEOM and external partners.
- Work closely with NEOM, Oxagon-wide and external stakeholders (e.g. McLaren), incl. Oxagon BUs, NIF, Innovation sector, Legal, NEOM sectors, and others to ensure attractiveness and collaborative nature of innovation programmers
Coordinate Marketing & Logistics
- Ensure logistical and operational support and oversight to Programmer participants.
- Coordinate marketing messaging and branding of the programmers, esp. working closely with Oxagon Marketing team
- Supervise and coordinate in-person programmers related events planning and delivery in collaboration with the selected vendors, engage with event management from Oxagon Marketing or external provider(s)
- Supervise surveys, feedback, and other assessment tools to capture and analyze data for programmers planning, decision-making, and reporting.
Team Contribution
- Contribute to shaping the overall team culture through own behaviors and supporting and coaching others
- Contribute to delivering against overall team targets and ensuring that the team is high performing
- If needed, recruit and develop direct reports
Culture and Values
- Embrace NEOM’s culture and Values https://www.neom.com/en-us/about.
- Act with honesty and integrity by following best practices, and upholding the robust standards and expectations set out in NEOM’s Code of Conduct.
- Maintain fair, ethical and professional work practices in accordance with NEOM’s Values and Code of Conduct.
- Adhere to NEOM’s Policies, procedures, and controls to ensure compliance with rules.
EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
- 5+ years of experience in innovation programmers and (or) initiatives, epically focusing on incubation and acceleration of start-up and scale-up companies
- Excels at seeing the bigger picture while keeping the details in mind
- Understands entrepreneurial innovation ecosystems in Saudi Arabi and internationally and can manage multiple projects simultaneously
- High level of emotional intelligence combined with strong team building and team management capabilities
- Ability to work across difference and be a champion for inclusion
- Team oriented - able to develop young talent and drive a culture of trust, respect, and community centric
- Champion, resource, connector, and mentor for entrepreneurs, start- ups and other ecosystem builders
- Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with a demonstrated ability in building innovation ecosystems and collaborative communities
- Ability to work in a result- driven and agile way, within a fast- changing environment
- Willing to engage in a hands-on way to get things done
- Pragmatic problem-solver who is comfortable with ambiguous and dynamic environments
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree/ preferably a master’s from an accredited university in Business or related disciplines
