The Danish Embassy in Pretoria is looking for a new Senior Innovation Officer

The Royal Danish Embassy in Pretoria is looking for a dynamic and driven Senior Innovation Officer to join our Economic Diplomacy team. Positioned in Pretoria, the role forms an integral part of a regional innovation centre based in Nairobi, supported by regional satellites in Lagos and Pretoria.

We offer

• A unique opportunity to help build a new regional innovation hub from the ground up.
• An exciting, inter-cultural and dynamic work environment with a wide range of diverse tasks.
• Great opportunities for further development of your professional and personal competences.
• A large degree of independence.

• An informal workspace, where we care about each other’s well-being.
• A two-year contract with the possibility of extension.

Background

Innovation Centre Denmark has opened a new regional innovation centre based in Nairobi with colleagues in Lagos and Pretoria. The centre will play a key role in strengthening collaboration within green transition, health and digitalization between Danish and African innovation partners.

The Senior Innovation Officer in Pretoria will be part of the Economic Diplomacy Team (ED) in Pretoria, but will work regionally and report professionally to the Head of Innovation in Nairobi. The ED team in Pretoria currently comprises the team leader, four senior trade advisors and an intern.

ICDK Africa opened on August 1st, 2026, which is why the work as a senior innovation officer will initially be exploratory, involving mapping the innovation ecosystem and identifying potential opportunities for collaboration with Danish and South African innovation stakeholders. At the same time, it must align with the regional setup and be coordinated with colleagues in Nairobi and Lagos.

ICDK is part of the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Danish Ministry of Science, Higher Education and Digital Affairs. Its mandate is to build bridges between Denmark and global innovation ecosystems, helping Danish companies, startups, researchers, and public institutions access cutting-edge knowledge, partners, and markets.

The Danish Embassy is part of the Danish Foreign Service. The Embassy handles bilateral relations between Denmark and South Africa. The Embassy also covers 8 other countries in the region. The Embassy employs 40 staff members, is headed by Ambassador Karin Poulsen and comprises - apart from the Economic Diplomacy team - an Operations and Sustainability team, a Strategic Sector Cooperation team, a Political Team and a Consular Team. For more information, please visit https://sydafrika.um.dk.

Main tasks and responsibilities

As Senior Innovation Officer, you will help identify opportunities, connect stakeholders, and ensure that ideas are turned into concrete collaborations and projects.

Your tasks will include:

• Mapping and analyzing the South African innovation ecosystem (startups, universities, corporates, public sector actors, capital).
• Identifying relevant partners and opportunities for Danish stakeholders.
• Supporting development and execution of innovation projects, delegations, and partnerships.
• Facilitating collaboration between Danish and local partners.
• Contributing to advisory services for Danish companies and institutions.
• Building and maintaining a strong local network within innovation and knowledge environments.
• Supporting communication and visibility of ICDK activities.

Required qualifications and experience

• Relevant Master's degree; Innovation, Business, Project Development, or similar.
• Proven experience working with innovation, entrepreneurship, or research collaboration.
• Strong knowledge of the South African innovation ecosystem and key stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to turn ideas into actionable initiatives and results.
• Experience working with international organizations, embassies, or advisory services.
• Demonstrated competencies with administration and financial compliance.
• Familiarity with Danish or European innovation ecosystems is an advantage.
• Experience in facilitating partnerships or multi-stakeholder projects.
• Willingness to travel abroad and locally - on a potentially frequent basis.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and be able to work independently, efficiently and take initiative.
• Applicants must also be able to work as part of a team, have strong analytical, problem-solving and networking skills, results-orientation, pro-activeness and work well under pressure.
• You must have SA nationality or hold a valid residence and working permit.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Excellent writing ability and verbal communication skills in English.
• The applicant must have a clean criminal record and obtain a Police Clearance Certificate from your residing country; the Danish Ministry will also perform a background check.

Employment conditions

• You will be offered a 2-year fixed term local contract with the possibility of extension. The contract will be based on the relevant legally binding labour market rules of South Africa.
• 3-month probation period.
• Your standard working hours will be 37 hours per week.
• You will be entitled to 25 working days of paid holiday per full calendar year.
• You will receive a competitive base salary. Additional allowances might be agreed based on your qualifications, relevant experience and proven work-related results in accordance with the Danish Embassy’s salary policy.
• As part of your salary, you will be covered by health insurance covering standard level sickness expenses with the Embassy paying 80% of the insurance premium including a shared UIF contribution and a 5% private pension contribution.

Application and recruitment process

To apply for the position, please submit your application (motivational letter, CV, proof of relevant education, recommendations and 2-3 references) via www.PNET.co.za no later 2 October 2026.

The Embassy attaches great importance to equal opportunities for all and therefore welcomes applications from all qualified persons regardless of race, sex, religion, age or disability.

Selected candidates will be invited for interviews that are expected to take place in October. Only candidates called for interview can expect to receive a reply to their application.

Starting date: 1 January 2027 or soonest thereafter

Location: Danish Embassy in Pretoria, Iparioli Office Park, Hatfield

Questions

For any questions regarding the position, please contact Senior Trade Advisor, Maleepile Moseki ***email_hidden*** with Ambassador Karin Poulsen cc. via her PA [email protected].