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Home Jobs Lagos Research and Innovation Specialist

Research and Innovation Specialist

IT Horizons Limited  · ICT / Telecommunication

Full Time Lagos
Lagos
Deadline: 4 September 2026
Posted June 5, 2026

Job Summary

This role will drive the establishment of a disciplined and enduring innovation framework by researching emerging trends, evaluating novel concepts and market opportunities, and converting findings into tangible deliverables—such as prototypes, pilot programs, process enhancements, and innovative solutions for products or services.

The Research and Innovation Officer will facilitate the administration of a replicable innovation pipeline designed to generate quantifiable business value, enhance competitive positioning, and bolster organizational efficiency.

This position plays a vital role in maintaining WITH Holdings and its subsidiaries at the forefront of the rapidly changing technology sector, ensuring that innovation strategies are fully aligned with the Group’s strategic vision, core mission, and long-term business goals.

Key Responsibilities & Duties:

The successful candidate will be accountable for driving key initiatives, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives, and fostering cross-functional collaboration to enhance operational efficiency. They will oversee critical projects, monitor progress against predefined benchmarks, and implement corrective measures as needed to meet strategic goals. Additionally, the role requires meticulous attention to detail in data analysis, report generation, and performance tracking to inform decision-making. The position also demands strong leadership to mentor teams, delegate tasks effectively, and cultivate an environment of accountability and continuous improvement. Proficiency in industry-specific tools, regulatory compliance, and stakeholder management will be essential to executing responsibilities with precision and integrity.

Continuously evaluate and assess developments in the IT and SAAS sectors, as well as emerging technologies and innovative methodologies aligned with the organization’s objectives.

Craft and manage an Innovation Radar along with regular trend reports specifically tailored for leadership review.

Perform comprehensive competitive analysis and market research by leveraging both primary and secondary data sources to uncover strategic opportunities for growth and differentiation.

Conduct comprehensive research initiatives to investigate novel ideas, concepts, and potential solutions, which involves establishing precise problem statements, formulating testable hypotheses, and determining measurable success criteria.

Conduct comprehensive feasibility evaluations for both new and existing products to establish optimal product positioning and develop effective go-to-market strategies.

Conduct comprehensive business research initiatives aimed at fostering innovation, enhancing existing product offerings, and exploring opportunities for market growth.

Develop and sustain an organized collection of research findings, results, and reusable frameworks to support future projects and initiatives.

Translate research findings into practical, implementable strategies to drive innovation in new products, services, or operational enhancements.

Partner with diverse teams across the organization to develop, refine, and validate cutting-edge solutions through collaborative prototyping and iterative testing with key stakeholders and end-users.

Conducting in-depth analysis of IT requirements and emerging prospects within diverse industries and market segments.

Develop and oversee an Innovation Pipeline to systematically progress initiatives from initial concept through thorough research, iterative prototyping, and final scaling.

Draft white papers, patents, and scholarly publications to advance the organization’s intellectual property portfolio and disseminate key innovations.

Oversee the organization and maintenance of the department’s data repository.

The candidate will collaborate with various departments and stakeholders to ensure seamless communication and alignment of objectives. This role requires interaction with senior leadership, cross-functional teams, and external partners to drive initiatives forward and facilitate cohesive workflows. By fostering strong relationships and leveraging collective expertise, the incumbent will contribute to strategic decision-making and operational efficiency.

Internal:

Prepares reports for senior management, oversees a team of direct reports, and collaborates with key external stakeholders to drive business objectives.

We foster meaningful connections with clients, team members, and stakeholders to ensure seamless collaboration and drive project success. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build rapport are essential for cultivating productive relationships in a fast-paced environment. Candidates must demonstrate a history of effectively managing partnerships, resolving conflicts, and maintaining open communication channels to align goals and expectations.

As the Strategy & Transformation Team Lead, you will be responsible for guiding the strategic direction and overseeing transformational initiatives to drive organizational growth. Your role involves collaborating with senior leadership to develop and execute innovative strategies, ensuring alignment with business objectives. Additionally, you will lead cross-functional teams, manage key projects, and drive change management to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness. Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels are essential for success in this position.

COST Project Team members will collaborate alongside Finance, Sales, and Technical Officers to deliver key initiatives. This multidisciplinary collaboration demands strong analytical skills, financial acumen, and a solid grasp of technical principles. Candidates must demonstrate exceptional communication abilities, strategic problem-solving, and the capacity to align cross-functional objectives with organizational goals. Responsibilities include financial oversight, sales performance analysis, technical project execution, and ensuring seamless coordination among departments. Ideal applicants will possess a proven track record in integrated project management, proficiency in financial modeling, and a commitment to driving measurable business outcomes.

Responsible for maintaining precise financial records and ensuring compliance with accounting standards, the Accountant will collaborate closely with cross-functional project teams to provide strategic financial insights and support budgetary planning. This role requires proficiency in financial software, strong analytical skills, and meticulous attention to detail to accurately monitor expenditures, forecast financial outcomes, and prepare comprehensive financial statements. The ideal candidate must possess a degree in Accounting or a related field, along with relevant certifications such as CPA or CMA, and at least three years of hands-on experience in a dynamic accounting environment. Excellent communication abilities are essential to effectively convey financial information to stakeholders and contribute to data-driven decision-making processes.

Track and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) to evaluate operational efficiency, identify trends, and drive data-informed decision-making across the organization. Regularly report findings to leadership to support strategic planning and ensure alignment with business objectives. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement improvements based on KPI insights and monitor progress toward established targets. Maintain accurate records of performance metrics and provide actionable recommendations to enhance productivity and profitability.

Develops and monitors key performance indicators to evaluate team or organizational success, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives. Tracks progress against defined metrics, identifies variances, and implements corrective actions as needed. Collaborates with stakeholders to refine performance targets and reporting frameworks. Analyzes data trends to provide insights that drive continuous improvement and operational efficiency.

Conduct comprehensive research and analysis to gather, evaluate, and interpret data, trends, and insights relevant to the organization’s objectives. Perform in-depth investigations to identify opportunities, assess risks, and support strategic decision-making. Prepare detailed reports, presentations, and recommendations based on findings to inform stakeholders and drive informed actions. Utilize analytical tools, methodologies, and industry best practices to ensure accuracy and reliability in all assessments.

A minimum of four in-depth research studies is completed each quarter, ensuring thorough analysis and detailed insights are provided consistently.

Quality of research outputs, encompassing the clarity of problem statements, hypotheses, and success metrics.

Projects are assessed based on the successful completion of research initiatives in adherence to predetermined deadlines.

Industry & Market Intelligence involves gathering, analyzing, and interpreting data related to market trends, competitive landscapes, and industry developments. This role requires staying abreast of economic shifts, regulatory changes, and emerging technologies to inform strategic decision-making. Responsibilities include conducting comprehensive research, producing actionable insights, and presenting findings to stakeholders to guide business initiatives. Strong analytical skills, proficiency in data interpretation, and the ability to synthesize complex information are essential. Experience with market research tools, industry reports, and competitive benchmarking is often required.

Dissemination of timely and high-quality industry trend reports to leadership on a monthly and quarterly basis is essential.

The volume of actionable insights derived from IT and SaaS trend analysis is measured as part of this role.

The Innovation Radar updates must be executed with meticulous precision, ensuring the highest levels of accuracy and pertinence. Each update should reflect the most current and credible information available, aligning with the organization’s strategic objectives and stakeholder expectations. Attention to detail is paramount to maintain the integrity and value of the insights provided.

Pioneering product and service development initiatives are at the core of this role, focusing on delivering groundbreaking solutions that drive market leadership and customer value. Responsibilities include identifying emerging trends, researching cutting-edge technologies, and spearheading collaborative efforts to translate innovative concepts into tangible offerings. Applicants should boast a proven track record in innovation management, along with a deep passion for exploring unconventional ideas and transforming them into scalable business opportunities. Strong analytical skills, creativity, and the ability to navigate ambiguity are essential for success in this dynamic environment.

Driving innovation initiatives from conception to successful implementation hinges on achieving a high success rate, ensuring these efforts transition effectively into tangible outcomes.

Collaborate on the conception, design, and execution of innovative products and features, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and market demands.

Requirements

Candidates must possess an advanced degree in a relevant discipline, such as a master’s or doctoral degree, from an accredited institution. Professional certifications or specialized training in the field may also be required or strongly preferred. A strong academic foundation in the subject area, demonstrated through coursework, research, or publications, is essential. Additionally, applicants should exhibit a commitment to continuous learning and professional development to stay current with evolving industry trends and advancements.

A relevant Bachelor’s Degree in the specified field is required.

Demonstrates robust expertise and a proven track record in Research and Innovation, with a strong foundation in core competencies.

Proficient in leveraging data-driven insights to inform strategic decisions and enhance operational effectiveness.

Professional experience within the technology sector is required.

Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Seeking a candidate with a proven track record in professional qualifications, including relevant certifications, advanced degrees, or extensive industry experience. The ideal applicant will have demonstrated expertise in their field through formal education, specialized training, or hands-on leadership roles. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills are essential, along with the ability to adapt to evolving industry standards and technological advancements. Experience in mentoring teams, driving strategic initiatives, and maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements is highly valued. The role demands a commitment to continuous learning and professional development to ensure alignment with best practices and organizational goals.

Professional certifications pertinent to the role are required.

With experience in [specific field or industry], the ideal candidate will have a proven track record of [specific skills or achievements]. A minimum of [X years] of experience in [relevant role or function] is required, along with a strong background in [key competencies]. Familiarity with [specific tools, software, or methodologies] is essential, as is the ability to [specific capability or responsibility]. Previous success in [related accomplishment or project] will be highly advantageous.

A minimum of three to five years of hands-on experience in a strategic role within the technology sector is required.

Analytical abilities of a high standard are required.

Skilled in utilizing Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, with demonstrated proficiency in leveraging these tools to enhance productivity and streamline workflows.

Dimensions:

Skills and Qualifications: Demonstrates proficiency in a range of technical and interpersonal abilities essential for the role. Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, are required to effectively convey ideas and collaborate with stakeholders. Analytical thinking and problem-solving capabilities are critical to assess situations, identify solutions, and implement strategic decisions. Attention to detail ensures accuracy in tasks and adherence to established procedures. Leadership potential and the ability to work independently are valued, as is the capacity to adapt to evolving priorities and challenges.

Professional proficiency for the role of Research and Innovation Officer is outlined through the following essential descriptors.

Analytical and strategic thinking are essential competencies for this role, requiring the ability to process complex information, identify meaningful patterns, and derive actionable insights. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in evaluating data, assessing risks, and developing innovative solutions tailored to organizational objectives. Additionally, the position demands the capacity to anticipate future trends, align resources with long-term goals, and make informed decisions under uncertainty. Strong problem-solving skills, coupled with a forward-looking perspective, are critical to driving sustainable growth and maintaining a competitive advantage.

Technical and Functional Competencies – Skill

A solid foundation in both technical and functional areas is essential, encompassing expertise in system architecture, software development, and process optimization. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in analyzing business requirements, translating them into technical specifications, and implementing solutions that align with organizational objectives. Additionally, familiarity with industry-standard tools, methodologies, and frameworks is required to ensure seamless integration and performance. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and the capacity to collaborate across teams are also critical for success in this role.

Innovative thinking and creative problem-solving are essential to this role. Candidates must demonstrate an ability to generate original ideas and develop effective solutions.

Problem-solving and decision-making expertise are essential for this role, requiring the ability to analyze complex situations, evaluate potential solutions, and implement effective resolutions efficiently. Candidates must demonstrate strong analytical thinking, adaptability in dynamic environments, and the capacity to make well-informed choices under pressure. Proficiency in identifying root causes, weighing risks, and prioritizing actions is critical, as is the ability to communicate decisions clearly and justify reasoning to stakeholders. Experience in collaborative problem-solving and leveraging data-driven insights to inform decisions is highly valued.

We excel in fostering collaborative environments and managing key stakeholders to drive project success, ensuring alignment between teams and organizational objectives while maintaining transparent communication channels and resolving cross-functional conflicts efficiently.

Business and commercial awareness is a critical competency, requiring a deep understanding of market dynamics, industry trends, and competitive landscapes. This proficiency involves analyzing financial data, evaluating business models, and identifying strategic opportunities to drive growth and profitability. Individuals must demonstrate an ability to assess risks, make informed decisions, and align operational activities with broader organizational objectives. Strong analytical skills, coupled with a forward-thinking mindset, are essential to navigate complex business environments effectively.

Highly adaptable professionals must possess a strong understanding of dynamic environments and the capacity to adjust strategies quickly in response to changing circumstances.

Demonstrates a strong ability to structure, streamline, and enhance systems, processes, or teams to improve efficiency and productivity. This involves identifying bottlenecks, implementing structured workflows, and fostering a collaborative culture that aligns with strategic objectives. Requires analytical thinking to assess current operations, prioritize tasks, and allocate resources effectively. Additionally, possess exceptional leadership skills to inspire and guide teams toward achieving shared goals while maintaining accountability and transparency throughout the process.

Results-driven professional with a strong track record of effectiveness seeks a dynamic role to leverage expertise and deliver measurable outcomes. Proven ability to drive results through strategic initiatives and meticulous execution.

Collaborative professionals excel in environments that foster cooperation and shared objectives. They actively engage with colleagues to achieve common goals, demonstrating adaptability and effective communication. Strong teamwork skills entail valuing diverse perspectives, resolving conflicts constructively, and contributing to a positive, inclusive work culture. Professionals with these abilities enhance productivity, innovation, and employee morale within their organizations.

Effective communication stands as a fundamental skill for this role. Proficiency in both verbal and written formats is essential to convey ideas clearly, collaborate with stakeholders, and resolve conflicts efficiently. Candidates must demonstrate strong interpersonal abilities to engage with diverse teams, clients, and management while maintaining professionalism and clarity in all interactions. This includes articulating complex concepts in understandable terms, active listening, and adapting communication styles to suit different audiences and contexts.

Demonstrates strong decision-making abilities and builds trust through consistent reliability and integrity in professional interactions.

The position demands demonstrated leadership capabilities and a strong sense of accountability, requiring the ability to take initiative and drive results autonomously. Candidates must exhibit ownership of projects and processes, ensuring alignment with organizational goals while fostering a culture of responsibility and proactive problem-solving.

Competency levels are defined by specific criteria that outline the required skills, knowledge, and performance expectations for each role. These benchmarks serve as a framework to assess individual proficiency and ensure alignment with organizational goals. Clear delineation of these levels facilitates career progression, targeted training, and objective performance evaluations.

We have included the job description for your role in Appendix 1 for your reference.

With a strong emphasis on fostering a culture of mindfulness and inclusion, we seek individuals who prioritize understanding diverse perspectives and creating equitable opportunities. Candidates must demonstrate a deep commitment to recognizing systemic biases and addressing disparities in both professional and community settings. This role requires a proactive approach to promoting awareness through continuous learning, open dialogue, and collaborative initiatives aimed at dismantling barriers and fostering a more just and accessible environment for all.

A solid grasp of the key aspects within a particular field and their significance to organizational objectives.

Skilled in articulating the core components of the field of expertise and their relevance to business objectives.

Proficiency in identifying the appropriate application of one’s skills and knowledge within the scope of their role.

Knowledge:

Interprets and assesses insights and recommendations from specialists within a designated field of expertise.

Proficient in accurately employing the specialized terminology and vocabulary pertinent to the field of expertise.

Capable of engaging in well-informed discussions with professionals in the relevant field.

Proposals within a specialized field must undergo rigorous scrutiny to ensure their feasibility, and this requires posing incisive questions that challenge underlying assumptions or feasibility.

Highly proficient in [skill], with a strong ability to apply expertise effectively in dynamic environments. Demonstrates deep understanding through consistent application and problem-solving. Requires familiarity with [related tools/technologies] and adherence to industry best practices. Responsible for leveraging this skill to enhance [specific outcomes, e.g., project efficiency, team performance]. Must maintain up-to-date knowledge of advancements in the field to ensure optimal execution.

Demonstrates the capacity to perform the duties associated with a specific field of expertise with consistent adherence to established quality standards.

Able to effectively execute the vast majority of tasks within the designated area of expertise.

Proficient in converting specialized guidelines and standards into executable, actionable steps tailored to the relevant field.

Creatively resolving routine technical and operational challenges specific to the Area of Expertise is a core competency for this role.

Capable of providing expert direction and support to others regarding the operational and technical facets of the Area of Expertise.

Mastery:

Proven capability to identify and resolve complex, atypical challenges while effectively tailoring solutions within a specialized domain.

Creative problem-solving skills are essential to effectively address major, intricate, and non-standard challenges within the designated field of expertise.

Ability to effectively integrate best practices and methodologies from diverse markets or international settings into the Area of Expertise, fostering innovation and continuous improvement.

Proven capability to drive significant enhancements to existing practices and procedures within the designated area of expertise.

Qualified applicants are encouraged to submit their resume via email to careers@ithorizonsgroup.com, with the job title clearly stated in the subject line of the message.

Qualifications

BA/BSc/HND

Experience Required

3 - 5 years

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